Controlling resistance evolution in cancer gene therapy
Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
We have developed a multi-state ordinary differential equation model
representing the dynamics of cancerous cell populations under conditions consistent
with the gene therapy technique proposed by Martinez-Quintanilla et al. The model is
based on a variation of the Lotka-Volterra equations, a method to illustrate multiple
species’ competition to utilize a scarce resource. This system allows for investigation
of the effectiveness of proposed anti-cancer gene therapy methods, including the
response to selective pressures resulting from drug treatments. In this thesis, we
observe the stability of the system via bifurcation analysis; highlight the importance of
delivery method of drug-susceptibility genes; finally, propose a control method to
optimize treatment effectiveness.