Mathematical model for G-CSF administration after chemotherapy

J Theor Biol. 2009 Mar 7;257(1):27-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.09.043. Epub 2008 Nov 1.

Abstract

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used clinically for treating chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (low neutrophil levels). Here we present a delay differential equation model for the regulation of neutrophil production that accounts for the effects of G-CSF. Using a combination of analysis and numerical simulations, we use this model to study the effects of delaying G-CSF treatment following chemotherapy for two recombinant forms of G-CSF (filgrastim and pegfilgrastim). We also examine the consequences of varying the duration of filgrastim treatment. We found that varying the starting day or the duration of G-CSF treatment can lead to different qualitative responses in the neutrophil count. These changes can be explained by the coexistence of two stable solutions in the mathematical model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Filgrastim
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Models, Biological*
  • Neutropenia / blood
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Neutropenia / drug therapy*
  • Neutrophils / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / pathology
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • pegfilgrastim
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Filgrastim