Follow a complete high-plex spatial proteomics workflow on archival FFPE tumour tissue, from marker-panel design to cell phenotyping, with a prostate cancer case study from the University of Surrey.
Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour samples hold years of clinical history, but conventional profiling loses where cells sit in relation to each other. In the tumour microenvironment, where cells sit in relation to each other is part of the biology. High-plex spatial proteomics keeps that information, but turning the resulting high-dimensional data into a biological hypothesis is where many projects stall.
In this webinar, Dr Nicola Annels and James Thetford from the University of Surrey walk through an end-to-end spatial proteomics workflow on the MACSima Platform, step by step: marker-panel design, cyclic imaging, image quality control, cell segmentation and hierarchical phenotyping that separates tumour, stromal and immune compartments and identifies the major immune-cell subsets.
The case study is James Thetford’s PhD research into why prostate cancer outcomes differ between men of different ethnic and ancestral groups, and which features of the tumour microenvironment might contribute. It shows how tissue architecture, cellular composition, phenotypic states and spatial patterns can be analysed step by step to compare groups of patients, using a workflow that can be applied to archival FFPE tissue from other tumour types.
Attendees will also get practical guidance on designing spatial studies, interpreting the data, visualising high-dimensional results clearly and forming testable hypotheses from discovery data.
Access the free webinar by registering for a membership or logging into your account.
What will you learn?
- Why spatial context matters when studying the tumour microenvironment, and what conventional profiling misses
- How to run an end-to-end spatial proteomics workflow on FFPE tissue, from marker-panel design to cyclic imaging, quality control and cell phenotyping
- How hierarchical classification separates tumour, stromal and immune compartments and identifies major immune-cell subsets
- How to compare cellular composition, phenotypic states and spatial patterns between patient groups, using the prostate cancer case study
- Practical ways to visualise high-dimensional spatial data and turn discovery findings into testable hypotheses
- Put your questions to the speakers in a live Q&A
Who should attend?
Scientists working on the tumour microenvironment, immuno-oncology, spatial biology, pathology and translational cancer research, whatever the tumour type. It will be particularly useful to anyone working with archival FFPE tissue or antibody-based spatial profiling, and to pathology and imaging specialists who want to see a complete workflow rather than a single step.
MEET THE EXPERTS
Dr Nicola Annels | Senior Research Fellow, University of Surrey
Dr Nicola Annels is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Surrey. Her research focuses on translational cancer biology and the tumour immune microenvironment, with a particular interest in applying advanced tissue profiling approaches to clinically relevant research questions.
James Thetford | PhD Student, University of Surrey
James Thetford is a PhD student at the University of Surrey investigating biological factors that may contribute to ethnic disparities in prostate cancer. His research integrates patient genetic ancestry, tumour microbiome profiling and characterisation of the tumour immune microenvironment, including high-plex spatial proteomics.
Is the webinar free?
Yes – there is no charge to watch the webinar, either live or on-demand.
When will the webinar take place?
The webinar will be taking place on October 28th 2026
Can I watch it later?
The webinar will become available to watch on-demand shortly after the live webinar takes place.
What are the benefits of attending live?
You’ll be able to ask the speakers your questions, which will be answered live in the Q&A towards the end of the session.
How long will the webinar be?
This webinar will last up to an hour.
What do I need to watch this webinar?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. We recommend using headphones if possible if you’re in an office environment.
