Lung Cancer Radiotherapy: Simulation and Analysis Based on a Multi-component Mathematical Model

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer has been one of the most deadly illnesses all over the world and radiotherapy can be an effective approach for treating lung cancer. Now, mathematical model has been extended to many biomedical fields to give a hand for analysis, evaluation, prediction and optimization. Methods: In this paper, we propose a multi-component mathematical model for simulating the lung cancer growth as well as radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer. The model is digitalized and coded for computer simulation and the model parameters are fitted with many research and clinical data to provide accordant results along with the growth of lung cancer cells in vitro. Results: Some typical radiotherapy plans such as stereotactic body radiotherapy, conventional fractional radiotherapy and accelerated hypo-fractionated radiotherapy are simulated, analyzed and discussed. The results show that our mathematical model can perform the basic work for analysis and evaluation of the radiotherapy plan. Conclusion: It will be expected that in the near future, mathematical model will be a valuable tool for optimization in personalized medical treatment.