A computer model that uses the principles of evolution to map the growth of populations of cancer cells in tumours could help doctors choose where to take biopsies from tumours, improving decisions about treatment.

The world’s first ‘Darwinian’ drug discovery programme specially designed to tackle cancer’s lethal ability to evolve resistance to treatment is to be launched in a state-of-the-art new building in London.

Scientists have used artificial intelligence to predict how cancers will progress and evolve – so that doctors can design the most effective treatment for each patient.