Delay dynamics of cancer and immune cell model

Abstract

We investigate optimal control of a cancer-immune cell interactive model with delay in the interphase compartment. By applying the optimal control theory, we seek to minimize the cost associated with the chemotherapy drug, minimize the accumulation of cancer cells, and increase the immune cell presence. Optimality conditions and characterization of the control are provided. Numerical analyses are given to enhance the understanding of the difficulties that occur in the control of cancer. © 2012 EDP Sciences.