Fractional-Order Mathematical Modeling of Breast Cancer: Comparing Adaptive Immune Responses and Estrogen Dynamics with Experimental Data

Breast cancer is a significant global health concern that requires innovative approaches to understand its behavior and improve treatment strategies. This paper introduces a new fractional-order mathematical model to explain the complex dynamics of breast cancer progression, including adaptive immune responses and estrogen dynamics. Utilizing Caputo fractional derivatives, our model reveals insights into the impact of fractional-order dynamics on cancer cell populations. Simulation results demonstrate a notable increase in cell populations with higher fractional orders, suggesting heightened aggressiveness, while lower orders correspond to subdued progression. Unlike traditional integer-order models, fractional-order derivatives offer a more nuanced depiction of nonlinear dynamics, crucial for capturing the complexities of cancer progression. Importantly, our findings underscore the potential clinical relevance of fractional-order models in informing personalized treatment strategies, particularly through the modulation of estrogen levels. By integrating treatment considerations, such as hormone therapy, our model holds promise for advancing precision medicine approaches tailored to individual patient characteristics.