Maths can predict how cancer spreads

USINg the principles of applied mathematics might help scientists better predict how cancer will spread.

A study from the University of Waterloo in Canada used a form of mathematical analysis called evolutionary dynamics to track how colorectal and intestinal cancers spread.

The scientists found that when the cancer cells divide and replicate, the newly created cell differs greatly from the original.

This can affect how the cancer progresses, and they showed maths can help predict this progress.

The researchers hope that oncologists will use this to predict how cancers might behave and alter treatments accordingly.