Case Study: Metimmox Project

Objectives

The METIMMOX 1 and 2 projects, led by Akershus University Hospital (AUH), constitute a pioneering clinical study investigating inoperable, metastatic, microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sequentially adding immune-modulating therapy to standard chemotherapy. In collaboration with Oslo University Hospital, the project generated extensive and complex mass cytometry datasets to identify biomarkers predictive of the patient’s response to the treatment. With two distinct patient cohorts, the project faced the challenge of analyzing large datasets, where traditional methods like manual gating and fragmented software workflows proved too time-consuming and inefficient. This highlighted the need for a scalable and reliable solution to uncover actionable insights efficiently.

Akershus University Hospital (AUH) is a modern hospital in Norway known for its high-quality

healthcare services and commitment to medical research. In cancer research, AUH focuses on

improving early detection, personalized treatments, and patient care. Through collaboration with

universities and research institutions, Ahus contributes to advancements in oncology, enhancing

outcomes for patients and driving innovation in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Solution

Cytofit provided the METIMMOX team with an automated, end-to-end platform for cytometry data analysis. By easing the processing of datasets too large to analyze manually, Cytofit helped researchers focus on key findings rather than time-consuming processes. The platform’s customizable reporting and publication-grade visualizations offered insights that were both reliable and ready for dissemination. Key features utilized in METIMMOX:

Automated Data Cleaning and Gating: Simplified handling of large dataset while maintaining consistency.
Differential Analysis: Enabled the comparison of multiple time points to understand the effect of the cancer treatment on the patients’ immune system.
Tailored Reporting and Visualisation: Delivered clear, concise reports and high-quality visuals highlighting significant biomarker trends.

Results

Using Cytofit, the METIMMOX team processed 117 patient samples with over 40 dimensions each and identified statistically significant biomarkers differentiating responders from non- responders. The platform’s workflows saved valuable time while guiding the team toward meaningful data points.

Enhanced Efficiency: Manual effort was reduced significantly, enabling researchers to focus on interpretation rather than repetitive tasks.

Improved Accuracy: Standardized processes ensured reproducible findings across both patient cohorts.

Publication-Ready Insights: High-quality visualizations and tailored reports supported impactful data presentation.

"We have tried different tools to achieve the same results, but Cytofit consistently comes out on top. Its automated processes and reliability have set a new standard for how we approach cytometry analysis"

Else Marit Inderberg

Lead OUH Investigator, METIMMOX Project

Impact

Equipped with Cytofit, the METIMMOX project achieved its goal of identifying key biomarkers for stage IV colorectal cancer, providing a pathway for more personalized treatment approaches. Cytofit’s ability to

process large datasets and guide researchers on what to focus on highlights its transformative potential for cytometry workflows.

Cytofit’s capacity to streamline data processing and deliver actionable insights positions it as an invaluable tool for advancing precision medicine and accelerating breakthroughs in healthcare.