Computational modeling of avascular tumours using a hybrid on-lattice framework for cell-population dynamics

Abstract: This master thesis consists of integrating an advanced model for avascular tumour growth into a multiscale computational framework for cell-population dynamics. In order to demonstrate this framework, the authors of the framework developed a simple model for avascular tumour growth, governed by the Laplace equation and a set of rules relating to the oxygen concentration, that they integrated with the framework. The realisation of this model closely followed previously established growth patterns of tumour cells up until the last phase, where predictions by some authors say the volume of the tumour should plateau. However, an additional phase was observed where asymmetric protrusions appear on the tumour's surface, causing the volume to continue to increase. The authors speculate that this could be due to their model lacking the inclusion of cell-cell adhesion, which restrains the migration of cells. The advanced tumour model implemented in this thesis include several additional mechanisms that the simple model lacks, and thus the driving research question for the thesis is whether integrating this advanced model into the framework will produce results that do not exhibit protrusions. Results suggest that despite this more advanced model, the outcome will still be an asymmetric tumour with unrestricted growth.