Agent-Based Model (ABM)

Definition: A computer simulation where each cell is an “agent” that follows its own rules.
Example in context: In a tumor simulation, each cell might grow or die based on interactions with its neighbors.

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Chaos Theory & Nonlinear Dynamics

Definition:

Chaos Theory: Studies systems that seem random but follow hidden patterns.

Nonlinear Dynamics: Describes systems where small inputs can cause large changes.

Example in context: Tumor growth can be unpredictable; these concepts help model such complexity.

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Differential Equations

Definition: Equations that describe how something changes over time.
Example in context: Used to model how a tumor’s size changes daily during treatment.

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Game Theory

Definition:Analyzes interactions between different "players" (e.g., cancer cells, immune system) to find optimal strategies.

Example: Modeling the battle between cancer cells evading the immune system and treatments aiming to boost immunity.

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Hierarchical Modeling

Definition: A layered model that captures differences across individuals or experiments.
Example in context: Models that include variation between patients in a clinical trial.

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Hybrid Modeling

Definition: Combines biology-based models with machine learning.
Example in context: A hybrid model might use known tumor biology with AI to improve treatment predictions.

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Mechanistic Model

Definition: A model based on real biological and physical rules.
Example in context: Includes how oxygen or nutrients affect tumor cell behavior.

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Model Calibration

Definition: Adjusting a model so it fits real-world data.
Example in context: Tuning model settings so predicted tumor growth matches lab results.

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Model Parameters

Definition: Values that control how a model behaves (e.g., growth rate).
Example in context: A fast-dividing tumor might have a high cell division rate as a parameter.

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Parameter Estimation

Definition: Finding the best values for model parameters using data.
Example in context: Using patient scans to estimate how quickly a tumor grows.

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Stochastic Modeling

Definition: Incorporates randomness into models to account for uncertainty in outcomes.

Example:Predicting tumor growth where the exact outcome varies due to random factors like mutation rates.

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Translational Technology

Definition: Research tools or methods adapted for real-world medical use.
Example in context: A new lab technique for analyzing tumor cells used to guide hospital treatments.