title: Coupled Hybrid Continuum-Discrete Model of Tumor Angiogenesis and Growth.
abstract: The processes governing tumor growth and angiogenesis are codependent. To study the relationship between them, we proposed a coupled hybrid continuum-discrete model. In this model, tumor cells, their microenvironment (extracellular matrixes, matrix-degrading enzymes, and tumor angiogenic factors), and their network of blood vessels, described by a series of discrete points, were considered. The results of numerical simulation reveal the process of tumor growth and the change in microenvironment from avascular to vascular stage, indicating that the network of blood vessels develops gradually as the tumor grows. Our findings also reveal that a tumor is divided into three regions: necrotic, semi-necrotic, and well-vascularized. The results agree well with the previous relevant studies and physiological facts, and this model represents a platform for further investigations of tumor therapy.
authors.affiliation: Medical Instrumentation School, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lyu
authors.affiliation: Periodicals Agency, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
authors.forename: Jinfeng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.affiliation: Medical Instrumentation School, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
authors.forename: Peiming
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Medical Instrumentation School, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Medical Instrumentation School, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
authors.forename: Hongtao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment
chemical_list: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents