A Discrete Variant Space Model of Cancer Evolution

© 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG. In this paper, we suggest a discrete variant space model of cancer evolution. The model is reasonably simple, deterministic, and is formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations. The model is based on the concept of “multi-strain modeling” (or quasi-species), which is successfully applied in modeling of the infectious disease dynamics and viral dynamics. The model constructed in this paper is mechanistic; that is, it is based upon a set of explicitly stated assumptions and hypothesis (“the first principles”). This implies that model’s parameters, as well as results obtained, can be immediately interpreted, and that a further model development, e.g., incorporation into the model factors such as anticancer therapies, immune response, etc., is a reasonably straightforward procedure. To illustrate this model applicability, results of numerical simulations, as well as their biological interpretations, are provided.