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A physical‐based model for the simulation of neoplastic growth and metastasis
Author(s) -
Magnano Mauro,
Bongioannini Guido,
Lerda Walter,
Galvagno Maurizio Bona,
Tondolo Enrico,
Canale Giovanni,
Capogrosso Barbara,
Delsanto Pier Paolo,
Scalerandi Marco,
Pescarmona Gian Piero
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/1096-9098(200006)74:2<122::aid-jso8>3.0.co;2-7
Subject(s) - medicine , metastasis , oncology , cancer
Background and Objectives It is possible to formulate models capable of reproducing the main details of the physical processes involved in the evolution of biological systems. The complexity of the problem requires to begin with a simple and universal model for the description of the cellular growth, to be adapted successively to the local conditions found in clinically observed neoplastic growths. Methods A model based on the Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA) has been formulated for the simulation of growth, diffusion, and metastasis of neoplasms. The vascularization is described by a blood vessel located on one edge of the specimen in which a constant and homogeneous flow is assumed. A nutrient density is defined to mimic the blood flow within the tissue. Results Photograms taken at proper times may identify the main characteristics of the tumor evolution and describe its volume variations in a transversal section. Furthermore, it is possible to monitor constantly the volume of the neoplasm and of the necrotic tissue as a function of time, as well as the portion of cells that have migrated in the blood vessel. Conclusions In spite of strong simplifying assumptions, the model presents good qualitative agreement with clinical data, which may be further improved by more detailed information about cancer cells properties or local vascular system patterns. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000;74:122–129. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.