Multiscale Modeling of Glioblastoma Suggests that the Partial Disruption of Vessel/Cancer Stem Cell Crosstalk Can Promote Tumor Regression Without Increasing Invasiveness.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In glioblastoma, the crosstalk between vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and glioma stem cells (GSCs) has been shown to enhance tumor growth. We propose a multiscale mathematical model to study this mechanism, explore tumor growth under various initial and microenvironmental conditions, and investigate the effects of blocking this crosstalk.

Methods

We develop a hybrid continuum-discrete model of highly organized vascularized tumors. VEC-GSC crosstalk is modeled via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by tumor cells and by secretion of soluble factors by VECs that promote GSC self-renewal and proliferation.

Results

VEC-GSC crosstalk increases both tumor size and GSC fraction by enhancing GSC activity and neovascular development. VEGF promote

SUBMITTER: Yan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5501302 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature