August 4, 2021 – Gaming technology has inspired a new virtual cancer tracker that developers Theia named after the Greek goddess of vision and clairvoyance.
Two-dimensional technology can already generate models from datasets of millions of cells. A pivot point for three-dimensional cancer modeling, however, will allow researchers to gain unprecedented insights, according to the developers, led by senior author Gregory Hannon, PhD, of the Cambridge Institute Cancer Research UK (CRUK) in the UK.
The 3D models will allow researchers to more closely monitor tumor development, cancer spread, and resistance to therapy, which could lead to better screening tools and treatments.
A 3D look at tumors
The Theia Tumortracker is an open source platform. Researchers from around the world can host interactive sessions at the same time to collaborate, analyze, process, and examine data sets.
Users can learn the basic toolkit in less than 30 minutes. The software is compatible with widely used and inexpensive virtual reality hardware.
Technologies like Theia will have a significant impact on biology, predict the developers, who have begun research into breast cancer in humans and mice.
With Theia, “users can literally get into the data,” they emphasize in their preprint study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Individual tumors can vary as each mass contains cells that form a unique spatial pattern. With this technology, users can research the properties of certain tumor cells in the context of this tumor environment, which is not visible with 2D modeling and has a profound influence on the course of the disease and possible treatment options.
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