Biomechanical biomarkers of cancer

Cancer is a major health issue within the UK, with more than one third of people developing it within their lifetime. As there are so many different types of cancer, a quick, accurate and non-obtrusive diagnostic technique would be beneficial. A potential diagnosis technique under investigation is the use of a biomechanical biomarker. A biomarker is a signal of a biological state, which is specific to a particular type of disease. It helps validate diagnosis relative to disease progression and is therefore very important in malignant tumour detection. A biomechanical biomarker is a combination of model parameters that best identify tumours and tumour growth. This project investigated the possibility of obtaining a biomechanical biomarker of cancer using the newly develop finite element programme FEBio. A previous study by Busby et al. suggested that confined compression, along with biphasic theory, was a suitable technique for determining the mechanical properties of collagen hydrogels. Therefore, FEBio was used to create both force and displacement control confined compression tests of tissues modelled by collagen hydrogels. The tissue models contained a 'tumour' layer and the effects of varying the stiffness parameters of this 'tumour' layer were investigated. Any change in mechanical response of the tissue at platen level was regarded as a possible biomechanical biomarker. It was concluded that the possibility of a biomechanical biomarker was conceivable, but further research into the area is required. A potential biomarker established was the output equilibrium stress recorded from a displacement control test. It was found that the Young's modulus and permeability stiffness parameters, as well as the distance of the 'tumour' layer from the surface, had significant effect on the stiffness of the 'tumour' layer and consequently the output response recorded.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Clark, Megan Barbara

DOI

10.48730/khv1-m252

Identifier

T13917

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:6m311p359