Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of expression signatures in ER+ breast cancer cases, where the signatures correlate with responsiveness, or lack thereof, to tamoxifen treatment. The signature profiles are identified based upon sampling of reference breast tissue samples from independent cases of breast cancer and provide a reliable set of molecular criteria for predicting the efficacy of treating a subject with ER+ breast cancer with tamoxifen. Additional methods and compositions are provided for predicting tamoxifen responsiveness in cases of ER+ breast cancer by use of three biomarkers. Two biomarkers display increased expression correlated with tamoxifen response while the third biomarker displays decreased expression correlated with tamoxifen response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes an illumination/laser beam delivery system that is adapted to both illuminate a sample and provide energy for laser capture microdissection of the sample. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a vacuum chuck subsystem that is adapted to hold a microscope slide down during the process of laser capture microdissection. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser capture microdissection are disclosed. High throughput microdissection is provided by using cell procurement and multi-imaging tools for pre-selecting cells of interest. Novel methods of computer-controlled cap transfer along with automated multi-slide and multi-cap placements, automated slide and cap detection are provided. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a translation stage joystick subsystem. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for barriers on laser capture microdissection samples. A method of processing a biological sample for laser capture microdissection, includes: providing the biological sample; and applying a substance to the biological sample so as to provide a barrier between the biological sample and a surrounding environment. The systems and methods provide advantages because non-specific pick-up is reduced, visualization is improved, sample degradation is reduced, and contamination is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes an illumination/laser beam delivery system that is adapted to both illuminate a sample and provide energy for laser capture microdissection of the sample. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film for LCM tissue transfer is thermally coupled to a broadband energy-absorbing material. The broadband energy-absorbing material may either be introduced into the film composition as a dopant or may be in thermal contact with the film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. A method of laser capture microdissection includes providing a sample that is to undergo laser capture microdissection; positioning said sample within an optical axis of a laser capture microdissection instrument; providing a transfer film carrier having a substrate surface and a laser capture microdissection transfer film coupled to said substrate surface; placing said laser capture microdissection transfer film in juxtaposition with said sample with a pressure sufficient to allow laser capture microdissection transfer of a portion of said sample to said laser capture microdissection transfer film, without forcing nonspecific transfer of a remainder of said sample to said laser capture microdisection film; and then transferring a portion of said sample to said laser capture microdissection transfer film, without forcing nonspecific transfer of a remainder of said sample to said laser capture microdissection transfer film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes an illumination/laser beam delivery system that is adapted to both illuminate a sample and provide energy for laser capture microdissection of the sample. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed.

Abstract: A laser capture microdissection lift-off substrate comprising a transparent thermoplastic film that is incorporated into substrate which may take the form of a cap or other structure associated with an analysis vessel or which may be used with a holder or other element of a LCM tissue sample transfer apparatus. The thermoplastic lift-off substrate film is held in a fixed position on the substrate which may be relative to a feature of a biological analysis vessel. The film may be affixed to a substrate which is a structure which goes into the vessel such that the sample is held in a fixed position relative to an observation port on the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring laser capture microdissection samples are disclosed. A method of making a laser capture microdissection consumable includes providing a transfer film carrier having a substrate surface; and fabricating a laser capture microdissection transfer film on said substrate surface, wherein forming includes hot vacuum baking said laser capture microdissection transfer film. The systems and methods facilitate quick and accurate laser capture microdissection while simultaneously minimizing contamination.

Abstract: A laser capture microdissection lift-off substrate comprising a transparent thermoplastic film is incorporated into substrate which may take the form of a cap or other structure associated with an analysis vessel or which may be used with a holder or other element of a LCM tissue sample transfer apparatus. The thermoplastic lift-off substrate film is held in a fixed position on the substrate which may be relative to a feature of a biological analysis vessel. The film may be affixed to a substrate which is a structure which goes into the vessel such that the sample is held in a fixed position relative to an observation port on the vessel.