Re: Simulation analysis for tumor radiotherapy based on three‐component mathematical models

Dear Editor, We were excited to read the recent article by Hong & Zhang “Simulation analysis for tumor radiotherapy based on three‐component mathematical models”. This is a topic that deserves much attention, as mathematical predictions of treatment response may ultimately help personalize radiation dose and dose fractionation. Hong & Zhang conclude from simulation results of their model four findings: (a) that a three‐compartment model impacts radiotherapy efficacy and that three factors influence the outcome of simulated radiotherapy: (b) the proportion of quiescent tumor cells, (c) radiation dose per fraction, and (d) radiosensitivity in the form of the α/β ratio. Although intuitive and well‐supported by literature, we found that none of these conclusions were warranted by the presented results and analyses. In fact, we would like to point out selected discrepancies and inaccuracies with regards to these specific claims, in addition to several discrepancies in the mathematical formulation of their model.