Analysis of human tumors by laser scanning cytometry

Publisher Summary The laser scanning cytometer (LSC) is a microscope-based cytofluorometer that combines advantages of flow cytometry and image analysis. Fluorescence of individual cells is measured rapidly by LSC, with sensitivity and accuracy comparable to that of flow cytometry (FC). The unique feature of LSC, which distinguishes it from FC, is that the specimen is interrogated by a single or two laser beams while located on a microscope slide rather than in suspension. Several attributes can be measured and recorded by LSC for each analyzed cell in a given cellular specimen: (1) the integrated fluorescence intensity over the integration contour at a given wavelength band, (2) the value of maximal pixel within the measured area, and (3) the perimeter of the contour. This chapter focuses on the clinical applications of LSC for tumor analysis. Several analytical methods, frequently used in FC for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, have been adapted to LSC and are presented in the chapter. The analytical power of LSC combined with its unique advantages, in particular to correlate measurements with visual examination of the corresponding cell, are of special value for pathologists.