Non-linear model of cancer growth and metastasis: a limiting nutrient as a major determinant of tumor shape and diffusion.
A new approach for modelling the spatio-temporal evolution of tumors is presented. To test its validity, a very basic model is considered, which, in spite of its simplicity, is capable of generating a multiplicity of morphologies and growth and migration rates. From an in-vivo scenario of basic life processes, cancer cell proliferation is described as a competition for basic nutrients. The chosen mathematical treatment and simulation techniques permit a direct implementation of the local nonlinear couplings existing between the various cell populations and the free and bound nutrient concentration. A discussion of the results and proposed improvements and applications of the model is also presented.
Pescarmona
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GP
Dipartimento di Genetica, Biologia e Chimica Medica, Universita di Torino, Turin, Italy.
Scalerandi
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M
Delsanto
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PP
Condat
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CA
D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics