Mathematical oncology: how are the mathematical and physical sciences contributing to the war on breast cancer?

Arnaud H. Chauviere, Haralampos Hatzikirou, John S. Lowengrub, Hermann B. Frieboes, Alastair M. Thompson, Vittorio Cristini

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    30 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Mathematical modeling has recently been added as a tool in the fight against cancer. The field of mathematical oncology has received great attention and increased enormously, but over-optimistic estimations about its ability have created unrealistic expectations. We present a critical appraisal of the current state of mathematical models of cancer. Although the field is still expanding and useful clinical applications may occur in the future, managing over-expectation requires the proposal of alternative directions for mathematical modeling. Here, we propose two main avenues for this modeling: 1) the identification of the elementary biophysical laws of cancer development, and 2) the development of a multiscale mathematical theory as the framework for models predictive of tumor growth. Finally, we suggest how these new directions could contribute to addressing the current challenges of understanding breast cancer growth and metastasis.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)121-129
    Number of pages9
    JournalCurrent Breast Cancer Reports
    Volume2
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2010

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Mathematical oncology: how are the mathematical and physical sciences contributing to the war on breast cancer?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this