GE Healthcare has introduced MultiOmyx, a new platform for diagnostics in cancer biology. The system can analyze tumor samples on single cell level by studying the expression of more than 175 different proteins and disease markers per cell. Multiple stains can be added to a tumor slice and tumor antibodies directed to proteins of interest can be measured and quantified by fluorescence. Because multiple stains and markers can be measured in a single test, you don’t have to worry about the amount of provided sample tissue. Clarient Diagnostic Services, Inc, a laboratory of GE Healthcare, is planning diagnostic tests for Hodgkin’s lymphoma on the new platform by July 2013.
Carrie Eglinton Manner, CEO of Clarient Diagnostic Services, is cited in the press release:
“MultiOmyx opens up new possibilities for cancer research and development of innovative cancer prognostics and differential diagnostics. Using a single slide saves time, uses significantly less tissue and provides a far more consistent result. Since different parts of a tumor sample can act differently and because less tissue is required, pathologists can access the most accurate and broad tumor analysis available, while eliminating today’s need to prioritize tests due to limited tissue availability.”
Every cell gets addressed on a digital map creating a graphic representation of protein expression in the tumor tissue. The data can be matched and compared with known protein expression profiles in other tumors to provide information on tumor characteristics and prognosis. Pathologists can use software to identify expression patterns and perform cluster analysis on protein profiles to identify correlations and understand tumor behavior.
Lawrence Weiss, MD, Medical Director of Clarient commented:
“In many instances, suspected Hodgkin lymphoma cases are not straightforward, and sample tissue size inadequacy issues further complicate the matter. Clarient utilized the innovative platform of MultiOmyx and developed a methodology to assess a set of markers on a single tissue section, identifying the level of expression of these markers on the very same cells, as opposed to working with serial sections which each contain different cells. In difficult to call diagnoses, MultiOmyx gives me great confidence in making the diagnosis and relieves me from the concern of running out of tissue. If I only have a small amount of tissue, I do not have to sacrifice or choose between important markers – I can assess them all.”
Press release: GE Healthcare Announces Commercial Availability of New Methodology That Provides a Cancer Profile on a Single Slide
More information: Clarient Diagnostic Services homepage…