CDS/CIMMS Lunchtime Seminar: Mathematical model that leads to novel strategies for support of the immune system for patients undergoing chemotherapy

Dr. Vered Rom-Kedar, Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel

We develop, in an axiomatic fashion, mathematical equations that describe the neutrophil dynamics after a chemotherapy treatment with various G-CSF support protocols (the majority of the white blood cells are neutrophils. G-CSF is a factor that may be injected to help patients produce more neutrophils). The resulting formulas are capable of better tailoring G-CSF treatments for a specific patient in a robust manner and are based upon easily obtained clinical prognostic variables. Our results clarify and revise the current American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations for G-CSF administration in neutropenia (dangerous drop in the neutrophil's level) following intensive chemotherapy regimens: a) We identify a group of patients that need new treatment strategies - we clearly show that G-CSF alone will not cure the neutropenia in such patients. b) We identify a second group of patients for which a change in the current standard protocol, to a protocol which is clinically available, may be critical for the success of the treatment of neutropenia by G-CSF injections. In view of this potential curative effect, we propose to compare between these G-CSF regimens within a framework of a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Joint work with Eliezer Shochat.