Normal cell decline and inhibition in acute leukemia: a biomathematical modeling approach.

Biomathematical models describing acute leukemia are introduced. These models are used to show some of the possible ways in which the normal cell population declines in the presence of malignant cells in acute leukemia. They also described situations in which normal cell inhibition by the malignant clone contributes to and supports leukemic development. The progression of acute leukemia is quantified both analytically and numerically by considering the steady-state and dynamic properties of the models. The studies and investigations indicate that as long as malignant cells are present in acute leukemia, normal cell growth or regrowth capabilities will be very reduced and diminished. As biomedicine becomes more quantitative, studies that involve the employment and use of various mathematical methods and techniques also become more relevant. In this regard, the models could be useful in predicting the quantitative and qualitative behavior of cell population in certain acute leukemias as the search for more effective therapeutic strategies continues.