A hybrid cellular automaton model of tumor-induced angiogenesis

Several studies have shown that tumor growth is highly dependent on the presence of a mature vascular network, thus therapies that inhibit tumor-induced vascularization mechanisms can play a crucial role in the fight against cancer. In order to develop effective targeted therapies and individualized treatments, we have to consider the type and molecular background of vascularization mechanisms and the stage of the disease. In this paper a hybrid cellular automaton model of pathological angiogenesis is presented, that explicitly describes the pathophysiological processes taking place during tumor progression. By simulating tumor cell proliferation and necrosis, the diffusion of proangiogenic factors and nutrients, sprouting angiogenesis and alternative vascularization mechanisms, the model is able to reproduce similar capillary networks and characteristic structures compared to results obtained in vivo.