Emergence of Taxis and Synergy in Angiogenesis

B. CAPOGROSSO SANSONE; M. SCALERANDI; C.A. CONDAT

PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS

The American Physical Society

Año: 2001 vol. 87 p. 1281021 - 1281024

0031-9007

Angiogenesis, the expansion of the vascular system feeding a tumor, is crucial to both primary tumorsprimary tumors long-time growth and for the successful implantation of metastases. We formulate a model that relates the energetic requirements of the cancer cells to the production and diffusion of an angiogenic factor and to the ensuing evolution of neighboring endothelial cells. The model yields predictions for the development of neovascularization and for the increase in the blood flow to the tumor. We show that the directed growth of the vascular net is an emergent property and that therapies targeting different stages of the angiogenic process might have a synergistic effect. and for the successful implantation of metastases. We formulate a model that relates the energetic requirements of the cancer cells to the production and diffusion of an angiogenic factor and to the ensuing evolution of neighboring endothelial cells. The model yields predictions for the development of neovascularization and for the increase in the blood flow to the tumor. We show that the directed growth of the vascular net is an emergent property and that therapies targeting different stages of the angiogenic process might have a synergistic effect.might have a synergistic effect.