Mathematical modeling of metastasis, a feasible way to detect the weakness

Aim Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. 90% of deaths caused by this disease occur due to metastasis. Two models are proposed that rescue fundamental aspects of metastasis, such as EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition), extravasation and colonization. Methods To evaluate the complexity, the Lyapunov exponents, the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix (stability analysis) and the Kaplan York dimension were calculated. Results It was evidenced that the weakness of the metastasis lies in these stages, which indicates that they constitute potential targets in the search for an effective treatment. Conclusion The results suggest that strengthening the immune system during EMT as well as its specialization in the detection of DTCs (disseminated tumor cells) can be effective strategies in the treatment of metastasis.