Cancer Immunology: Capturing Immune Status in FFPE Sections

19 Oct 2014

This application note describes recent advances towards an integrated approach combining highly multiplexed labeling (up to 10 labels), automated staining, and imaging-based analysis to capture expression and contextual information, and data mining. An example study demonstrates the ability of PerkinElmer’s Vectra® multispectral imaging system and inForm data analysis software for the analysis of control (tonsil) and clinical breast cancer samples.

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Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Light MicroscopyLight microscopes or optical microscopes are used to visualize microscale objects under magnification, including cells, clinical specimens and materials. Lab equipment for light microscopy includes confocal microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, zoom and stereo microscopes. Microscope slides and imaging reagents are available for visualizing samples, as well as various microscope stages and incubators for large or temperature-sensitive samples. Find the best light microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.Cell ImagingCell imaging can be achieved using a number of techniques including confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and light sheet microscopy.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.
Cancer Immunology: Capturing Immune Status in FFPE Sections