CancerMateTM enforces an engineering modeling method for predictive oncology, by using COMSOL Multiphysics v.5.6® platform. CancerMate makes available to users such method without the need of interfacing with the platform’s front-end, offering a coherent work experience.
In the present context, a model refers to a simplified representation or abstraction of a complex system or phenomenon. Models are used across various scientific disciplines to help understand, explain, predict, and communicate on phenomena occurring in a variety of processes, therefore serving several purposes in science:
Representation Models provide a way to represent and conceptualize complex systems or processes in a simplified and understandable manner.
Explanation Models help scientists explain observed phenomena by illustrating the underlying principles and relationships involved.
Prediction Models allow scientists to make predictions about the behavior of systems under different conditions or scenarios.
Hypothesis Testing Scientists use models to test hypotheses and theories by comparing model predictions with empirical data.
Visualization Models provide visual aids that aid in understanding and communicating scientific concepts and findings.
Control and Optimization Models may be used to control or optimize systems by identifying strategies or parameters that lead to desired outcomes.
Broadly speaking, CancerMate does apply to all of these areas.
CancerMate is a deterministic model based on conservative Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) able to handle cases of tumor growth challenged by neoadjuvant therapy, directly derived from our studies on Transport Phenomena. Such PDE approach consists in a series of reaction-diffusion formulations, to represent proliferation and therapy contrast through innovative biomarkers and oncological metrics.
CancerMate Mark I has been produced after a rigorous validation activity on a retrospective cohort of 17 patients of breast cancer, as described by our recent paper on Nature Scientific Report (2023). This activity allowed to establish the values of innovative descriptors: the Virtual Biomarkers. As such, CancerMate Mark I can be now directly used in perspective cohorts, under the assumptions that have been declared in that paper.
The validation of the present CancerMate Mark I is reported here.