Cancer Cells (IMAGE) University of East Anglia Caption Cancer cells in vitro form networks like the one pictured here, in which cells not only compete for space and resources, but also cooperate by sharing diffusible growth factors. Cells that do not produce growth factors, however, can free-ride on the factors produced by their neighbours, forming clusters of non-cooperative cells (dark areas) that can lead to stable intra-tumor heterogeneity. This research shows how the dynamics of growth factor production in monolayers of cells can be understood using evolutionary game theory. Credit University of East Anglia Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.