Prediction of treatment efficacy for prostate cancer using a mathematical model

Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 12:6:21599. doi: 10.1038/srep21599.

Abstract

Prostate immune system plays a critical role in the regulation of prostate cancer development regarding androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) and/or immunotherapy (vaccination). In this study, we developed a mathematical model to explore the interactions between prostate tumor and immune microenvironment. This model was used to predict treatment outcomes for prostate cancer with ADT, vaccination, Treg depletion and/or IL-2 neutralization. Animal data were used to guide construction, parameter selection, and validation of our model. Our analysis shows that Treg depletion and/or IL-2 neutralization can effectively improve the treatment efficacy of combined therapy with ADT and vaccination. Treg depletion has a higher synergetic effect than that from IL-2 neutralization. This study highlights a potential therapeutic strategy in effectively managing prostate tumor growth and provides a framework of systems biology approach in studying tumor-related immune mechanism and consequent selection of therapeutic regimens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Orchiectomy
  • Prognosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Microenvironment*
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Interleukin-2