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Q J Med 1999; 92: 347-359
© 1999 Association of Physicians

Commentary

The relevance of non-linear mathematics (chaos theory) to the treatment of cancer, the role of the immune response and the potential for vaccines

A. Dalgleish

From the Departments of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Metabolic medicine, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK

Professor A. Dalgleish, Division of Oncology, The Medical School, St George's Hospital, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE

Non-linear mathematics or `chaos' theory was first applied in the prediction of complex systems such as the weather. Chaotic systems exhibit not only apparently random unpredictability, but also a degree of determinism, in that randomness remains confined within specific parameters. Biological systems manifest many of the features of chaotic systems, including the inherent repetition of self, fractal structure, and the existence of strange attractors. In this article, the interaction between a tumour and the immune system is examined with regard to the capacity for immunotherapy to influence these two complex systems beneficially. It is postulated that judicious immunization may lead to profound changes in the stability of this interaction, in the favour of the immune system's ability to recognize tumour cells.


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