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Clinical implications of in silico mathematical modeling for glioblastoma: a critical review

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Abstract

Glioblastoma remains a clinical challenge in spite of years of extensive research. Novel approaches are needed in order to integrate the existing knowledge. This is the potential role of mathematical oncology. This paper reviews mathematical models on glioblastoma from the clinical doctor’s point of view, with focus on 3D modeling approaches of radiation response of in vivo glioblastomas based on contemporary imaging techniques. As these models aim to provide a clinically useful tool in the era of personalized medicine, the integration of the latest advances in molecular and imaging science and in clinical practice by the in silico models is crucial for their clinical relevance. Our aim is to indicate areas of GBM research that have not yet been addressed by in silico models and to point out evidence that has come up from in silico experiments, which may be worth considering in the clinic. This review examines how close these models have come in predicting the outcome of treatment protocols and in shaping the future of radiotherapy treatments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, Aretaieio University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Maria Protopapa, Anna Zygogianni, Christos Antypas & Christina Armpilia

  2. Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Georgios S. Stamatakos & Nikolaos K. Uzunoglu

  3. Radiation Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, Attikon University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Vassilis Kouloulias

  4. Radiotherapy Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, ATTIKON University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece

    Vassilis Kouloulias

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  1. Maria Protopapa
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  2. Anna Zygogianni
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  4. Christos Antypas
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  6. Nikolaos K. Uzunoglu
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MP performed a literature research. MP, AZ and VK wrote the manuscript. VK, GSS, and NKU provided guidance throughout the research and writing of the manuscript. All the authors made critical revisions, discussed and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Vassilis Kouloulias.

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Protopapa, M., Zygogianni, A., Stamatakos, G.S. et al. Clinical implications of in silico mathematical modeling for glioblastoma: a critical review. J Neurooncol 136, 1–11 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-017-2650-2

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