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Metastasis Models: Thermodynamics and Complexity.

A Guerra1, J A Betancourt-Mar2, J A Llanos-Pérez2

  • 1Department of Chemical-Physics, A. Alzola Group of Thermodynamics of Complex Systems M.V. Lomonosov Chair, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 7, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Thermodynamic and complex systems theories provide a framework for understanding cancer's emergence and evolution as a dynamic, self-organized process. This approach aids in developing models for cancer metastasis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chronotherapy.

Keywords:
Biological phase transitionChronotherapyComplexity scienceDynamical systemsEMTMetastasis modelsThermodynamics

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Area of Science:

  • Integrative biology
  • Nonlinear dynamics
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Physiological complexity can be explained by thermodynamic formalism of nonequilibrium systems and complex systems theory.
  • These frameworks offer a conceptual basis for studying cancer emergence and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize cancer emergence and evolution as a nonlinear dynamic system.
  • To present mathematical models and techniques for studying cancer metastasis.
  • To explore the temporal and spatial aspects of cancer metastasis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chronotherapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated theoretical framework combining nonequilibrium thermodynamics, complex systems theory, and systems biology.
  • Development and application of mathematical models for cancer metastasis.
  • Analysis of temporal dynamics, focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chronotherapy.
  • Modeling of spatial evolution of cancer metastasis.

Main Results:

  • Cancer can be conceptualized as a self-organized, nonlinear dynamic system operating out of thermodynamic equilibrium.
  • Various mathematical models and techniques are available for characterizing cancer metastasis.
  • Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chronotherapeutic treatments are key factors in the temporal progression of metastasis.
  • Models exist to describe the spatial spread of cancer metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • The integration of thermodynamic and complex systems approaches provides a robust framework for understanding cancer.
  • This framework facilitates the development of predictive and therapeutic strategies for cancer metastasis.
  • Further research into dynamic models can enhance our understanding and treatment of cancer evolution.