Hematologic malignancies include a wide array of lymphomas and leukemias that affect different immune cell subsets. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is one of the most commonly occurring leukemias in adults and children. AML is a highly heterogenous disease that can be caused by spontaneous gene mutations or chromosomal translocations, which results in the proliferation of dysfunctional myeloid cells. Cytogenetic and morphologic analyses have been the gold standard methods used in AML diagnosis, but flow cytometry-based protocols are becoming more widely used and validated as complementary diagnostic methods that can be coupled with these analyses to better guide treatment plans. Flow cytometry has also become an essential tool to understand AML progression and develop and evaluate novel therapeutics.

Consider these aspects of flow cytometry-based analysis of AML for exploratory or preclinical research.

In vivo models for numerous diseases and conditions have endpoints that have involved animals being gravely ill or dying. As researchers have sought to utilize animal models in more humane and practical ways, surrogate endpoints have been developed that prevent animals from suffering and provide critical research data. Flow cytometry has been instrumental to these advances. Consider these aspects of preclinical flow cytometry endpoint analysis as you develop new protocols.

Non-human primates (NHPs) continue to be a valuable resource for preclinical research because of similarities they share with humans. NHPs, especially rhesus macaques, are used in preclinical studies for evaluating new drugs or vaccines for safety and efficacy. Flow cytometry assays can be easily adapted to study cells from NHP. Consider these three factors if you are planning to adapt a flow cytometry assay for use with NHP samples.