The embedded tumour: host physiology is important for the evaluation of tumour growth

• Published in: British journal of cancer Vol. 89; no. 12; pp. 2254 - 2263
• Main Authors: VAN LEEUWEN, I. M. M, ZONNEVELD, C, KOOIJMAN, Salm
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Nature Publishing Group 15.12.2003
• Subjects: Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; Cachexia - etiology; Cachexia - physiopathology; Cancer research; Cell Division - physiology; Energy Intake - physiology; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Humans; Immunocompromised Host - physiology; Maintenance costs; Mathematical Computing; Mathematical models; Medical research; Medical sciences; Models, Biological; Molecular and Cellular Pathology; Neoplasm Invasiveness - physiopathology; Neoplasms - complications; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - physiopathology; Nutritional Status - physiology; Physiology; Respiration; Tumors; Weight Loss - physiology; Calorie; DEB theory; tumour growth rate; calorie restriction; Growth rate; Doubling time; Theory; cancer cachexia; Cachexia; Malignant tumor; energy expenditure; tumour doubling time; Cancerology; Tumor growth; Energetic cost; Physiology
• ISSN: 0007-0920; 1532-1827
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601394

The growth potential of a tumour can significantly depend on host features such as age, cell proliferation rates and caloric intake. Although this is widely known, existing mathematical models for tumour growth do not account for it. We therefore developed a new model for tumour growth, starting from a mathematical framework that describes the host's physiology. The resulting tumour-in-host model allowed us to study the implications of various specific interactions between the energetics of tumour and host. The model accounts for the influence of both age and feeding regimen of the host organism on the behaviour of a tumour. Concerning the effects of a tumour on its host, it explains why tumour-mediated body-weight loss is often more dramatic than expected from the energy demands of the tumour. We also show how the model can be applied to study enhanced body-weight loss in presence of cachectic factors. Our tumour-in-host model thus appears a proper tool to unite a wide range of phenomena in tumour-host interactions.