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A cellular automata model of tumor-immune system interactions

Mallet, Daniel G. and de Pillis, Lisette G. (2006) A cellular automata model of tumor-immune system interactions. Journal of Theoretical Biology 239(3):pp. 334-350.

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Abstract

We present a hybrid cellular automata–partial differential equation model of moderate complexity to describe the interactions between a growing tumor next to a nutrient source and the immune system of the host organism. The model allows both temporal and two-dimensional spatial evolution of the system under investigation and is comprised of biological cell metabolism rules derived from both the experimental and mathematical modeling literature. We present numerical simulations that display behaviors which are qualitatively similar to those exhibited in tumor–immune system interaction experiments. These include spherical tumor growth, stable and unstable oscillatory tumor growth, satellitosis and tumor infiltration by immune cells. Finally, the relationship between these different growth regimes and key system parameters is discussed.

Item Type:Journal Article
RM Number:2007002525
Status:Published
Keywords:Tumor; Immune; Cellular automata; Lymphocyte infiltration; Oscillatory growth
Subjects:230000 Mathematical Sciences > 239900 Other Mathematical Sciences > 239901 Biological Mathematics
230000 Mathematical Sciences
230000 Mathematical Sciences > 239900 Other Mathematical Sciences
ID Code:5278
Deposited By:Mallet, Daniel Gordon
Deposited On:04 October 2007
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtbi.2005.08.002
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2006 Elsevier
Copyright Statement:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.