Numerical simulation of tumor-induced angiogenesis influenced by the extra-cellular matrix mechanical environment

摘要

To investigate tumor-induced angiogenesis underthe influence of the mechanical environments inside and outsidethe tumor, mathematical model of tumor angiogenesiswas developed. In the model, extra-cellular matrix (ECM)was treated as a thin plane. The displacement of ECM isobtained from the force balance equation consisted of theECs traction, the ECM visco-elastic forces and the externalforces. Simulation results show that a layered capillarynetwork is obtained with a well vascularized region at theperiphery of the tumor. The present model can be used asa valid theoretical method in the basic researches in tumor-inducedangiogenesis.