Tumor ablation due to inhomogeneous -- anisotropic diffusion in generic 3-dimensional topologies

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive 3D model of inhomogeneous and anisotropic diffusion in tumor regions, integrating patient-specific DTI data to optimize drug delivery and treatment planning.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 3D diffusion model coupled with a population model, utilizing DTI data for personalized tumor treatment simulations.

Findings

Generated drug concentration heat maps and apoptosis regions.

Predicted optimal injection locations and volumes.

Demonstrated the model's potential for clinical application.

Abstract

We derive a full 3-dimensional (3-D) model of inhomogeneous -- anisotropic diffusion in a tumor region coupled to a binary population model. The diffusion tensors are acquired using Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DTI) from a patient diagnosed with glioblastoma multiform (GBM). Then we numerically simulate the full model with Finite Element Method (FEM) and produce drug concentration heat maps, apoptosis regions, and dose-response curves. Finally, predictions are made about optimal injection locations and volumes, which are presented in a form that can be employed by doctors and oncologists.