"Mastering Tissue Microarray: From Project Design to AI-Powered Analysis"

Mastering Tissue Microarray: From Project Design to AI-Powered Analysis offers an in-depth exploration of the tissue microarray (TMA) methodology, guiding readers through each stage of the process—from initial project design and tissue selection to array construction, staining, and high-resolution imaging. The book emphasizes best practices, quality control measures, and standardized protocols to ensure robust and reproducible results. A key feature of the text is its focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for advanced image analysis and biomarker quantification. This comprehensive resource bridges traditional histopathology with modern computational tools, enabling high-throughput analysis and accelerating translational research. Designed for biomedical researchers, pathologists, and data scientists, this volume serves as both a practical manual and a conceptual guide for leveraging TMA technology in diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and personalized medicine.

09:00 – 09:30Welcome & Course OverviewIntroduction to TMA technology, workshop goals, and participant expectations.09:30 – 10:15Session 1 – Designing a TMA Project

• Study objectives (biomarker discovery, validation, clinical trials, etc.)
• Disease/tumor focus and addressing heterogeneity
• Determining the number and size of cores

10:15 – 11:00Session 2 – Selecting Donor Blocks and Regions of Interest

• Criteria for selecting FFPE blocks
• Pathological and molecular considerations
• Using visual imaging & digital pathology to identify target areas

11:00 – 11:15Coffee Break11:15 – 12:15Session 3 – Validated Antibodies and Detection Strategies

• Antibody validation: criteria and databases
• Monoclonal vs polyclonal, IHC vs IF
• Multiplexing considerations

12:15 – 13:15Lunch Break13:15 – 14:30Session 4 – TMA Construction Techniques

• Manual, semi-automated, and fully automated arrayers
• Practical pros and cons of each method
• Demonstration of instrument types

14:30 – 16:00Hands-On Lab 1 – Manual & Automated Core Extraction and Block Construction

• Participants practice on sample blocks
• Group rotation through instruments

16:00 – 16:45Session 5 – Quality Control in TMA Construction

• Orientation, paraffin integrity, spacing, labeling
• How to handle damaged or missing cores

16:45 – 17:00Wrap-Up & Q&A

09:00 – 10:00Session 6 – De-Arraying and Digital Scanning

• Slide scanning options (brightfield, fluorescence)
• Spot recognition software and de-array tools
• Organizing metadata and core positions

10:00 – 11:00Session 7 – AI & Image Analysis in TMA

• Using AI to quantify IHC/IF staining
• Tumor compartment segmentation
• Interpreting spatial expression patterns

11:00 – 11:15Coffee Break11:15 – 12:30Hands-On Lab 2 – Spot Analysis and AI Quantification

• Working with real datasets
• Analysis using selected software (e.g. Visiopharm, HALO, QuPath)

12:30 – 13:30Lunch Break13:30 – 14:30Session 8 – Data Integration and Reporting

• Exporting analysis data
• Integrating pathology and molecular data
• Building a TMA project report for publication or regulatory use

14:30 – 15:15Session 9 – Advanced Topics: Fluorescence, Multiplexing, and Spatial Omics

• Advanced staining methods
• Overview of spatial transcriptomics & proteomics on TMA slides

15:15 – 16:00Case Studies & Group Discussion

• Review of participant questions and real-life TMA projects
• Interactive discussion on challenges and solutions

16:00 – 16:30Final Q&A and Certificate Ceremony

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

CIC Philadelphia, 3675 Market Street, Philadelphia, United States