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Frontiers of Medicine

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Front. Med.    2023, Vol. 17 Issue (4) : 796-803    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-022-0975-5
PERSPECTIVE
The nature of cancer
Min Yan1, Quentin Liu1,2()
1. Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
2. Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
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Corresponding Author(s): Quentin Liu   
Just Accepted Date: 02 February 2023   Online First Date: 10 March 2023    Issue Date: 12 October 2023
 Cite this article:   
Min Yan,Quentin Liu. The nature of cancer[J]. Front. Med., 2023, 17(4): 796-803.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fmd/EN/10.1007/s11684-022-0975-5
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fmd/EN/Y2023/V17/I4/796
Fig.1  The nature of cancer. This illustration encompasses the five universal features that reflect the nature of cancer, including pliability, hybridity, aggressivity, sociality, and evolutivity, referred to hereinafter as “PHASE.”
Fig.2  Strategies for controlling cancer. Cancer is the result of a disturbance in the physiological homeostasis. To better control cancer, it is not only necessary to address the tumor (treating the symptoms), but also to remove the causes of the tumor, restore “PINE” and normal healthy homeostasis (treating the root).
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