Paradox-Driven Cancer Research

Abstract

Paradox-driven cancer research is motivated by paradoxical results under the dominant somatic mutation theory (SMT) of carcinogenesis that can be explained by the alternative tissue organization field theory (TOFT). In contrast, technology-driven cancer research begins with the premise that SMT is correct and seeks to apply new technology to further elucidate SMT. Thus, the ultimate success of technology-driven cancer research is highly dependent on the validity of SMT, which is increasingly questioned by the accrual of paradoxical results. Responses to the original debate article did not challenge any of the paradoxical results and argued, instead, for a compromise theory involving both SMT and TOFT. These responses serve as a springboard for a discussion of additional paradoxes. In addition, I argue that a compromise between SMT and TOFT is not logically consistent and could impede scientific progress.