Multiscale modeling of fluid transport in tumors

Bull Math Biol. 2008 Nov;70(8):2334-57. doi: 10.1007/s11538-008-9349-7. Epub 2008 Sep 26.

Abstract

A model for fluid flow through the leaky neovasculature and porous interstitium of a solid tumor is developed. A network of isolated capillaries is analyzed in the limit of small capillary radius, and analytical expressions for the hydraulic conductivities and fractional leakage coefficients derived. This model is then homogenized to give a continuum description in terms of the vascular density. The resulting equations comprise a double porous medium with coupled Darcy flow through the interstitium and vasculature.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Capillaries / anatomy & histology
  • Capillaries / metabolism
  • Capillary Permeability*
  • Diffusion
  • Extracellular Space / metabolism
  • Hemorheology
  • Humans
  • Models, Cardiovascular*
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / physiopathology
  • Porosity
  • Regional Blood Flow