ECCOMAS 2024

Mechanistic mathematical modeling of tumor microenvironment

  • Mohammad Mirzaei, Navid (Columbia University)
  • Shahriyari, Leili (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

Please login to view abstract download link

The intricate network of interactions among cells and molecules within the tumor microenvironment creates a highly diverse and complex ecosystem. The spatial proximity of these cells and molecules to their activators and inhibitors plays a pivotal role in driving the progression of tumors. In this study, we have developed a computational model that combines partial differential equations with concepts from linear elasticity to explore the effects of spatial interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Our investigation has unveiled intriguing patterns in the distribution of cells and cytokines, with a notable influence stemming from macrophages. These versatile immune cells exert a substantial impact on the overall dynamics of the microenvironment. Specifically, we have observed the recruitment and suppression of cytotoxic T cells at sites where macrophages are densely populated. Furthermore, the presence of anti-tumor macrophages leads to a significant reorganization of these spatial patterns, favoring the emergence of a more localized cancer and necrotic core. This observation highlights the critical role of macrophages in shaping the structure and function of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we conducted a sensitivity analysis employing the adjoint-based method to determine which parameters in our model have the most significant influence on its outcomes. The results of this analysis unequivocally point to the central importance of macrophages within the model. These findings underscore the widely acknowledged role of macrophages in controlling the population of cancer cells and orchestrating the spatial arrangement of various cell types within the tumor microenvironment. In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of cells and molecules within the tumor microenvironment. By employing a comprehensive computational approach, we have shed light on the crucial role of macrophages in shaping the spatial distribution of cells and cytokines, ultimately influencing tumor progression and the emergence of localized cancer and necrotic regions. These findings have important implications for understanding and potentially manipulating the tumor microenvironment in future cancer therapies.