Eur. Phys. J. B 63, 393-397 (2008)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2008-00249-y

Studying the emergence of invasiveness in tumours using game theory

Zentrum für Informationsdienste und Hochleistungsrechnen, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Corresponding author: ^a basanta@maths.dundee.ac.uk

Received: 14 September 2007
Revised: 7 May 2008
Published online: 2 July 2008

Abstract

Tumour cells have to acquire a number of capabilities if a neoplasm is to become a cancer. One of these key capabilities is increased motility which is needed for invasion of other tissues and metastasis. This paper presents a qualitative mathematical model based on game theory and computer simulations using cellular automata. With this model we study the circumstances under which mutations that confer increased motility to cells can spread through a tumour made of rapidly proliferating cells. The analysis suggests therapies that could help prevent the progression towards malignancy and invasiveness of benign tumours.