Modulated multiparametric phosphoflow cytometry in hematological malignancies: technology and clinical applications

The advent of modulated multiparameter phosphoflow cytometry allows insight into the complexity of signal transduction networks in distinct cell subsets within a complex tissue sample. The application of this technology to hematopoietic malignancies can reveal pathogenic signaling profiles in intact tumor cells. Here, we review recent studies demonstrating the advantages and utility of this technology to inform the biological characterization of tumor cells and its applications to clinical medicine and drug development. Further, we discuss standardization and quality control approaches necessary for the adoption of this technique into clinical flow cytometry laboratories.

Keywords: phosphoflow, multiparameter flow cytometry, diagnostic, signal transduction, biological characterization, standardization, leukemia, pharmacodynamics