A mathematical study published in the journal Mathematical Business may have just offered a possible solution to a long-standing mystery in melanoma treatment. This is a skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, the cells responsible for determining skin color, and it typically occurs due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light rays from the sun and tanning beds.
Although the condition is very treatable when discovered early, one mystery regarding melanoma therapy has stumped researchers for years. Studies have indicated that periodically halting the delivery of specific targeted drugs can restrain drug-resistant melanoma cells.
However, experiments with intermittent dosing have shown that, conversely, continuously treating melanoma generates better results. The recently published mathematical study has potentially solved this mystery by devising a strategy that involves starting with intense melanoma treatment before steadily reducing dosage, and finally stopping the treatment.
This strategy could help physicians address the drug resistance that has made targeted melanoma therapies ineffective for years. These therapies may be very effective at eliminating tumors with certain mutations, but the eventual emergence of treatment-resistant cells makes the treatment less effective over time and leads to disease progression.
Researchers used mathematics to try and find a treatment schedule that could enable successful tumor suppression and reduce the side effects associated with cancer treatment.
University of Texas at Arlington associate professor of mathematics Souvik Roy says that although oncology treatments traditionally follow fixed dosing schedules, past studies on colon and esophageal cancer conducted in his lab found that maintaining treatment with continuous adjustments to dosing was more effective at reducing therapy toxicity and controlling melanoma tumors.
He notes that cutting down on drug toxicity was particularly beneficial for patients and their families, as it would cut their out-of-pocket medical costs and lower overhead expenses in hospitals.
The intermittent therapy suggested by the recent mathematical study is based on the idea that drug-resistant melanoma tumors can develop a dependency on the targeted drugs. Consequently, the cells become less effective at propagating the cancer once they are deprived of the treatment.
Using a mathematical branch called optimal control theory, the researchers found that the most effective melanoma treatment involved a dosing pattern that started with full-dose drugs and tapered off to an intermittent dose before stopping treatment permanently.
According to the researchers, the idea is to aggressively hit the drug-resistant cells as early as possible, before slowing down treatment to prevent more drug-resistant cells from developing. This therapy design adapts to tumors and their neighboring cells as they evolve to ensure melanoma drugs are effective at every stage of treatment.
It would be interesting to hear what firms like Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI) think about using the approach suggested by this mathematical model in the way cancer immunotherapy is delivered.
About TinyGems
TinyGems is a specialized communications platform with a focus on innovative small-cap and mid-cap companies with bright futures and huge potential. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, TinyGems is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, TinyGems brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. TinyGems is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from TinyGems, text “Gems” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.TinyGems.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TinyGems website applicable to all content provided by TinyGems, wherever published or re-published: https://www.TinyGems.com/Disclaimer
TinyGems
Austin, Texas
www.TinyGems.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@TinyGems.com
TinyGems is powered by IBN
Beijing has revealed a plan to modernize the country’s coal industry over the next 5 years. Published…
A multi-institutional research team has published a paper that has increased hopes about the role…
Scientists at the University of Virginia have discovered that deadly brain tumors may be more susceptible…
Nagoya University researchers have discovered an ancient protein that occurs naturally in a wide variety…
AZIO AI is building an integrated technology infrastructure platform focused on AI data centers, enterprise…
Thermal coal imports into Asia have surged for the third consecutive month, backed by summer demand from…