A MODEL AT THE MACROSCOPIC SCALE OF PROSTATE TUMOR GROWTH UNDER INTERMITTENT ANDROGEN SUPPRESSION

Abstract

The relapse of tumor is a crucial problem in hormonal therapy of prostate cancer. The so-called androgen-independent cells are considered to be responsible for such a recurrence. These cells are not sensitive to androgen suppression but rather apt to proliferate even in an androgen-poor environment. Bruchovsky et al. in their experimental and clinical studies suggested that intermittent androgen suppression may delay or prevent the relapse when compared with continuous androgen suppression. This paper proposes a model at the macroscopic scale of prostate tumor growth under intermittent androgen suppression. Qualitative analysis shows that the tumor relapse cannot be avoided under continuous androgen suppression for typical parameter values. Numerical simulation supports the above-mentioned experimental and clinical suggestion, and implies an optimal medication scheme of intermittent androgen suppression therapy.