Problem
Prostate cancer is a significant health problem worldwide, and there is a vital need for accurate predictive models of disease progression to aid in effective treatment planning. Current models are largely statistical, based on a population of patients, and neglect the patient’s unique attributes. There is a significant need for more personalized solutions.
Solution
This technology provides a simulation of the growth of a tumor in a prostate gland. It is based on the combination of a coupled system of partial-differential equations with patient-specific model parameters and a geometric model of the prostate gland to provide individualized projections of tumor progression. The result is a detailed, patient-specific tumor model that may be used for devising a customized treatment plan for each individual. What differentiates this technology is its unique blending of mathematics and medicine. The patient-specific model parameters and geometric model enhance the accuracy of these predictions by considering the unique attributes of an individual's prostate gland and tumor dynamics. As a result, the technology allows for truly individualized and more effective disease management plans, such as active surveillance of lower-risk tumors and treatment planning for higher-risk tumors.
Benefits
- Provides precise predictions on tumor growth
- Enhances capability of healthcare providers to offer patient-specific care.
- Contributes to medical research and disease management protocols
Commercial applications
- Use by oncologists to create personalized disease management plans for prostate cancer patients
- Use in medical research to further understand the progression of prostate cancer
- Integration in medical imaging devices for real-time tumor progression tracking
- Use by drug development companies for testing the potential impact of new treatments
