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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
Mapping radiosensitivity in glioblastoma using MR elastography and biomechanical modeling
Constantinos Harkos1, Kyprianos Dimou1,2, Marina Koutsi1
1Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Scientific Reports
|June 11, 2026
Summary
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) mechanical forces impair blood flow and oxygen delivery, reducing radiotherapy effectiveness. Our model links imaging-based stiffness to predict these effects, aiding treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Medical Imaging
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Tumor progression in GBM creates mechanical forces that disrupt blood vessels, leading to hypoxia and reduced radiosensitivity.
- Quantitative methods to predict hypoxia-induced radiosensitivity are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a patient-specific mathematical model integrating Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) for predicting radiotherapy response in GBM.
- To quantitatively link biomechanical properties to intratumoral oxygen distribution and radiosensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mechanistic mathematical model of radiotherapy incorporating MRE-derived stiffness.
- Translated MRE stiffness into spatial maps of mechanical stress.
- Simulated vessel compression, impaired oxygen distribution, and radiosensitivity.
Main Results:
- Biomechanical properties of tumor and host tissues significantly influence radiosensitivity patterns.
- Tumor heterogeneity and adjacent stiff host tissue generate mechanical stresses, compressing vessels and causing hypoxia.
- Hypoxia and impaired perfusion compromise radiotherapy efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Tumor microenvironment (TME) biomechanics are critical determinants of radiotherapy response in GBM.
- Strategies to normalize the TME may improve treatment outcomes and enable treatment stratification.
- Established a quantitative pipeline linking MRE biomechanics to oxygen-modulated radiosensitivity.
