Closed Loop Vaccination in Prostate Cancers: A Simulation-Based Approach

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a simulation-based approach for a closed-loop allogeneic whole-cell vaccination method applicable to prostate cancer immunotherapy. To this end, a controller design is required; therefore, this research utilizes Lyapunov's second method of stability. To achieve this objective, a novel mathematical model describing the progression of prostate cancer is employed. The model used in this study incorporates two inputs: the administration rates of allogeneic vaccination and secondary chemotherapy, respectively. Various conditions were examined across all simulations, including low and high initial doses, controlled versus open-loop vaccine administration, and the presence or absence of concomitant low-dose chemotherapy. The simulation results indicate that if only a low initial vaccine dose is administered, the tumor population increases gradually. In the absence of control, significantly higher initial doses are required. Conversely, with the closed-loop approach, complete remission can be achieved within 65 days using a low initial dose. Furthermore, if this regimen is supported by low-dose chemotherapy, the remission period decreases to 11 days.