Optimal sampling times in population pharmacokinetic studies

We propose a simulation-based approach to decision theoretic Bayesian optim al design. The underlying probability model is a population pharmacokinetic model which allows for correlated responses (drug concentrations) and pati ent-to-patient heterogeneity. We consider the problem of choosing sampling times for the anticancer agent paclitaxel, using criteria related to the to tal area under the curve, the time above a critical threshold and the sampl ing cost.