Why is Mass Cytometry Important in Cancer Research?
Cancer is characterized by heterogeneity, meaning that different cells within the same tumor can exhibit varying genetic, molecular, and phenotypic profiles. Traditional techniques often fall short in capturing this complexity. Mass cytometry allows researchers to examine multiple aspects of single cells, thus providing a comprehensive view of tumor composition. This can aid in identifying cancer stem cells, understanding immune evasion mechanisms, and recognizing subpopulations that may be responsible for drug resistance or metastasis.
