Time delays in proliferation and apoptosis for solid avascular tumour
Volume 63 / 2003
Banach Center Publications 63 (2003), 187-196
MSC: 35K57, 62P10, 93A30
DOI: 10.4064/bc63-0-7
Abstract
The role of time delays in solid avascular tumour growth is considered. The model is formulated in terms of a reaction-diffusion equation and mass conservation law. Two main processes are taken into account—proliferation and apoptosis. We introduce time delay first in underlying apoptosis only and then in both processes. In the absence of necrosis the model reduces to one ordinary differential equation with one discrete delay which describes the changes of tumour radius. Basic properties of the model depending on the magnitude of delay are studied. Nonnegativity of solutions is investigated. Steady state and the Hopf bifurcation analysis are presented. The results are illustrated by computer simulations.