Cancer growth: Predictions of a realistic model

Simulations of avascular cancer growth are performed using experimental values of the relevant parameters. This permits a realistic assessment of the influence of these parameters on cancer growth dynamics. In general, an early exponential growth phase is followed by a linear regime (as observed in recent experiments), while the thickness of the viable cell layer remains approximately constant. Contrary to some predictions, a transition to latency is not observed.

Figure 1

Growth rates. (a) Simulation results for the cases detailed in Table , except for case $J$, which is shown in panel (b). Symbols are for simulation results and solid lines are best fits.

Figure 2

Mean radius $R_n$ (open symbols) of the necrotic region and viable rim thickness (solid symbols), as functions of the mean tumor radius $R$. Simulation parameters are those in Table .