Discrepancy in Copy Number Alteration between different cancer stages

Question

[nazaninhoseinkhan]

Dear all,

I am studying copy number alterations in different stages of cancer.

I expected to see the alteration of stage i in stage ii and the next other stages. I think that the copy number alterations must be remained in the next stages. However it is not true and I cannot understand the underlying biological reason for this.

Could you please explain me the reason?

Nazanin

Answer 1

[thomaskuilman]

I assume that you mean copy number alterations in different stages of cancer in the same patient? You may find such differences for several reasons. For instance, alterations may be gained or lost as a consequence of the evolutionary pressure in the tumor. Also, it might be that the tumors arose completely independently, or that they have a common 'ancestor' tumor cell, but evolved independently from thereon.