A PATIENT-SPECIFIC IN-VIVO TUMOR-MODEL

A significant body of research, spanning approximately the last 25 yea rs, has focused upon the task of developing a better understanding of tumor growth through the use of in vitro mathematical models. Although such models are useful for simulation, in vivo growth differs in sign ificant ways due to the variety of competing biological, biochemical, and mechanical factors present in a living biological system. An in vi vo, macroscopic, primary brain tumor growth model is developed, incorp orating previous in vitro growth pattern research as well as scientifi c investigations into the biological and biochemical factors that affe ct in vivo neoplastic growth. The tumor growth potential model present s an integrated, universal framework that can be employed to predict t he direction and extent of spread of a primary brain tumor with respec t to time for a specific patient. This framework may be extended as ne cessary to include the results of current and future research into par ameters affecting neoplastic proliferation. The patient-specific prima ry brain tumor growth model is expected to have multiple clinical uses , including: predictive modeling, tumor boundary delineation, growth p attern research, improved radiation surgery planning, and expert diagn ostic assistance.