Radiation protraction schedules for low-grade gliomas: a comparison between different mathematical models
I Budia1, A Alvarez-Arenas1, T E Woolley2
1Department of Mathematics and MôLAB-Mathematical Oncology Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|December 12, 2019
Summary
Optimizing radiotherapy (RT) for low-grade gliomas suggests that extending treatment time, known as extreme protraction, may improve tumor control and patient survival. This strategy focuses on the interval between RT sessions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- Low-grade gliomas require optimized treatment strategies.
- Radiotherapy (RT) is a key modality for glioma treatment.
- Tumor growth dynamics influence treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize radiotherapy administration for low-grade gliomas.
- To investigate the impact of different tumor growth laws on optimal RT strategies.
- To determine if extended treatment intervals enhance tumor control.
Main Methods:
- Modeling of tumor growth with and without spatial effects.
- Optimization of radiotherapy schedules to maximize patient survival time.
- Simulation of virtual patient treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- An 'extreme protraction' strategy, involving longer intervals between RT sessions, was identified as potentially optimal.
- This strategy may lead to improved tumor control compared to conventional schedules.
- Results were analyzed across various simulated tumor growth scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Extended time intervals between radiotherapy sessions (extreme protraction) can be a beneficial strategy for low-grade glioma treatment.
- The findings suggest a potential shift in clinical radiotherapy administration for these tumors.
- Further clinical investigation into protracted radiotherapy schedules is warranted.
