Document 
Eur. Phys. J. B 63, 393-397 (2008)
DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2008-00249-y
Studying the emergence of invasiveness in tumours using game theory
D. Basanta, H. Hatzikirou and A. DeutschZentrum für Informationsdienste und Hochleistungsrechnen, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
basanta@maths.dundee.ac.uk
Received 14 September 2007 / Received in final form 7 May 2008 / Published online 2 July 2008
Abstract
Tumour cells have to acquire a number of capabilities if a neoplasm is to become a cancer. One of these key capabilities is increased motility which is needed for invasion of other tissues and metastasis. This paper presents a qualitative mathematical model based on game theory and computer simulations using cellular automata. With this model we study the circumstances under which mutations that confer increased motility to cells can spread through a tumour made of rapidly proliferating cells. The analysis suggests therapies that could help prevent the progression towards malignancy and invasiveness of benign tumours.
87.17.Aa - Modeling, computer simulation of cell processes.
87.19.xj - Cancer.
87.23.Kg - Dynamics of evolution.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2008