Abstract: Spatial analysis methods based on nearest neighbor analysis are provided of specific regions of tissue to describe cancer states and develop biomarkers to predict outcomes. In various embodiments, the spatial analysis methods involve an interaction radius to computationally isolate local interactions and prevent the data from being influenced by cells that are very far away. Thereby, spatial analysis of cancer tissue can be quickly and consistently performed in an automated fashion to focus on tumor-immune cell biology, which occurs at a localized level.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for multiplex tissue imaging by methods such as imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and methods for analysis of imaging mass cytometry data. In various embodiments, methods are provided of cell-of-origin analysis and mutational analysis, coupled with spatial parameters derived from tumor clusters in the tumor microenvironment; which reveals signature marker profiles and therapeutic targets for treating cancers including diffuse large B cell lymphoma.