Role of neutrophil extracellular traps in regulation of lung cancer invasion and metastasis: Structural insights from a computational model

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes cancer-related deaths worldwide and characterized by hijacking immune system for active growth aggressive metastasis. Neutrophils, which in their original form should establish activities to tumor as a first line defense, are undermined cells promote invasion several ways. In this study, we investigate mutual interactions between neutrophils that facilitate developing mathematical model involves taxis-reaction-diffusion equations critical components interaction. These include densities neutrophils, concentrations signaling molecules structure such neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We apply Boyden assay used experiments demonstrate tumor-associated can enhance cell secreting elastase. show both reproduce major experimental observation on NET-mediated make important predictions guide future with goal development new anti-tumor strategies. Moreover, using model, fundamental mechanism impact internal external heterogeneity migration patterning tumour response different treatment schedules.