Circulating Tumour Cells Adhesion and Capillaries Remodelling

When a vascularised tumour releases cells into the circulatory system, Circulating Tumour Cells navigate through blood vessels, interacting with their surroundings. As some of these CTCs adhere into vessel walls, we expect that the surrounding capillaries might adapt, possibly preceding angiogenesis. In this study, we present a mathematical model to examine how vascular structure adapts under different factors. We then integrate this vascular adaptation with a model for CTC movement, including adhesion to vessel walls, to investigate its potential impact on capillary remodelling. Understanding the interplay between CTC movement and vascular adaptation may provide valuable insights into early-stage metastasis, offering potential new avenues for diagnostic approaches and targeted interventions for more effective cancer treatment strategies.