Figure 1

Frequency distribution for the numbers of metastases. Frequency distributions for the number of hematogenous metastases can be predicted based upon random counting statistics, modulated by regional organ blood flow heterogeneity. In this model the biological properties of the tumor cells and the host environment were otherwise assumed constant. The simulation was executed with a mean of 8 ± 7.6 (SD) metastases, in keeping with observations compiled from murine and human tumors.