The model muddle: in search of tumour growth laws

Abstract

In this article we shall trace the historical development of tumour growth laws, which in a quantitative fashion describe the increase in tumour mass/volume over time. These models are usually formulated in terms of differential equations that relate the growth rate of the tumour to its current state, and range from the simple one-parameter exponential growth model, to more advanced models that contain a large number of parameters. Understanding the assumptions and consequences of such models is important, since they often underpin more complex models of tumour growth. The conclusion of this brief survey is that although much improvement has occurred over the last century, more effort and new models are required if we are to understand the intricacies of tumour growth.