Game-theoretical description of the go-or-grow dichotomy in tumor development for various settings and parameter constellations

A medically important feature of several types of tumors is their ability to “decide” between staying at a primary site in the body or leaving it and forming metastases. The present theoretical study aims to provide a better understanding of the ultimate reasons for this so-called “go-or-grow” dichotomy. To that end, we use game theory, which has proven to be useful in analyzing the competition between tumors and healthy tissues or among different tumor cells. We begin by determining the game types in the Basanta–Hatzikirou–Deutsch model, depending on the parameter values. Thereafter, we suggest and analyze five modified variants of the model. For example, in the basic model, the deadlock game, Prisoner’s Dilemma, and hawk-dove game can occur. The modified versions lead to several additional game types, such as battle of the sexes, route-choice, and stag-hunt games. For some game types, all cells are predicted to stay on their original site (“grow phenotype”), while for other types, only a certain fraction stay and the other cells migrate away (“go phenotype”). If the nutrient supply at a distant site is high, all the cells are predicted to go. We discuss our predictions in terms of the pros and cons of caloric restriction and limitations of the supply of vitamins or methionine. Our results may help devise treatments to prevent metastasis.