Optimal control applications in the chemotherapy of multiple myeloma.

There is an increasing interest in the use of therapeutic devices which deliver chemotherapeutic agents in a continuous manner. In this paper the Gompertz model of cancer growth with a loss term depending on a cancer chemotherapeutic agent is applied to human multiple myeloma. Three different performance criteria are introduced which measure the influence of the anti-cancer drug in driving the tumor population level to a desired target level. Engineering optimal control theory is used to produce expressions for the continuous-time optimal control. A comparison is made between the natures of the controller for the three problems considered. Parameter values used in the models are based on patient data. Results of the present study may be useful in the construction of algorithms for use with drug delivery devices that incorporate a microprocessor. Use of such devices may be useful in improving the treatment schedules and treatment outcome of cancer patients.