Mathematical Oncology: Developing Multiscale Tools to Support Tumour Treatment

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite decades of research, controlling or
eradicating advanced forms of the disease continues to be a challenge. Mathematical modeling offers a
powerful tool for cancer research, enabling the exploration of complex processes and ”what-if” scenarios
that may be inaccessible through traditional experimental or clinical methods. This mini-course will in-
troduce participants to key mathematical modeling techniques used in cancer studies, emphasizing the
multi-scale nature of cancer progression. We will explore models that simulate treatment effects across
various biological levels—from intracellular interactions to tissue and whole-body responses, showing
how mathematical models can provide quantitative insights, guide experimental design, and help distin-
guish competing hypotheses, ultimately supporting the development of innovative cancer therapies.