Journal of Computer Science & Systems Biology

Review of Optimization Methods for Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment Planning

Abstract

Hoda Sbeity and Rafic Younes

Tumors in humans are believed to be caused by a sequence of genetic abnormality. Understanding these sequences is important for improving cancer treatments. Biologists have uncovered some of the most basic mechanisms by which normal stem cells develop into cancerous tumors. These biological theories can then be transformed into mathematical models. In this paper, we review the mathematical models applied to the optimal design of cancer chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy is a complex treatment mode that requires balancing the benefits of treating tumors with the adverse toxic side effects caused by the anti-cancer drugs. Some methods of computational optimization have proven useful in helping to strike the right balance. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the limitations of the existing theoretical research and provide several directions to improve research in optimizing chemotherapy treatment planning using real protocol treatments defined by the oncologist.