# The dose-dense principle in chemotherapy

## TL;DR

This paper uses mathematical analysis to determine the optimal timing between chemotherapy cycles, supporting dose-dense protocols for improved cancer treatment effectiveness.

## Contribution

It derives a mathematical equation linking tumor kinetics and treatment variables to the maximum effective interval between chemotherapy cycles.

## Key findings

- Maximum interval between cycles for effectiveness identified
- Mathematical model supports dose-dense chemotherapy protocols
- Discussion of limitations and alternatives to dose-dense protocols

## Abstract

Chemotherapy is a class of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. A typical chemotherapeutic protocol consists of several drugs delivered in cycles of three weeks. We present mathematical analyses demonstrating the existence of a maximum time between cycles of chemotherapy for a protocol to be effective. A mathematical equation is derived, which relates such a maximum time with the variables that govern the kinetics of the tumor and those characterizing the chemotherapeutic treatment. Our results suggest that there are compelling arguments supporting the use of dose-dense protocols. Finally, we discuss the limitations of these protocols and suggest an alternative.