A Mathematical Perspective on the Influence of Allee Effects in Oncolytic Virotherapy.

Abstract

This article is concerned with the mathematical modeling of cancer virotherapy, emphasizing the impact of Allee effects on tumor cell growth. We propose a modeling framework that describes the complex interaction between tumor cells and oncolytic viruses. The efficacy of this therapy against cancer is mathematically investigated. The analysis involves linear and logistic growth scenarios coupled with different Allee effects, including weak, strong, and hyper Allee forms. Critical points are identified, and their existence and stability are analyzed using dynamical system theories and bifurcation techniques. Also, bifurcation diagrams and numerical simulations are utilized to verify and extend analytical results. It is observed that Allee effects significantly influence the stability of the system and the conditions necessary for tumor control and eradication.