Mathematical Models of Oncolytic Virotherapy Including Oxygen Dependent Phenotypic Adaptation

This project develops mathematical models to investigate how tumour heterogeneity and oxygen availability influence the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy (OVT). OVT employs genetically engineered viruses to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells, yet its therapeutic success is often hindered in hypoxic tumour regions, where low oxygen levels promote cellular adaptations that reduce viral replication and therapeutic response. The proposed models will integrate oxygen gradients and phenotypic diversity to elucidate their combined impact on viral dynamics and treatment outcomes. By quantitatively characterizing these interactions, this work aims to provide mechanistic insights that can inform the design of more robust oncolytic viruses and optimized combination therapies capable of overcoming the barriers imposed by hypoxic and heterogeneous tumour microenvironments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Thomas Hillen

Student:

Partner:

University of Oxford

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: