On 25 January 2023, more than 100 attendees participated in the webinar presented by Vera Pancaldi from the Cancer Research Center of Toulouse entitled ‘Data-driven modelling of intercellular interactions in the tumour microenvironment’. This webinar discussed the challenges of data driving modelling and focused on simple models of immune-oncology dynamics in simplified experimental systems.

More specifically, Dr Pancaldi delved into the complex macrophage populations found in tumours, including tumour-associated macrophages, which support tumorigenesis through cancer hallmarks such as immunosuppression, angiogenesis, or matrix remodelling. In the case of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, these macrophages are known as nurse-like cells and they protect leukemic cells from spontaneous apoptosis, contributing to their chemoresistance.

To further understand these interactions, Dr. Pancaldi and her team proposed an agent-based model of monocyte differentiation into nurse-like cells upon contact with leukemic B cells in vitro. Using patient-specific data and cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients, the team was able to calibrate the model and reproduce temporal survival dynamics of cancer cells in a patient-specific manner. This allowed them to identify patient groups related to distinct macrophage phenotypes.

Check the complete webinar: