A cellular automata model of chemotherapy effects on tumour growth: targeting cancer and immune cells

Authored by Fateme Pourhasanzade, S H Sabzpoushan

Date Published: 2019

DOI: 10.1080/13873954.2019.1571515

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The effects of therapy on avascular cancer development based on a stochastic cellular automata model are considered. Making the model more compatible with the biology of cancer, the following features are implemented: intrinsic resistance of cancerous cells along with drug-induced resistance, drug-sensitive cells, immune system. Results are reported for no treatment, discontinued treatment after only one cycle of chemotherapy, and periodic drug administration therapy modes. Growth fraction, necrotic fraction, and tumour volume are used as output parameters beside a 2-D graphical growth presentation. Periodic drug administration is more effective to inhibit the growth of tumours. The model has been validated by the verification of the simulation results using in vivo literature data. Considering immune cells makes the model more compatible with the biological realities. Beside targeting cancer cells, the model can also simulate the activation of the immune system to fight against cancer.

Tags

Agent-based model Cellular automata Dynamics invasion Cancer modelling kinetics Drug-resistance Mathematical-models Evasion Division Immunotherapy Cancer therapies