The study introduces a phenomenon termed "chromothripsis," where tens to hundreds of genomic rearrangements occur in a single cellular crisis, leading to a highly improbable genomic landscape. This process is characterized by frequent oscillations between two copy number states and is observed in at least 2%–3% of all cancers, particularly in bone cancers. The authors argue that chromothripsis can generate genomic consequences that promote cancer development, such as the creation of double-minute chromosomes and disruption of tumor suppressor genes. The mechanisms underlying chromothripsis are discussed, including potential causes like ionizing radiation and telomere attrition. The findings suggest that chromothripsis can provide a significant selective advantage to the affected clone, accelerating the evolution toward cancer.The study introduces a phenomenon termed "chromothripsis," where tens to hundreds of genomic rearrangements occur in a single cellular crisis, leading to a highly improbable genomic landscape. This process is characterized by frequent oscillations between two copy number states and is observed in at least 2%–3% of all cancers, particularly in bone cancers. The authors argue that chromothripsis can generate genomic consequences that promote cancer development, such as the creation of double-minute chromosomes and disruption of tumor suppressor genes. The mechanisms underlying chromothripsis are discussed, including potential causes like ionizing radiation and telomere attrition. The findings suggest that chromothripsis can provide a significant selective advantage to the affected clone, accelerating the evolution toward cancer.