Using VRML in a client-server architecture to visualise a simplified simulation model of tumor growth in vitro

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the impact that modern visualization Web-based 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 client-server architecture allowing real time surface and volume rendering using a standard Web browser 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.