# Tumorigenesis as a trauma response: the fragmentation of morphogenetic memory drives neoplastic dissociation

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a new framework linking stress responses to tumor development, suggesting that trauma-induced tissue dysfunction leads to cancer, and advocates for therapies that restore tissue homeostasis.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective unifying evolutionary, developmental, and trauma psychology insights to understand tumorigenesis as a trauma response.

## Key findings

- Tumorigenesis can be viewed as a trauma response involving tissue dysfunction.
- Restorative therapies targeting tissue homeostasis may be effective against cancer.
- The framework integrates stress perception with hallmarks of neoplastic growth.

## Abstract

The mitigation of stress is a key challenge for all biological systems. Conditions of unresolvable stress have been associated with a diverse array of pathologies, from cancer to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, I unify insights from evolutionary and developmental biology with trauma psychology to present a novel framework for tumorigenesis which synthesizes stress-perception, tissue dysfunction, and the hallmarks of neoplastic growth. This view carries therapeutic implications, suggesting a reintegrative approach that seeks to return cancer cells to the homeostatic control of the surrounding tissue.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/2508.20363