Multiplex immuno-oncology panel for standardized cancer profiling of the immune status based on the spatial and functional characterization in the tumor microenvironment
 
Ralf Huss
Definiens AG, Bernhard-Wicki-Str 5, Munich, Germany
 
The extraction of information and biological insights from tissue slides which consists of heterogeneous tumor and immune cells embedded in a special tumor environment (TME) requires expert insights and standardized image analysis methods. Expert knowledge-based image and also hypothesis free data analysis (artificial intelligence) in combination with standardized (immuno)assays is at the core of Definiens' Tissue Phenomics solution.  We developed a standardized multiplex chromogenic immunohistochemistry (mIHC) assay for cancer immuno-profiling (IO panel) together with next generation cognitive image mining and data analysis software for the real time analysis of huge multiplexed (big) data sets. The combined application of knowledge-based and hypothesis-free image mining allows also the study of functional interaction between the immune system and the individual cancer in different compartment.
This integrated approach enables the spatial analysis and aggregation of multiplexed information in complex and manifold tissue sections, the integration of genomic (e.g. mutational burden) and other omics data, the statistical analysis and evaluation combined with interactive data visualization and reporting to support better patient stratification towards different immunotherapies or their combinations.