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

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

The hands-on workshop on tissue microarray (TMA) we are organizing, will focus on several aspects of the complete pipeline: project conception, strategic tissue selection, array construction, staining and high-resolution imaging. Emphasis will be placed on implementing best practices, maintaining rigorous quality control, and applying standardized protocols to ensure reproducible and reliable results.

The workshop will also explore cutting-edge advancements, focusing on how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be integrated for powerful image analysis and biomarker quantification. Designed for researchers, pathologists, and data scientists, the session bridges traditional histopathology with modern computational tools and enhance high-throughput analysis. The attendees will gain not only practical skills in TMA execution but also conceptual insights into how these technologies can accelerate diagnostics, translational research, and personalized medicine. Whether you're new to TMAs or seeking to integrate AI into your workflow, this workshop provides the tools to elevate your research.

Workshop PROGRAM

DAY 1 — OCTOBER 21st-2025

Project Design, Tissue Selection & TMA Construction

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

DAY 2 — October 22nd, 2025

Digital Pathology, AI Imaging & Data Reporting

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