Using mathematical models to estimate drug resistance and treatment efficacy via CT scan measurements of tumour volume

Abstract

A previously described mathematical model designed to evaluate resistance and tumour-kill for individual patients, and to predict changing tumour sizes, has been applied to patients with small cell lung cancer. The model requires tumour volume measurements, and these were obtained via computed tomography scans of the chest. The model fitted the data well, and was able to predict later tumour volumes using earlier ones, as well as suggesting times at which to change or abandon treatment for individual patients. The model gave estimates for resistance and tumour-kill which may provide additional useful outcome measures for clinical trials, and help in the design of future studies.