Computational tissue-based pathology

Download PDF

Scope of the method

The Method relates to

Human health

The Method is situated in

Basic Research
Education and training
Translational - Applied Research

Type of method

In vitro - Ex vivo

This method makes use of

Human derived cells / tissues / organs

Specify the type of cells/tissues/organs

Animal and human cell and tissues

Description

Method keywords

Histopathology
immunohistochemistry
Image analysis
Machine learning
Data analysis
Biomarker validation
Whole Slide Imaging
Tissue microarray
Cell block

Scientific area keywords

Oncology
Cell therapy
Computational pathology
Biomarkers

Method description

Integrated approach for the characterization,validation and monitoring of protein biomarkers in animal tissue samples as well as on human tissue samples. The ''cell-block'' technique allows the study of cell lines with the same approach. The methodology involves histological and standardized immunohistochemical techniques, whole slide scanning, dedicated image analysis developments, biostatistics and data mining.

Lab equipment

Automated microtome ;
Automated immunohistochemistry system ;
Automated tissue micro-arrayer ;
Whole slide scanner ;
Image analysis software packages.

Method status

Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

Standardized laboratory procedures and quality controls ensure reproducibility and traceability. Brightfield IHC has the advantage to preserve tissue morphology and thus antigen location at histological and cell levels. By simultaneously processing thousands of samples, the TMA technology allows standardized screening of protein expression using IHC and thus provides a very efficient way for biomarker validation. Slide scanning and image analysis enable archiving, sharing, quantitative staining characterization and colocalization analysis. Finally, data analysis enables biomarkers to be statistically validated and compared.

Challenges

Time consuming ;
Multidisciplinar expertise ;
Standardization requirement.

Modifications

In constant development of methods dedicated to new issues.

Future & Other applications

Immunology ;
Drug development (companion tests) ;
Animal health.

References, associated documents and other information

References

Cfr. associated document.

Associated documents

List of publications.pdf

Links

Quantitative image analysis
Tissue-based biomarker colocalization
DIAPath website

Other remarks

Method development is the result of a longstanding collaboration between the Pathology Department of the Erasme Hospital (Brussels) and the LISA (Laboratory of Image Synthesis and Analysis) of the Brussels School of Engineering (ULB).