A continuum mechanical model to predict the growth of Glioblastoma Multiforme and the deformation of white matter tracts

Francesca Ballatore

A continuum mechanical model to predict the growth of Glioblastoma Multiforme and the deformation of white matter tracts.

Rel. Chiara Giverso, Andrea Borio, Giulio Lucci. Politecnico di Torino, Master of science program in Mathematical Engineering, 2021

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Abstract

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant types of brain cancer and it exhibits a strong resistance to common therapies. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate its progression, in order to acquire more details about its anisotropic nature, which follows the orientation of surrounding white matter tracts. Mathematical models of cerebral tumour growth can help in understanding the physiology and the progression of this disease, for the purpose of predicting the evolution of tumour shape and volume and quantifying its aggressiveness. The aim of the present work is to reproduce the evolution of this highly malignant brain tumour evaluating its mechanical impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.

A mathematical multiphase model for GBM, based on Continuum Mechanics, is developed, where both the healthy and the diseased regions are treated as a saturated biphasic mixture, comprising a solid and a fluid phase