Welcome to Drug Development Program (DDP) Histology and Biomarker Laboratory

The Drug Development Program (DDP) Histology and Biomarker Laboratory is a research lab that provides biospecimen processing and performs automated slide-based biomarker methods (protein/RNA/DNA), implementing good clinical laboratory practices.

We offer specialized consultation and perform biomarker development and analyses within clinical study and research program protocols.

We have processed specimens for clinical trials conducted by the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Drug Development Program (DDP), the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC-CTG), industry-sponsored projects, and PI-directed projects.

Our Services

We have been providing services to the clinical trials and pre-clinical research community since 2006.

Our expertise is in biomarker selection, method development, optimization & standardization, and provision of quality consultation on biomarkers for clinical research protocols.

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We develop customized protocols for human and xenograft biospecimen processing for a variety of preparation methods including:

  • Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks
  • OCT embedded samples for microtome-cryostat
  • Unstained sections for slide-based assays, and
  • Histological evaluations.

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We perform biomarker assays including immunohistochemistry, FISH, mRNA ISH, and multiplex assays using a state-of-the-art clinical grade equivalent automated slide stainer system.

The slide autostainer system helps in providing high quality, reproducible staining essential for preclinical and clinical research using specimens from human and patient-derived tumor models including xenografts and organoids.

Our in-house expertise in using patient-derived tumor models (PDX, PDO) helps to identify biomarkers of drug response and pharmacodynamics effects of novel agents.

Our services include:

  • Biomarker discovery and validation in clinical and experimental settings.
  • Broad consultative knowledge across many different drug targets, pathways, and cancer types.
  • Partaking in coordinated multi-core services for projects requiring xenograft/organoid model systems (PMLB) and imaging cores (STTARR, AOMF).

Our Services

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We develop customized protocols for human and xenograft biospecimen processing for a variety of preparation methods including:

  • Formalin-fix
  • Paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks
  • OCT embedded samples for microtome-cryostat
  • Unstained sections for slide-based assays, and
  • Histological evaluations.

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TWe perform biomarker assays, including immunohistochemistry, FISH, mRNA ISH, and multiplex assays using a state-of-the-art clinical grade equivalent automated slide stainer system.

This helps in providing high quality, reproducible staining essential for preclinical and clinical research using specimens from human and patient-derived tumor models including xenografts and organoids.

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT

DISCOVERY ULTRA system (Roche Diagnostics)

Automated, flexible, high-throughput workflow supports multiple slide-based biomarker assays, including IHC, IF, ISH, SISH, and multiplexing capabilities.

DISCOVERY ULTRA system (Roche Diagnostics)

Cryostat (CM1950, Leica Biosystems Inc.)

Cutting of frozen specimen thin (microns) sections.

Cryostat (CM1950, Leica Biosystems Inc.)

Tissue-Tek VIP 5 Vacuum Infiltration Processor (Sakura Finetek USA, Inc.)

This system prepares the specimens for fixation, dehydration, clearing, and infiltration of paraffin.

Tissue-Tek VIP 5 Vacuum Infiltration Processor (Sakura Finetek USA, Inc.)

Tissue-Tek TEC 5 Tissue Embedding Console System (Sakura Finetek USA, Inc.)

This system supports the placement of specimens in a supporting medium mold, typically paraffin, to enable the cutting of thin sections using a microtome.

Tissue-Tek TEC 5 Tissue Embedding Console System (Sakura Finetek USA, Inc.)

Microtome (HM325, Microm, and RM2255, Leica)

Cutting of thin paraffin specimen layers, typically from 1 micron to 10 microns.

Microtome (HM325, Microm, and RM2255, Leica)

Automated coverslipping unit (RCM R655, Meisei Electric Co. Ltd.)

Slide preparation

Automated coverslipping unit (RCM R655, Meisei Electric Co. Ltd.)

Our Team

The Drug Development Program (DDP) Histology and Biomarker Laboratory is directed by Dr. Ming S Tsao (Senior Scientist and Pathologist, MD, FRCPC), with medical oncologist collaborators including Drs. Geoffrey Liu and from the Drug Development Program (DDP) Drs. Amit Oza and Lillian Siu.

This core facility is managed by Dr. Nhu-An Pham, who leads the business operations and scientific applications. She has over 20 years of experience in immuno-labeling and molecular probe methods in translational research using patient-derived cancer models and human specimens.

Contact Us

Drug Development Program (DDP) Histology and Biomarker Laboratory

Drug Development Program (DDP) Histology and Biomarker Laboratory is located at:
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
610 University Ave, 9-610
Toronto, Ontario

Contact
Dr. Nhu-An Pham
Scientific Manager- Drug Development Program (DDP) Biomarker Laboratory

Email
Nhu-An.Pham@uhnresearch.ca

Image credit: UHN Research STRiDE Team