Indian scientists develop a mathematical model to visualize invading tumor in 3D

Doctors may soon be able to visualise an invading tumor in 3D by entering patient test values into a computer program. This has become possible because two Indian scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and National Institute of Technology, Goa have developed a computer program.

This computer program works on a mathematical model that helps visualize the invading tumor in 3Dimension. After feeding patient information such as cancer cell density, extracellular matrix density, and the concentration of matrix degrading enzymes into the system, this model can calculate the invasion of cancer in realistic organ geometry like the breast.

An early detection of tumor can save a patient. One a tumor metastasizes, that is, starts spreading to other organs as cancer, curing it becomes challenging. In such situations, mathematical modeling of tumors can help predict the size, shape, and progression of tumor with time, which may prove to be a life-saving strategy.

Mathematical model is a useful and inexpensive approach to determine and to predict the stage, size, and progression of tumors, says Dr. Shangerganesh Lingeshwaran, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the National Institute of Technology, Goa.

           

Picture: Shangerganesh Lingeshwaran, National Institute of Technology, Goa (Left) and Dr. Ganesan Sashikumaar, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (right) developed the computer model.

This computer model can make near accurate predictions because of two features. First, it calculates realistic organ geometries. Second, it takes into account the interactions between cancer cells and healthy tissues. These help the model to predict how a tumor is progressing, and what will its shape and size be with time.

In the future, the computer model can also be used for as an aid for treating cancer and planning surgery, say scientists Shangerganesh Lingeshwaran and Ganesan Sashikumaar. 

Published- India Science Wire

Reference: Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation 46: 135-152.