Optimal chemotherapy regimens: influence of tumours on normal cells and several toxicity constraints

IMA J Math Appl Med Biol. 2001 Mar;18(1):25-40.

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy for the case of one drug is studied. The negative and inhibiting effect of the tumour on normal cells is taken into account. Under certain assumptions, we determine the optimal regimen that minimizes the tumour burden at the end of a fixed period of therapy while maintaining certain normal cell populations above prescribed levels. More precisely, it is demonstrated that the optimal strategy corresponds to injection of the drug at the maximal rate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / toxicity
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents