Spread of cancer cells in tissues: modelling and simulation.

Continuing previous studies in which tumor diseases were interpreted as unstable control loops, the present paper tries to determine the spatial structure and the time behaviour of cell renewal systems. For this purpose a computer model for the two-dimensional cell space was developed, which is described by a set of specifications and growth statements. Selected case studies are then simulated by means of a digital computer (CYBER 76). The development of this model enables a deeper insight into the structure and function of disturbed cell renewal processes. Furthermore, it is possible with this computer model to simulate simple basic cases which, in reality, could hardly or not at all be tested.