The models are based on the biology of human 3677 melanoma xenografts in nude mice. In addition, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are used to characterize critical parameters for intratumoral and systemic drug generation. Finally, the effects of certain barriers to chemotherapeutic treatments including vascular heterogeneity and radially outward convection are studied. The phenomenon of tumor encapsulation is well documented. In fact, the presence of a capsule surrounding a tumor mass is a significant morphological determinant of the clinical outcome.
Encapsulated tumors are generally benign and have a favorable prognosis.
Tumors which do not form this containing capsule are generally malignant and the cells can invade the surrounding normal tissue and even enter the blood stream to relocate to other sites in the body. We are working to develop a mathematical model which describes the process of tumor encapsulation. From the model we hope to determine ways of eliciting the encapsulation of otherwise invasive cancer cells. Jackson, T.L., Lubkin, S.R, Siemers, N.0., Kerr, D., Senter, P.D., and Murray, J.D. Mathematical and Experimental Analysis of Localization of Anti-Tumor Antibody Enzyme Conjugates. Tang, B., Sitomer A., and Jackson, T.L. Population Dynamics and Competition in Chemostat Models with Adaptive Nutrient Uptake.