Single-cell differential abundance detection: A new angle on dissecting tumor heterogeneity

Figure 2 Three representative applications of differential abundance detection in tumor heterogeneity research. A: Examples illustrating how differential abundance (DA) detection facilitates elucidation of mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity, ovarian cancer (a), mammary tumors (b), gastric cancer (c). By revealing changes in cellular composition, DA detection aids in the interpretation of tumor biology and resistance mechanisms; B: The role of DA detection in clinical decision-making. By comparing cell-type abundances before and after treatment, DA detection enables evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, helping clinicians to adjust treatment strategies promptly; C: The contribution of DA detection to advancing precision medicine. By performing individualized DA detection across patients with the same disease, DA detection supports personalized drug selection and continuously refines therapeutic outcomes, thereby promoting the development of precision therapy. IL: Interleukin; CD: Cluster of differentiation; DA: Differential abundance.