Develops new histopathology techniques and image-processing tools to enable imaging pathology correlation analyses in cancer and other diseases.
The Biomarker Imaging Research Laboratory (BIRL) is a cutting-edge research facility that develops new histopathology techniques and image-processing tools to enable imaging pathology correlation analyses in cancer and other diseases. It is a core lab that provides services to internal and external academic and industry customers.
Key expertise areas are:
- Validation of imaging technologies through whole-mount histopathology serving as ground truth
- Precision diagnosis through spatial proteomics and biomarker multiplexing to support more informed cancer management
- Radiomic and AI-driven approaches linking microscopic and macroscopic tissue analysis for integrated disease characterization
Biomarker discovery: assay development, biomarker multiplexing (Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded /FFPE) using CellDIVE and/or PhenoCycler-Fusion platforms, machine learning (ML)-based algorithms for biomarker analysis (data analysis, subtyping, clustering, multiomic analysis).
Research pathology: Whole-mount and standard tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, staining optimization, frozen samples, slide digitization and microscopy for 1" x 3" to 5" x 7" sized slides in brightfield and fluorescence modes, biorepository and sample tracking, and storage.
Clinical trials support: Sample collection and storage, tissue-processing protocols (ultra-rapid and standard), clinical data collection, QA/QC, medical laboratory accreditation. Integrated with the Genomics Core Facility (Dr. Arun Seth, Sunnybrook Research Institute).
Correlative Radiomics: Whole-mount and standard image co-registration (MRI, mammography, tomosynthesis), segmentation and analysis, 2D and 3D volume rendering, cloud based digital pathology system (PathcoreFlow), feature extraction and analysis, multiomic data integration.
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Leica Cell DIVE Multiplex Imaging Solution | Cyclic immunofluorescence platform for biomarker multiplexing on Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. |
| Akoya Biosciences PhenoCycler-Fusion System | Biomarker multiplexing platform and imager. |
| Milestone Medical PATHOS Delta Hybrid Tissue Processor | Ultra-rapid tissue processor for whole-mount human tissue specimens. |
| Agilent Dako Autostainer | Immunohistochemistry automated tissue slide stainer. |
| Leica SM2500 Microtome with an SP2600 Ultramiller | Automated sledge microtome for large samples (up to 7” x 8”). |
| Ventana DISCOVERY automated slide preparation system | Immunohistochemistry (IHC)/in situ hybridization (ISH) providing the highest level of protocol flexibility for the most challenging assays and for rapid assay development. |
| Huron Digital Pathology TissueScope LE Scanner | Brightfield slide scanner for standard and whole mount tissue slides (up to 7” x 8”). Maximum resolution is 50X. |
| Huron Digital Pathology TissueScope iQ Slide Scanner | High-throughput scanner for standard and 2”x3” tissue slides, for scanning at a resolution of 10x, 20X and 40X. |
| MicroCT specimen imaging system | Micro-computed tomography system for CT imaging, volume reconstruction of small samples for the purpose of imaging-pathology correlation. System resolution is 100 µm. |
| Pathcore PathcoreFlow | Digital pathology management system, cloud-based annotation and collaboration tool for digital pathology and multiomic studies. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR)
- Unity Health Toronto
- University Health Network (UHN)