Cancer is an extremely complex and heterogeneous disease that exhibits a high level of robustness against a range of therapeutic efforts. Robustness enables a system to maintain functionality in the face of various external and internal perturbations. Robustness is not an accidental property, but follows certain principles. It allows tumours to promote growth and survival in several ways. For example, heterogeneity among tumour cells provides a high level of redundancy, and hence increased chances of survival and growth; these benefits are further enhanced by feedback controls at the cellular level. Viewing cancer as a robust system may provide insight for the development of new drugs and therapies.
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