Uncover All Hallmarks of Cancer with Multiplex Gene and Protein Assays Using Luminex Technology

Advances in cancer research have improved our understanding of the complex interactions between tumors, their microenvironment and the host immune response. The evolving research field of immuno-oncology focuses on an individual’s immune system as innovative treatment approaches to combat cancer. The goal of cancer immunotherapies is to initiate a self-sustaining cycle of cancer immunity, overcome tumor evasion mechanisms and promote conditions that favor immune protection. Immune checkpoint molecules have been identified as critical players in the regulation of NK cell- and T cell-mediated immune responses. Besides intact transmembrane proteins, soluble isoforms and variants of checkpoint molecules function as immune adjuvants or decoy receptors and may also influence efficacy of checkpoint modulator drugs. The systematic analysis of these soluble biomarkers and other key targets should help to shed light on all crucial features of cancer including the regulation of checkpoint pathways, tumor growth and metastasis to facilitate research for future immunotherapeutic treatments. Moreover, analyzing the protein cargo of cancer cell-derived exosomes and the levels of a broader set of immunomodulatory markers will allow researchers to further decipher the complex interplay of mediators implicated in cancer development and progression. 

This presentation will provide an understanding of Luminex xMAP-based multiplex immunoassay solutions (RUO) that enable the simultaneous detection of multiple soluble immune stimulatory and inhibitory factors, providing a more complete picture of cancer immunity in a blood sample, both on the transcript and protein level. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Outline immunoassay solutions to advance cancer research.

2. Discuss cancer-derived exosomes as novel class of biomarkers.

3. Break down immuno-monitoring approaches to characterize and understand key changes in the immune response to cancer.

4. Explain mRNA cancer biomarkers using Invitrogen™ QuantiGene™ Plex assays for multiplex, high-throughput gene expression analysis.

5. Explain protein cancer biomarkers using Invitrogen™ ProcartaPlex™ assays for multiplex protein analysis.