A numerical solution to the nonhomogeneous two-stage MVK model of cancer

Risk Anal. 2005 Aug;25(4):921-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2005.00651.x.

Abstract

In this article, we describe a straightforward method for solving the probability of at least one malignant cell by time t, and the associated hazard function, in the general (i.e., nonhomogeneous) two-stage Moolgavkar-Venzon-Knudson (MVK) model of cancer. The method consists of solving four coupled ordinary differential equations derived from the Kolmogorov backward equations for this process. The relationship of this method to previously proposed solutions is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Mathematics
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Probability
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Risk Assessment
  • Stochastic Processes