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The technologically integrated oncosimulator: combining multiscale cancer modeling with information technology in the
Abstract:
This paper outlines the major components and function of the technologically integrated oncosimulator developed primarily within the Advancing Clinico Genomic Trials on Cancer (ACGT) project. The Oncosimulator is defined as an information technology system simulating in vivo tumor response to therapeutic modalities within the clinical trial context. Chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting, according to two real clinical trials concerning nephroblastoma and breast cancer, has been considered. The spatiotemporal simulation module embedded in the Oncosimulator is based on the multiscale, predominantly top-down, discrete entity-discrete event cancer simulation technique developed by the In Silico Oncology Group, National Technical University of Athens. The technology modules include multiscale data handling, image processing, invocation of code execution via a spreadsheet-inspired environment portal, execution of the code on the grid, and the visualization of the predictions. A refining scenario for the eventual coupling of the oncosimulator with immunological models is also presented. Parameter values have been adapted to multiscale clinical trial data in a consistent way, thus supporting the predictive potential of the oncosimulator. Indicative results demonstrating various aspects of the clinical adaptation and validation process are presented. Completion of these processes is expected to pave the way for the clinical translation of the system.
Insights
The Oncosimulator, an IT system for simulating tumor response in clinical trials, has been developed. This technology aids in predicting cancer treatment efficacy, particularly for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in nephroblastoma and breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Computational biology
- Bioinformatics
- Medical simulation
Background:
- The Advancing Clinico Genomic Trials on Cancer (ACGT) project developed an advanced information technology system.
- Simulating in vivo tumor response to therapies within clinical trials is crucial for personalized medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the components and functions of the technologically integrated Oncosimulator.
- To demonstrate the Oncosimulator's capability in simulating neoadjuvant chemotherapy response for nephroblastoma and breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multiscale, discrete entity-discrete event cancer simulation technique.
- Integrated technology modules for data handling, image processing, code execution on a grid, and prediction visualization.
- Adapted parameter values to multiscale clinical trial data for validation.
Main Results:
- The Oncosimulator successfully simulated tumor response in real clinical trial contexts.
- Parameter adaptation to clinical data demonstrated the system's predictive potential.
- Initial results showcased clinical adaptation and validation processes.
Conclusions:
- The Oncosimulator is a robust IT system for simulating cancer treatment response.
- Further refinement, including coupling with immunological models, is planned.
- Clinical translation of the Oncosimulator is anticipated upon completion of validation.
