CYTO 2025: Opening and State-of-the-Art Lecture

John Nolan, PhD - The State of the Art of Quantitative Cytometry
Cytometry, by its name and nature, is a quantitative endeavor. It came into being from a need to measure individual cells and systems of cells, and throughout its development biological questions have driven steady and significant progress in the effort to measure “how much”? Today, we understand cytometry instruments, reagents, and assays well enough to design and execute complex, quantitative assays whose measurements can be reproduced with precision across instruments and between labs. The benefits and effects of this ability are most evident in clinical applications, where impact is high and rigor and reproducibility are not optional. I will review the current state of the art in quantitative single cell measurements, highlighting key historical milestones, and describe the frontiers of the field in the context of advanced cell therapies that are driving technology development. I will also discuss how practicing quantitative cytometry in the research realm can significantly increase the interpretability, reproducibility, and value of data produced in academic and industry labs and speed the translation of basic research into knowledge that can improve life.

Joe Gray, PhD - Rethinking Precision Cancer Treatment for Advanced Cancers
A Systems Biomedicine Approach This presentation will outline the key lessons learned from the Serial Measurements of Molecular and Architectural Responses to Treatment (SMMART) program, developed at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University. The program aims to enhance outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer by utilizing imaging and omic analysis technologies to identify tumor vulnerabilities. This information is then used to develop targeted therapies that address these vulnerabilities and adapt treatment as tumors evolve. The presentation will cover selected biological and clinical findings, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the SMMART approach, and propose a new systems biology treatment strategy. This strategy aims to improve patient outcomes by optimizing various aspects of both the tumor microenvironment and macroenvironment to exert a strong antitumor effect.

Stephanie Pasas-Farmer, PhD - From Pixels to Pills: AI-Driven Innovations in Medical Imaging for Drug Development
Understand the basics of AI and its significant impact on medical imaging. Examine various AI-enabled imaging tools used in drug development, the challenges encountered, and practical solutions for effective implementation.

CMLE Credit: 1.0