Realizing the Translational Potential of Telomere Length Variation as a Tissue-Based Prognostic Marker for Prostate Cancer
Abstract
We are testing, in prospective studies from Hopkins (Brady) and Harvard (PHS, HPFS), whether the combination of telomere length variability in prostate cancer cells and short telomere length in cancer-associated stromal cells is an independent prognostic indicator of poor prostate cancer outcome. We are automating the method for measuring telomere length and will seek optimal prognostic cutpoints. In Year 1, Hopkins purchased a fluorescence slide scanner and image analysis software using donor funds. In Year 2, we submitted a revised SOW and budget for the use of this scanner/software for telomere length determination for this project. Approval was received in 7/2014. We hired and trained a dedicated technician to support the automation/optimization. We developed optimized protocols for fully automated slide scanning and multi-channel acquisition of fluorescent images. Further, we used the image analysis software to automate the segmentation of individual cell nuclei and telomere FISH signals. We showed that telomeres from each individual cell can be extracted using a dot detection algorithm. We have confirmed that a tissue microarray format may be utilized with this approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA613262
Entities
People
- Elizabeth A Platz
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University