Cryptsim: Modeling the evolutionary dynamics of the progression of Barrett’s esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

To alleviate the over-diagnosis and overtreatment of premalignant conditions we need to predict their progression to cancer, and therefore, the dynamics of an evolutionary process. However, monitoring evolutionary processes in vivo is extremely challenging. Computer simulations constitute an attractive alternative, allowing us to study these dynamics based on a set of evolutionary parameters.\n\nWe introduce CryptSim, a simulator of crypt evolution inspired by Barretts esophagus. We detail the most relevant computational strategies it implements, and perform a simulation study showing that the interaction between neighboring crypts may play a crucial role in carcinogenesis.