Analysis and 3D reconstruction of heterogeneity in malignant brain tumors: an interdisciplinary case study using a novel computational visualization approach.
OBJECTIVE
To explore how a multidisciplinary approach, combining modern visualization and image processing techniques with innovative experimental studies, can augment the understanding of tumor development.


METHODS
We analyzed histologic sections of a microscopic brain tumor and reconstructed these slices into a 3D representation. We processed these slices to: (1) identify tumor boundaries, (2) isolate proliferating tumor cells, and (3) segment the tumor into regions based on the density of proliferating cells. We then reconstructed the 3D shape of the tumor using a constrained deformable surface approach.


RESULTS
This novel method allows the analyst to (1) see specific properties of histologic slices in the 3D environment with animation, (2) switch 2D "views" dynamically, and (3) see relationships between the 3D structure and structure on a plane.


CONCLUSIONS
Using this method to analyze a specific "case," we were also able to shed light on the limitations of a widely held assumption about the shape of expanding microscopic solid tumors as well as find more indications that such tumors behave as adaptive biosystems. Implications of these case study results, as well as future applications of the method for tumor biology research, are discussed.
Mojsilovic
Aleksandra
A
IBM TJ Watson Research Center, Hawthorne, New York 10532, USA. aleksand@us.ibm.com
Rogowitz
Bernice
B
Gomes
Jose
J
Deisboeck
Thomas S
TS
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008954:Models, Biological; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal