Archipelago

Understanding the complex ways that cells interact and communicate in the body can help unlock life-saving medical discoveries. Cutting-edge spatial imaging technologies like WEHI’s MIBIscope help shed light on these intricate communications.
Researchers Claire, Shirley and Dan are using MIBIscope to study the way cells work together within the complex microenvironment of a breast cancer tumour.
Islands of orange and magenta show tumour cells, surrounded by an ocean of connective tissue cells (turquoise) and immune cells (red), forming an archipelago. Like changing currents washing through an archipelago, different treatments trigger unique reactions from different cells.
Techniques like these help us understand what roles cells play within tumours and how a patient may respond to treatment. The insights are important in developing more personalised therapies for breast cancer patients.
Artists
- Shirley Song