Researchers introduce a fresh viewpoint on antifragility, suggesting a comprehensive framework to understand this property across various complex systems.
Researchers are continually searching for novel methods to combat cancer. One idea that is gaining popularity is antifragility, a trait where systems not only endure stress but also enhance due to it. This notion is especially significant in cancer research, where tumors are known to adapt and evolve in response to treatments. Grasping the concept of antifragility could pave the way for more fruitful therapies. In a recent study published in npj Complexity, researchers from the Moffitt Cancer Center present a new viewpoint on antifragility, suggesting a cohesive framework for comprehending this property across various complex systems.
The study, led by Jeffrey West, Ph.D., along with investigators from the international Applied Antifragility Working Group, proposes that a deeper understanding of antifragility may foster the development of more successful cancer treatments. For instance, recent adaptive therapy clinical trials may take advantage of a tumor’s inadequate reaction to changes in its microenvironment caused by regular, adaptive treatment methods.
“By integrating antifragility principles into cancer therapy, we could design treatments that are flexible and responsive to how tumors change and adapt,” stated West, who is a study author and assistant member of the Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department at Moffitt. “This might lead to improved patient outcomes.”
The researchers also illustrate how antifragility can be related to various complex systems, including traffic control and ecosystem balance. This wide applicability highlights the potential influence of antifragility theory across multiple scientific fields, ranging from technological systems to natural, living systems like cancer. This publication stems from a new collaborative working group that merges the expertise of scientists from engineering, mathematics, and biological science backgrounds. While the research is primarily theoretical, the establishment of this working group forms a vital foundation for practical research. Further examination is required to convert these ideas into concrete advantages in areas like medicine, ecology, and engineering.
“The Applied Antifragility Working Group offers an exciting chance to incorporate concepts from other fields into cancer research. We are eager about the opportunities it presents, not just for cancer research but for addressing a broad spectrum of challenges in our increasingly complicated world,” remarked West.
This work is supported by the American Cancer Society (IRG-21-145-25), the Moffitt Center of Excellence for Evolutionary Therapy, and the ETH Zurich Risk Center.
