Heterogeneity in tumors is recognized as a key contributor to drug
resistance and spread of advanced disease, but deep characterization of
genetic variation within tumors has only recently been quantifiable with
the advancement of next generation sequencing and single cell
technologies. These data have been essential in developing molecular
models of how tumors develop, evolve, and respond to environmental
changes, such as therapeutic intervention. A deeper understanding of
tumor evolution has subsequently opened up new research efforts to
develop mathematical models that account for evolutionary dynamics with
the goal of predicting drug response and resistance in cancer. This
study describes recent advances and limitations of how models of tumor
evolution can impact treatment strategies for cancer patients.