Overview

• Researchers from IDIBAPS in Barcelona and the Institute of Cancer Research in London report that fluctuating DNA methylation preserves a record of a tumor’s origin and evolution.
• Using archival methylation datasets, the EVOFLUx algorithm reconstructed when cancers began, how quickly they expanded, and whether they developed cellular diversity.
• In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the method predicted which patients would likely need treatment years before clinical intervention.
• The teams say early tests in colorectal cancer suggest broader applicability, and they are adapting the approach for liquid biopsy in solid tumors.
• Authors estimate a per-sample cost of roughly €200–€300 and note that routine clinical use will require further validation and industry partnerships.