Patterns of cancer invasion revealed by QDs-based quantitative multiplexed imaging of tumor microenvironment

Tumor growth and progression depends on their microenvironment, which undergoes constant co-evolution because of the dynamic tumor-stormal interactions. Such co-evolution has long been under appreciated due to the lack of appropriate technology platforms to simultaneously reveal these complex interactions. Here we report on a quantum dots based multiplexed imaging and spectrum analysis technology to simultaneously study major components of tumor stroma, including type IV collagen, tumor angiogenesis, macrophages infiltration and tissue destructive proteolytic enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9. The new technology revealed a panoramic picture of the tempo-spatial co-evolution of tumor cells and their stroma at the architecture level. Four patterns of tumor invasion with distinctive co-evolution features were identified as Washing pattern, Ameba-like pattern, Polarity pattern and Linear pattern. This quantum dots based multiplexed technology could help gain new insight into the complex process of tumor invasion, and formulate new anti-cancer strategies.