What is the Significance of Tumor Heterogeneity in Driver Mutations?
Tumor heterogeneity refers to the presence of diverse cell populations within a single tumor, each with distinct genetic profiles. This heterogeneity complicates the identification and targeting of driver mutations. Intra-tumor heterogeneity can lead to treatment resistance, as subclonal populations may harbor different driver mutations. Understanding the clonal architecture of tumors is therefore essential for designing effective therapeutic strategies.
