Stochastic model of the formation of cancer metastases via cancer stem cells.

The author presents Monte Carlo simulations of the temporal kinetics of the formation of cancer metastases with emphasis on cancer stem cells. The model used implies the existence of premetastatic niches. The population of cancer stem cells located outside tumors and inducing the formation of new tumors in niches is considered to be heterogeneous. If the niches are equivalent with respect to the formation of metastases, the kinetics are predicted to exhibit an induction period and then rapid growth of the number of metastases. If the niches are heterogeneous, the kinetics are found to be more gradual.