Optimal treatment and stochastic modeling of heterogeneous tumors

Biol Direct. 2016 Aug 23;11(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s13062-016-0142-5.

Abstract

In this work we review past articles that have mathematically studied cancer heterogeneity and the impact of this heterogeneity on the structure of optimal therapy. We look at past works on modeling how heterogeneous tumors respond to radiotherapy, and take a particularly close look at how the optimal radiotherapy schedule is modified by the presence of heterogeneity. In addition, we review past works on the study of optimal chemotherapy when dealing with heterogeneous tumors.

Reviewers: This article was reviewed by Thomas McDonald, David Axelrod, and Leonid Hanin.

Keywords: Radiotherapy; Stochastic modeling; Tumor heterogeneity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Stochastic Processes