A mathematical model of the effector cell response to cancer

We develop a simple, experiment-based, mathematical model of the effector cell response to cancer. Our goal is to develop a model that could be used to predict and understand the factors that influence the outcome of an antitumor response. The model focuses on the progression of a tumor due to its growth rate, and the growth rate, carrying capacity, and cytolytic activity of the effector cells. In addition, the mathematical analysis may be extended to include the impact of immunosuppressive factors on the effector-cell/tumor-cell interaction or be used to quantify the extent of immunosuppression on the effector function. The model was tested using in vitro experimental data and found to predict cytolytic activity.