According to the Gompertzian growth model, smaller tumors grow how compared to larger tumors?

In the context of the Gompertzian growth model, smaller tumors are understood to grow faster and are generally more susceptible to chemotherapy compared to larger tumors. The Gompertzian model describes how tumor growth is not linear; instead, it reflects the biological realities of tumor development where the growth rate decreases as the tumor size increases. This model suggests that smaller tumors undergo a more rapid cell division rate due to having a larger proportion of actively dividing cells relative to their overall mass.

Furthermore, smaller tumors are often more responsive to chemotherapy treatments. This increased susceptibility is likely because chemotherapy is most effective against rapidly dividing cells, which are a characteristic of smaller tumors. As tumors grow larger, they may develop regions of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and other microenvironmental changes that can render them less sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy, as well as acquire resistance mechanisms against the drugs.

In summary, the Gompertzian growth model highlights the difference in growth dynamics and treatment responsiveness as tumors increase in size, which is reflected accurately in the selected answer.