Mathematical Models of the Metastasis of Cancer*

Abstract

When cancer cells detach from an original tumor site to spread throughout the body, it is called metastasis. Metastatic cancer cells can move either by direct contact with new organ sites or through the blood or lymphatic systems of the body, but there is a generally accepted path process for this spread. However, metastasis is a multifaceted process dependent on a variety of cellular and micro-environmental parameters found in the cancer tumors as well as the host's body. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to create a mathematical model that accurate predicts the exact path a specific cancer will take. This paper will summarize five existing models of this path and evaluate their dissimilarities to determine the best course of action in predicting metastasis in several types of cancer.