Math and Medicine: Homework Assignment Week 13
Due on April 16
1. Remember the method of integrating factors we developed for the multi-stage carcinoma
models?
a. Use it to solve the y equations in the Michor model. Do all cell populations all really
grow at the same rate?
b. Can you think of any mechanism you could add to the equations for which the stem
cells would grow at faster rate than the progenitor cells? Would such a thing be useful
for treatment?
c. Extra Credit: Try the integrating factor method on the z equations.
2. All the programs we tried out in class are in the CML folder in the usual spot. Remind
yourself of what all the parameters are.
a. Reproduce the graphs in the Michor paper and explain what happens as you change
tbefore, tafter and tint.
b. Choose one of the parameters that you think is interesting, and slowly modify it. Explain your results in terms which a patient could understand.