ProMark: Lessons Learned in Launching a Prognostic Test Based on Tissue Image Analysis

Accuracy, reproducibility and predictive power are the main challenges of many diagnostic and prognostic tests. These factors are especially important for tests that involve complex sample preparation procedures and manual interpretation. Tests that fall into this category are those based on tissue, such as Her-2.

In this webinar, you will learn how Metamark Genetics developed a new prognostic test using image analysis for early stage prostate cancer based on tissue samples: ProMark. ProMark is a Multiplex Immunofluorescence application which automatically classifies tumor, and quantifies biomarker expression on a cell-by-cell basis within each Prostate Tumor gland. Learn from Dr. Thomas Nifong, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at Metamark Genetics, how the challenges of accuracy and reproducibility can be overcome through workflow automation and image analysis, resulting in prognostic tests of high predictive power.

The webinar concludes with how Definiens partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to help them develop new tissue-based prognostic and companion diagnostic tests and reduce their time to market.

Speakers

Thomas Nifong, M.D., Senior Vice President of Clinical Labs, Metamark Genetics

Thomas Nifong has extensive experience in molecular pathology, clinical laboratory medicine, and laboratory validation and management. Dr. Nifong received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. He then received an M.D. from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and completed his residency training in Clinical Pathology at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Nifong is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pathology and a Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the College of American Pathologists. His past research experience includes mathematical modeling of blood flow-related systems and collaboration with bioengineers and cardiothoracic surgeons at the Penn State artificial heart program, profiling the thrombotic complications of artificial organs in animal models.

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Thomas Colarusso, Vice President, Business Development Tissue Diagnostics, Definiens

Thomas Colarusso has more than 14 years of bio-analytical software and business development experience in the life sciences industry. In his time at Definiens, he has developed key relationships within the Pharmaceutical and medical research industry, helping companies to maximize their image analysis investment. He holds a B.S. degree in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire at Durham and has co-authored several medical journal articles.

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