Optimal screening schedules for prevention of metastatic cancer.
We develop methodological, mathematical, statistical, and computational approaches to constructing schedules of cancer screening that maximize the probability that by the time of primary tumor detection it has not yet metastasized. Solving this problem is based on a comprehensive mechanistic model of cancer progression. We apply the model with realistic parameters and the screening optimization methodology to mammographic screening for breast cancer within the American female population. We uncover some general patterns of optimal screening schedules. We show that optimization of screening regimens leads to a significant reduction in the probability of detecting breast cancer that has already disseminated.
Department of Mathematics, Idaho State University, 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8085, Pocatello, ID 83209-8085, USA. hanin@isu.edu
Leonid
L
Hanin
Lyudmila
L
Pavlova
D000465:Algorithms; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States