Computer Model of Cancer development

摘要

Cancer development is a very complex process due to the fact that a wide range of factors could contribute to the development of cancer. Factor that can lead to the development of cancer can range from oxygen free radicals to micronutrient deficiencies, mutation of signaling network, increased cell division, overweight and so on. Technical advances have always played a key role in improving our ability to understand disease development and treatment. Computer modeling of cancer development can provide an unprecedented opportunity to study cancer. Simulation and analysis of the model will provide us with understanding of the interaction of factors that are contributing to the development of cancer. However the exponential growth in the volume of experimental information available makes it difficult for researchers to assemble the details. To overcome this problem we propose the use of mathematical applications and modeling tools to model, simulate and analyze the process of cancer development. In this paper as a first step toward integration of factors leading to cancer development, we propose a Colored Petri Net model of the factors leading to cancer development and their effects at molecular, cellular, organ, system and clinical phenotypic levels.