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Modelling the internalization of labelled cells in tumour spheroids

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Abstract

In this paper a mathematical model is developed to describe the migration of labelled particles within a multicell spheroid. In the model, spatial variations in cell proliferation and death create an internal velocity field which leads to redistribution of the labelled and unlabelled cells. By applying a range of numerical and analytical techniques to the model equations, it is possible to show that, whilst the speed with which the labelled cells migrate through the tumour is independent of the type of cells that are labelled, their limiting distribution depends crucially on whether inert polystyrene microspheres or live tumour cells are labelled. These predictions are shown to be in good qualitative agreement with independent experimental results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester, M60 1QD, UK

    K. E. Thompson

  2. Division of Theoretical Mechanics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK

    H. M. Byrne

Authors
  1. K. E. Thompson
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  2. H. M. Byrne
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Thompson, K.E., Byrne, H.M. Modelling the internalization of labelled cells in tumour spheroids. Bull. Math. Biol. 61, 601–623 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1006/bulm.1999.0089

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/bulm.1999.0089

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