Glioblastoma multiforme is a type of brain tumor and is among the most difficult to treat cancers. Only two drugs have been approved by the FDA for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: temozolomide and bevacizumab. Although these drugs have been approved for treatment, methods of treatment still need to be optimized. The objective of this thesis is to investigate a method of modeling the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide in the Vital-Lopez computer simulation of a brain tumor. Research was done to develop a temozolomide component to be added to the Vital-Lopez model. Areas of investigation include representation of spatial distribution of temozolomide in brain tumors and simulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death) of tumor cells in response to different levels of temozolomide. The experimental literature on which the modeling was based is presented. The method and results of key parameter estimation are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for further research.
