In a galaxy far, far away … new worlds in cancer discovery

by Dan Dion, OICR

This image is part of our prostate cancer (PCa) Radiogenomics research project. It aims to find better ways to identify aggressive forms of the disease using both tissue samples and MRI scans. In this image, the green glow marks the cancer cells, reddish-pink shows immune cells, and blue highlights cell nuclei. The small area of yellow, in the top right, are red blood cells. These stains allow us to see how cancer cells interact with their surroundings, called the tumour microenvironment (TME), and how they may hide from the immune system or resist treatment. By mapping these cellular “neighbourhoods” and linking them to patient outcomes, our goal is to improve diagnosis, avoid unnecessary treatments, and discover new targets for therapy.

Artist statement

At just 0.6mm, this tiny collection of cells reveals a microscopic landscape of molecular diversity. This inner universe of cancer mirrors the complexity of outer space.

Tools and techniques used

Tissue microarrays (TMA) containing 0.6 mm cores were cut and a 5µm thin slice placed on a microscope slide. The slide was prepared for Bruker Spatial Nanostring GeoMx DSP (digital spatial profiling) using the standard protocol. This image is a scan from the GeoMx DSP. Adjustments were made to the sharpness, brightness, and contrast of the original image.

Credits

Dan Dion, Diagnostic Development, OICR on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Radiogenomics Multi-Institutional Research Team

Lead PI: Jane Bayani;
Co-PIs: Melanie Spears, Masoom Haider, David Berman, James Mainprize, Martin Yaffe, Lincoln Stein, Anne Martel, Lawernce Klotz;

Team Members: Louis Gasparaini, Megan Hopkins, Anna Lee, Angela De Luca, Sarah Barker, Julia Yerofeyeva, Robin Grainer, Hameed Abdulhamed, Bryan Luu, Paola Fauerbach.

InterConnections is supported by Illumina