Spatially-resolved, highly multiplexed, digital-characterization of protein distribution and abundance in tissue sections using optical barcoding

Precise information, derived from measurement of markers in cancer tissue, helps decide who will benefit from new and invariably expensive anti-cancer treatments. Cancers are not uniform; the amount and distribution of markers are important. Currently, testing cancers either disrupts the tissue giving accurate quantification of many markers, or retains structure but only looks at a few markers giving a subjective description including variability but only guessing quantity. This project represents a paradigm shift in how to use tissue for diagnosis and in predicting correct treatment. It combines the use of very high resolution microscopes to collect information from tissue; a brand new way of looking at many different markers simultaneously in a single tissue sample without destroying the tissue geography – each one uniquely labelled with its own optically readable barcode; computer analysis to accurately quantify precisely how much marker is present and where it is in relation to other markers; and state of the art statistical techniques to use all of the relevant information to derive the best information to guide diagnostic, treatment and prognostic information for individual patients. We will study kidney cancer because it is becoming commoner and new drugs are becoming available; current tests are inadequate.