HUMN Project WP8: Implementation of biomarker technology for cancer prevention

Workshop on automated analysis of micronuclei in human lymphocytes Brussels, 13-14 March 2008

Summary

In order to review current progress about the automated analysis of micronuclei in human lymphocytes, a workshop chaired by Prof. Dr. Micheline Kirsch-Volders (ECNIS Partner 13), was held at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) on 13th and 14th March 2008. The workshop was open to both ECNIS and non-ECNIS participants and it was organized as part of ECNIS WP8, which aims at the large-scale implementation of biomarker technology for cancer prevention. 43 participants from Academia, testing laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and research institutes were present, which allowed a transfer of knowledge and technology between different groups. After an introduction of the workshop and its goals by Prof. Dr. Micheline Kirsch-Volders, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels (Partner 13), ten presentations were given by: Ilse Decordier, VUB (Partner 13); Raluca Mateuca, VUB (Partner 13); Hannu Norppa, FIOH (Helsinki, Finland); Christian Carton, Prevention and Protection of the Worker (Langemark-Poelkapelle, Belgium); Enrico Cundari, CNR-VUB (Partner 13); Hannu Norppa, FIOH (Helsinki, Finland); Azeddine Elhajouji, Novartis (Basel, Switzerland); Marlies De Boeck, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development (Beerse, Belgium); Alexander Papine, IMSTAR (Paris, France); and Ilse Decordier, VUB (Partner 13). In a first step, the mechanisms of micronuclei (MN) formation/elimination, the sensitivity/specificity of the MN test, its predictivity for cancer risk, the influence of possible confounders (e.g. individual susceptibility) on MN frequency, and the ethical implications for cancer prevention at group/individual level were introduced, followed by presentations of automated methods in assessing MN frequency (e.g. flow cytometry, image analysis) and their validation. The workshop also offered [for a limited number of participants (N = 15)] the possibility of studying the practical aspects of automated MN scoring by image analysis. On both days of the workshop, the good interaction between speakers/moderators and participants led to vivid and interesting discussions, that could have been continued far beyond the scheduled duration of the meeting. It was commonly agreed that the automation of the MN test by flow cytometry and image analysis provides a convenient tool for the assessment of chromosomal damage, allowing the analysis of a large number of cells and the exclusion of subjective judgement and individual scoring skills. However, at this point, both systems require further validation for large scale applicability in biomonitoring studies and genotoxicity testing. The subsequent implementation of high throughput MN scoring as a tool for improving risk assessment of human populations exposed to environmental and/or occupational mutagens, will undoubtedly enhance our ability to prevent cancer risk.

This report has been prepared as part of ECNIS Work Package 8: Implementation of biomarker technology for cancer prevention. To view the full report, please click here.

Compiled and edited by R Mateuca
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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