Simulation of tumor density evolution upon chemotherapy alone or combined with a treatment to reduce lactate levels

Abstract

In this study, we introduced a mathematical model mimicking as much as possible the evolutions and interactions between glioma and lactate in the brain, in order to test different therapies and administration protocols. We simulated both glioma cell density evolution and lactate concentration, and considered two therapies: chemotherapy and a treatment targeting lactate production. Three different protocols for administrating the therapies were tested. We compared the efficiency of the combined therapies, depending on the administration protocols and the dosage of the drugs, in order to evaluate the importance of controlling lactate production. Results show that the use of an agent to reduce lactate concentration permits one to significantly reduce the dose of the chemotherapeutic drug.

Keywords

• lactate
• glioma
• chemotherapy
• modelling
• simulations
• optimal control