Targeting cancer evolution offers a way to foil drug resistance

A growing crop of researchers and companies are tackling cancer drug resistance by preempting tumors’ tendencies to adapt, rather than responding to resistance after it develops. Though still in their infancy, these therapies could get a lift from up-and-coming liquid biopsy technologies that can catch tumors early and monitor their evolution.

Oncologists typically fight drug resistance through sequential treatment with different lines of therapy. Molecularly targeted drugs and diagnostics for resistance mutations have made the process more rational, but treatment strategies remain overwhelmingly reactive...