The ecology of cancer

Neoplasia, the disease of multicellular organisms, is not only a major cause of human death worldwide but also affects numerous invertebrate and vertebrate species. Similar to other diseases, cancer is a significant physiological burden on the host and hence not only impacts the individual but also influences interindividual interactions, populations and consequently global ecosystems. Despite this, oncology and other biological sciences such as ecology and evolution have until very recently developed in relative isolation. To overcome this caveat, we draw parallel between invasive species and the metastatic cascade and provide an overview of the ecology of cancer at the scale of the organisms and the ecosystems of malignant cells (both at the micro- and macro-scales). We discuss the drivers of metastatic formations in the tissue environment and investigate how individuals respond to malignant growth and the impact of this response on populations. Finally, we provide potential avenues for applying evolutionary ecology principles to cancer prevention and to the development of novel treatment strategies.