Multiscale modelling, analysis and simulation of cancer invasion mediated by bound and soluble enzymes

Abstract

We formulate a cell-scale model for the degradation of the extra-cellular matrix by membrane-bound and soluble matrix degrading enzymes produced by cancer cells. Based on the microscopic model and using tools from the theory of homogenisation we propose a macroscopic model for cancer cell invasion into the extra-cellular matrix mediated by bound and soluble matrix degrading enzymes. For suitable and biologically relevant initial data we prove the macroscopic model is well-posed. We propose a finite element method for the numerical approximation of the macroscopic model and report on simulation results illustrating the role of the bound and soluble enzymes in cancer invasion processes.