An enzyme kinetics model of tumor dormancy, regulation of secondary metastases

Abstract

In this paper we study 1 dimensional (1D) and 2D extended versionof a two compartment model for tumor dormancy suggested by Boushabaet al. [3]. The model isbased on the idea that the vascularization of a secondarytumor can be suppressed by inhibitororiginating from a larger primary tumor.It has been observedemergence of a polypoid melanoma at a site remote from a primarypolypoid melanoma after excision of the latter. The authorsobserved no recurrence of the melanoma at the primary site, but didobserve secondary tumors at secondary sites five to sevencentimeters from the primary site within a period of one month afterthe excision of the primary site. 1D and 2D simulations show thatwhen the tumors are sufficiently remote, the primary tumor will notinfluence the secondary tumors while, if they are too close together,the primary tumor can effectively prevent the growth of thesecondary tumors, even after it is removed. The sensitivity analysiswas carried out for the 1D model. It has been long observed that surgeryshould be followed by other treatment options such as chemotherapy.2D simulation suggests a possible treatment options with differentdosage schedule after a surgery in order to achieve better clinicaloutcome.