Flow cytometric evaluation of biomarkers

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Clinical quantitative flow cytometry is a new technology that utilizes specialized antibody staining techniques and fluorescent standards to quantitate antigen expression by different cell populations within a sample. The Flow Cytometry Unit uses this technique to quantitate tumor cell antigen expression in patients undergoing various antigen directed therapies (e.g. therapeutic antibody, CAR T-cell therapy). The flow cytometric assays are rapid and very precise. This improves the ability of NCI investigators to monitor decrease or increase in antigen expression, as well as compare antibody binding to tumor cells to treatment response. Quantitation of fluorescent antibody binding immediately post therapy also allows precise determination of saturation of antigen sites with non labeled therapeutic antibody. Quantitation of antigens prior to, during and post therapy may provide insight into pathways disrupted by novel therapeutic agents. Antigen Quantitation is therefore a tremendous resource for NCI investigators that is not available at other institutions. Flow cytometric testing is also utilized to evaluate patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy at NCI. It plays a vital role in assessing response to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy by quantitating expansion of the therapeutic CAR T cells in the patient while at the same time monitoring the decrease in neoplastic cells. Additionally, the Flow Cytometry Unit also continues to support ongoing research in the CCR HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, including development of new biomarker assay, such as LANA1 flow cytometric assay, for evaluation of HHV8-associated B-cell lymphoma or lymphoproliferative disorders, and evaluation of potential therapeutic target, such as CD38, for primary effusion lymphoma.