Mathematical modeling of bone remodeling disorders: breast cancer effect

I. Ait Oumghar, A. Barkaoui, P. Chabrand

Abstract: Mechanobiology is the pillar of the bone remodeling process. Based on experimentations, cyclic mechanical loadings applied on the bone skeleton contribute to noticeable changes in bone mass. Owing to bone characteristics, especially its microarchitecture and composition, loads are transmitted at the cells’ level as a combination of fluid shear stress and extracellular strain matrix affecting bone remodeling. Thanks to this biological process, the healthy bone matrix is maintained and consequently, the skeleton roles are ensured such as protecting the intern organs and supporting the body weight. Other than its multiple functions, bone enables cancer cells to home, proliferate, and colonize providing the necessary environment for vascularity, oxygen, and food. In this work, we provide a mathematical model showing the impact of breast cancer pressure on bone remodeling after metastasis. The parameters used in the model are based on experimental assays to ensure a good prevision of both cancer cells and mechanical stress behavior. Based on the results, we found that our model is emphasizing the mechanical charges’ ability to repress tumor cells growth (2-fold decrease of breast cancer cells concentration) and mass growth pressure's ability to increase the stress applied on the bone leading to increased bone formation (0.35% of BV/TV increase).

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.36 No.3 (2022), 58-67
DOI: 10.7546/SB.05.03.2022

Keywords: Bone remodeling; breast cancer; mathematical modelling; mechanical stimuli

Date published: 2022-11-01