CAST algorithm optimizes HIV treatment to slash transmission cascades
New polynomial-time algorithm beats baselines on real HIV networks by 2√|P| approximation...
A new algorithm called Cascade-Aware Suppression of Transmission (CAST) is a polynomial-time approximation algorithm for strategically distributing antiretroviral therapy to virally unsuppressed individuals in HIV transmission networks. CAST achieves a 2√|P| approximation ratio by leveraging connections to the Minimum-k-Union problem and Hoeffding-style concentration bounds. Tested on real-world HIV networks, CAST outperforms standard public health and computer science baselines, and remains robust across diverse infectious disease networks and settings involving imperfect network data.
- CAST formally connects HIV resource allocation to the Minimum-k-Union problem, enabling a provable 2√|P| approximation ratio.
- Evaluated on real-world HIV networks, CAST outperforms both standard public health heuristics and CS baseline algorithms.
- Algorithm remains robust across different infectious diseases, edge probability settings, and when network data is imperfect.
Why It Matters
CAST gives health officials a mathematically rigorous tool to maximize HIV prevention under real-world budget constraints.