A simplified simulation model and virtual reality visualization of tumour growth in vitro

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the impact that modern visualization techniques can have on the simulation of biological processes such as tumour growth. Therefore, a simplified three-dimensional cytokinetic simulation model of tumour growth in vitro has been developed. Results concerning the development of a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tumour spheroid in cell culture have been obtained and their behaviour has been compared with both published data and laboratory experience. A special visualization system allowing real time surface and volume rendering on inexpensive computer hardware has been proposed. Its application to the model has led to a spectacular three-dimensional visualization of both the external and the internal structure of a growing tumour spheroid. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.