170: Inside SITC 2025: How Multiplex IF Is Changing Cancer Care

Can spatial biology and multiplex immunofluorescence truly transform how we understand cancer?

I went live from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2025 — the 40th Anniversary Meeting to explore how spatial biology, multiplex IF, and digital pathology are coming together to redefine cancer diagnostics, research, and precision medicine.

This session kicked off a weekend of cutting-edge discussions with leaders from Hamamatsu (Booth 415) and Biocare Medical (Booth 717) — two companies helping laboratories around the world embrace digital transformation and spatial imaging in oncology.

🧠 Episode Highlights & Key Moments

0:00 — Introduction
I set the stage live from SITC 2025, explaining the goal of this series: to connect the science of multiplex imaging and spatial analysis with the practical needs of today’s cancer pathologists and researchers.

~1:00 — What Is Multiplex Immunofluorescence (IF)?
I explain how multiplex IF enables simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers and immune cell types within a single tumor sample — giving us an unprecedented look at the tumor microenvironment and how cells interact.

~2:30 — The Spatial Biology Revolution
We talk about spatial biology as the “next frontier” beyond traditional histopathology — visualizing not just what is on the slide, but where it happens.

~5:00 — Digital Pathology & AI Readiness
I discuss the importance of digital pathology systems for slide digitization and how AI-powered software is now helping identify biomarkers, quantify expression, and accelerate immunotherapy research.

~7:30 — Featured Booths at SITC 2025

• Hamamatsu (Booth 415): High-end slide scanners and digital imaging solutions empowering pathology labs toward digital readiness.
• Biocare Medical (Booth 717): Showcasing the ONCORE Pro X — an open slide stainer that automates multiplex IF, IHC, FISH, and ISH protocols, plus smart software for optimizing complex staining processes.

~9:00 — Real-World Impact
We walk through clinical case examples where multiplex IF data guides immunotherapy decisions — helping clinicians stratify patients and tailor treatments more precisely.

~12:00 — Getting Started
I share practical advice for researchers ready to adopt spatial biology or digital pathology, from workflow design to validation and staff training.

~15:00 — Audience Q&A
Live questions from the audience on implementation, data integration, and scaling multiplex workflows across research and clinical environments.

~20:00 — Future Directions
We look ahead to how machine learning and spatial data integration will shape the next decade of immuno-oncology, including new SITC workshops on AI-driven tissue profiling.

~24:00 — Wrap-Up & Takeaways
Key message: spatial biology is not just a trend — it’s the next layer of precision medicine. I invite everyone to visit Hamamatsu (Booth 415) and Biocare (Booth 717) and to stay tuned for the next livestream focused on multiplex IF in clinical settings.

Resources Mentioned

🔹 Hamamatsu Photonics (Booth 415)
High-performance digital slide scanners and imaging systems.
🌐 hamamatsu.com

🔹 Biocare Medical (Booth 717)
ONCORE Pro X — Open sli