Mechanopathologies & Host Organs

Tumor mechanical forces – including interstitial fluid pressure and solid stress – are exerted not only within the tumor microenvironment, but externally on the surrounding tissue as well. In sensitive host organs such as the brain, these forces can wreak havok by displacing and compressing surrounding blood vessels and neuronal cells, resulting in neurological dysfunction. By developing experimental mechanical testing systems, such as the compressive cranial window, it is possible to causally and optically dissect how tumor mechanics damage the surrounding tissue. Translational approaches preventing or reversing the detrimental effects of tumor mechanopathologies on host organ health and function may augment patient response and performance during anti-cancer treatments.