Concepts in Cytometry
The goal of this forum is to advance the scientific discussion on the potential of cytometry in basic as well as in clinical research with regard to predictive medicine, biomolecular diagnostics and consensus dvelopment at an interdisciplinary level.
Diseases are caused by biochemical changes in cellular systems or organs. The measurement of disease processes by cytometric methods occurs at the spot of disease action and should therefore greatly enhance the possibilities for the determination of molecular diagnosis, prediction of disease course and therapeutic progress.
Clinical cytometry addresses at present preferentially the immunological and hematological field with cellular immunephenotyping as a major methodology e.g. in leukemia classification, transplantation (hematopoietic stem cells, renal etc) or HIV infection monitoring.
Multiparameter measurements of cell functions in conjunction with antibody binding and DNA determinations are of high interest for fast occuring clinical processes like infectious, allergic, thrombotic or rhumatoid affections as well as for therapy control.
This concept forum will display short position statements on various of these issues. The contributions are open for general scientific discussion by E-mail. This includes the display of www-pages either in direct form or by links for continuous update by authors and discussants. Proposals for the inclusion of new topics are encouraged.
2. Clinical Medicine