“Computational cell biology” is used to kill cancer cells

The use of oncolytic viruses is called virotherapy.  Previously, researchers used naturally occurring oncolytic viruses to prevent cancerous cell growth.  Some of the viruses used included poliovirus, the Coxsackie virus, etc.  “T-VEC” virus that causes cold sores was used by some scientists to help in the management of skin cancer or melanoma.  However, the use of virotherapy took a backseat with the advent of advances in treatment using chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 

Scientists warn that mathematical models must not be considered a “cure-all” for curing cancer, although the research findings look promising at this time. 

says Dr. Kaern, who is a medical faculty member and Canada Research Chair at the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology in the University. 

“Computational cell biology” works to first make the cancer cells sick, and then kills them.  You would not think that cancer cells are susceptible to infections, but the Ottawa researchers are employing sophisticated mathematical modeling and engineering viruses to infect cancer cells and then cause their destruction.  The research team refers to the modeling as ‘predictive modeling.’ 

Using predictive modeling, the team is analyzing how different treatment techniques and genetic modifications might possibly allow oncolytic viruses to deal with the anti-cancer defense mechanism in cancer cells and kill them while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue untouched.  The genetically modified viruses target the proliferative capacity of cancer cells that allow them to grow unchecked. 

The theory is that probably the viruses are able to better replicate in cancer cells because they have the ability to divide more with an increased metabolic rate.  The viruses exploit that ability of explosive replication and aggressively replicate themselves within the cancer cells.  Therefore, the modeled viruses must be capable of doing that and leave the surrounding tissues unharmed.  They must be modeled not to replicate within healthy cells and tissues.  Surprisingly, it takes only one single oncolytic virus to make contact with one cancer cell and begin the process!

Benefit of Mathematical Models 

The benefit of mathematical models is that they can predict outcomes rapidly and bypass the time-consuming methods of testing different treatments.  The pace of research can move at a faster rate with this model. 

An innovation grant from the Hecht Foundation of the Canadian Cancer Society funded the research study.  This research is only the beginning and a framework to explore the complexity of cancer. 

An Update

Since this article was initially published, scores of new studies have emerged to assess the efficacy of mathematical models in the fight against cancer. The model has been put to practical use in tumor eradication and plotting the path of tumor development. Mathematical modeling, which relies on game theory, is also being put to use to help scientists predict what kinds of drug resistance are likely to develop in the future. It's an exciting development that may save countless lives.