Project Overview
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynaecological cancers, with 5-year survival rates of less than 50%. A primary reason for this is the location of the adipocyte-rich omentum, which has been demonstrated to play an important role in generating a pro-metastatic tumour microenvironment within the peritoneal cavity. This project aims to explore the mechanisms mediating the interaction between adipocytes and cancer cells to identify key signalling events by using data-driven multiscale mathematical modelling approaches. While in vitro cellular experiments are great tools to explore underlying biological mechanisms, mathematical models that are developed are essential in predicting key tumour characteristics, incorporating different cells into the microenvironment based on in vitro data. The developed model is built upon a data-driven multiscale modelling framework incorporating key cellular mechanisms. Once calibrated, these models can be used to predict mechanisms driving chemosensitivity and to inform mitigating strategies that can be investigated using further experiments.
Project Aims
- Capture biological processes using a mathematical model
- Allow for patient specificity in model outcomes
- Make predictions about various treatment protocols
- Optimise parameters to ensure accurate results
Period: January 2021 – January 2024
Project Team
Collaborators
Dr Noemi Picco, Swansea University
Professor Deya Gonzalez, Swansea University