Three dimensional simulation of glioma growth and response to radiation therapy: a case study
by
Russell Rockne
University of Washington, Department of Pathology
Coauthors: Dr. Kristin Swanson

Gliomas are human brain tumors that are unique in their extensive invasion of the surrounding tissue without metastasis outside the brain. Using tumor volume data collected from a human glioma patient, we investigate a reaction diffusion model for both untreated glioma growth (Swanson 1999, Swanson et al 2002), and response to radiation therapy (Swanson et al 2007, Rockne et al 2008) on the brainweb 3D virtual brain. Three dimensional spatial analysis of model predicted disease distribution and that observed on magnetic resonance imaging reveals a mean point-wise error of 0.51mm, within measurement error. Using the linear-quadratic model for radiation efficacy, in conjunction with [18F]-Flouromisonidazole positron emission tomography, we observe a radiation resistance effect in regions of the tumor with increased levels of hypoxia and demonstrate a 3 fold oxygen enhancement ratio for hypoxic cell radio-resistance. Heterogeneity in radiation dose per cell reveal regions of insufficient dose and suggests avenues for treatment field modification.

Date received: May 19, 2008