ImpriMed Unveils Breakthrough Cell-Sizing Method for Feline Lymphoma Characterization
ImpriMed, a pioneering precision medicine startup dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment through artificial intelligence, has announced the publication of its groundbreaking research on a novel cell-sizing method for feline lymphomas. Published in Veterinary Sciences, this study marks a significant advancement in the diagnosis and prognosis of feline lymphomas, providing veterinarians with more accurate tools to improve treatment outcomes.
The study, titled "Prognostic Utility of the Flow Cytometry and Clonality Analysis Results for Feline Lymphomas,"introduces a flow cytometry-based approach that precisely categorizes feline lymphoma cells into small, medium, and large sizes, directly linking these categories to patient survival rates. The method has demonstrated an impressive 82-90% concordance with the gold standard of cytology, offering a reliable alternative for veterinary oncologists.
"We are thrilled to share our breakthrough findings with the veterinary community," said Sungwon Lim, CEO and co-founder of ImpriMed. "Our innovative cell-sizing method is a significant advancement in the fight against feline lymphomas, equipping veterinarians nationwide with enhanced tools for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of this challenging disease.”
Lymphoma is one of the most prevalent cancers in cats, accounting for nearly 30% of all feline cancers. Despite its commonality, the application of flow cytometry for lymphoma characterization in cats has been underexplored compared to its widespread use in dogs and humans. ImpriMed’s novel method leverages flow cytometry to assess neoplastic cells in cats across different size categories, a critical factor for accurate prognosis and informed treatment decisions.
Study Highlights
Objective: The study aimed to investigate the utility of flow cytometry and clonality analysis via PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) in characterizing feline lymphoma and predicting prognosis.
Method: Fine needle aspirates and/or blood samples from 438 feline patients were analyzed. Flow cytometry parameters, particularly forward scatter thresholds, were optimized to categorize cell sizes.
Results: The novel cell-sizing method showed 82% concordance with cytological sizing in a training set and 90% concordance in an independent test set. Expanded research revealed significant survival differences among cats with varying lymphoma cell sizes:
Small-cell lymphomas: Median survival time of 312 days
Medium-cell lymphomas: Median survival time of 189 days
Large-cell lymphomas: Median survival time of 81 days
The study further demonstrated that lymphoma subtypes defined by flow cytometry and PARR showed significant survival differences, highlighting the system's prognostic potential.
This breakthrough underscores ImpriMed’s commitment to addressing the unmet needs of feline cancer patients. Their innovative technique enhances the resolution of cell-sizing determinations, offering the most comprehensive evaluation of medium-cell survival rates to date. Moreover, ImpriMed’s research lays the groundwork for a forthcoming study on AI-driven prognostication for feline lymphoma, which aims to revolutionize predictive analytics for individualized patient treatment strategies.
For more information about ImpriMed and its innovative approaches to veterinary oncology, visit www.imprimed.com.