Science & Innovation

Basic research brings new tools to the dermatopathologist’s arsenal at an increasing pace. At DLCS, we’re adding as they become effective and reliable. We’ve brought a translational scientist on board to bring technologies from the “bench to the bedside” and ensure we have the cutting edge tools and information available.

Molecular pathology is bringing us closer to the era of “personalized medicine”, in which systematic use of molecular information about the individual and their disease is used to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. DLCS pathologists continuously upgrade protein and gene biomarkers as discoveries become available and effective.

• Protein biomarkers. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders. The battery of antibodies not only continually expands, but becomes more refined to improve diagnosis through combinations of markers. The “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” applies here, and leads to improved outcomes and cost containment through efficient utilization of markers.
• Gone FISHing. Genetic analysis is being rapidly adopted by clinical pathology. DLCS is incorporating these advances as they prove efficacious. Via NeoGenomics Laboratories, we’ve added a Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test for changes in gene copy numbers in melanoma. For the few, but significant cases that are difficult to diagnose, FISH can make the difference.
• On the forefront of discovery. In June 2010, Wright State University Center for Genomic Research (CGR) partnered with DLCS for CGR to acquire an array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) lab for melanoma research and development. Both CGR and DLCS scientists will be trained in the state-of-the-art facility. DLCS’ extensive melanoma repository provides the tissue for this collaboration for refinement and discovery of gene probes for diagnosis and staging of melanoma, while scientists from both institutions acquire and analyze the data. The project is possible through a competitive award funded by the State of Ohio’s Third Frontier program.