The Discovery and Significance of Extra Chromosomal DNA in Cancer Cells

This chapter discusses the discovery and long history of extra chromosomal DNA in human cells, initially ignored by the scientific community, but now recognized for its importance in cancer development and treatment resistance. It explores the presence of extra chromosome or DNA in cancer cells, its impact on tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance, and the challenges in studying and understanding its origins and mechanisms. The chapter also highlights the E-dynamic research project aimed at investigating extrachromosomal DNA and its potential impact on cancer research.