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Effects of Heterogeneity on Cancer: A Game Theory Perspective
Annick Laruelle1,2, André Rocha3, Claudia Manini4,5
1Department of Economic Analysis (ANEKO), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Avenida Lehendakari Aguirre, 83, 48015, Bilbao, Spain. annick.laruelle@ehu.eus.
Bulletin of Mathematical Biology
|June 19, 2023
Summary
Tumors with less diversity (intratumor heterogeneity) may be more aggressive. Mathematical models suggest preserving tumor heterogeneity could slow cancer growth.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary game theory
- Cancer biology
- Mathematical oncology
Background:
- Tumor heterogeneity is a key factor in cancer progression and treatment resistance.
- Understanding cell-cell interactions within tumors is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model cancer cell interactions using evolutionary game theory.
- To analyze the impact of intratumor heterogeneity on tumor aggressiveness.
- To identify evolutionarily stable strategies in multi-type cancer cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Application of the hawk-dove game model to cancer cell populations.
- Analysis of 2-type and 3-type cell population games.
- Determination of evolutionarily stable strategies and expected payoffs.
Main Results:
- The 2-type population game yielded a higher payoff for the best-off cell compared to the 3-type game.
- Lower intratumor heterogeneity correlates with a more aggressive tumor course.
- Findings are supported by preliminary histological and genomic data from clear cell renal cell carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- Intratumor heterogeneity significantly influences tumor aggressiveness.
- Identifying intratumor heterogeneity is vital for clinical practice.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving tumor heterogeneity may offer a novel approach to slow cancer progression.
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