Mathematically modelling inflammation as a promoter of tumour growth

Abstract

Inflammation is now known to play a significant role in tumour growth and progression. It is also difficult to adequately quantify systemic inflammation and the resulting localized effects in cancer. Here, we use experimental data to infer the possible contributions of inflammation in a mouse model of cancer. The model is validated by predicting tumour growth under anti-inflammatory treatments, and combination cancer therapies are explored. We then extend the model to consider simultaneous tumour implants at two distinct sites, which experimentally was shown to result in one large and one small tumour. We use this model to examine the role inflammation may play in the growth rate separation. Finally, we use this predictive two-tumour model to explore implications of inflammation on metastases, surgical removal of the primary and adjuvant anti-inflammatory treatments. This work suggests that improved tumour control can be obtained by targeting both the cancer and host, through anti-inflammatory treatments, including reduced metastatic burden post-surgical removal of primary tumours.

Keywords: cancer metastasis; cancer-immune interactions; mathematical modelling; mathematical oncology; tumour-promoting inflammation.