CFDRC is working with NIH/NCI on the development of a comprehensive computational software tool for simulating tumor dynamics, tumor-induced angiogenesis, and drug delivery. The simulation tool incorporates models for treatment planning, novel therapeutics (immunotherapy, liposomes, vectors) and prediction of therapeutic outcome.

The software tool will be able to simulate and predict the following:

• Mechanics of capillary formation and branching
• Capillary network morphology
• Penetration of capillaries into tumor and joining of arterial and venous sides (ie. -complete circulation loop)
• Blood and agent transport through the blood vessels, as well as agent transport through vessel walls into surrounding tissue
• Agent transport through tumor and concomitant tumor response
• Effects of anti-(angiogenic) agents on the network growth and regression behavior
• Transport of clonogenic tumor cells through the newly generated vascular system for prediction of metastasis

The software tool accounts for the interaction of the following components:

• Endothelial cell chemotaxis
• Degradation of extracellular matrix
• Production of tumor growth
  inhibitory factors (GIF)
• Production of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)
• Nutrient delivery to the tumor
• Tumor growth and death and chemotaxis effects