An integrative model of cancer cell differentiation with immunotherapy

Phys Biol. 2021 Oct 28;18(6). doi: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac2e72.

Abstract

In order to improve cancer treatments, cancer cell differentiation and immunotherapy are the subjects of several studies in different branches of interdisciplinary sciences. In this work, we develop a new population model that integrates other complementary ones, thus emphasizing the relationship between cancer cells at different differentiation stages and the main immune system cells. For this new system, specific ranges were found where transdifferentiation of differentiated cancer cells can occur. In addition, a specific therapy against cancer stem cells was analysed by simulating cytotoxic cell vaccines. In reference to the latter, the different combinations of parameters that optimize it were studied.

Keywords: cancer cell differentiation; cancer immunotherapy; dynamical systems; mathematical modelling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells