Oxford Professor uses mathematical modeling for cancer therapy

Philip Maini, a Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford, is utilizing mathematical modeling to advance anti-tumor therapies. By applying mathematics to living systems, Maini aims to gain biological insights that can lead to more effective medical treatments.

His research involves developing models for angiogenesis, oxygen delivery, and cell growth, which are currently undergoing experimental validation. The goal is to create a predictive tool capable of determining the optimal chemotherapy or radiotherapy protocols for individual patients.

Maini’s work specifically focuses on adaptive therapy. This approach treats tumors as ecosystems composed of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells. He notes that traditional therapies often fail because they inadvertently select for resistant cancer cells by attempting to wipe out all tumor cells at once. Instead, his models explore how managing the competition between cell types can improve patient outcomes.