Affects of Surface Detection on Shape and Growth of Model Tumor Spheroids

This report discusses the cross-section shapes and growth curves created by different proliferation algorithms in an in silico model of in vitro multicellular tumor spheroid growth (MTS). The in vitro MTS system is a model of in vivo tumor growth. The in silico model described herein represents aspects of MTS growth, including its layered structure and growth patterns. An exploration of four algorithms designed to mimic different kinds of cellular proliferation demonstrates that different proliferation algorithms will create distinctly dissimilar cross section shapes and growth curves. Algorithms that minimize surface irregularity and area are the most likely to produce simulated MTS that achieve and maintain a constant size.