Influence of tumours on normal cells and optimal chemotherapy regimens: the case of several drugs and toxicity constraints

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy with the application of several drugs is studied. The negative and inhibiting effect of the tumour on normal cells is taken into account. Under certain hypotheses, we determine the optimal regimen that minimizes the tumour burden at the end of a fixed period of therapy while maintaining several normal cell populations above prescribed levels. More precisely, it is demonstrated that the optimal drug administration corresponds to the strategy of intensive chemotherapy.

optimal chemotherapy regimen; influence of tumours on normal cells