Current diagnosis of hematologic diseases like lymphomas or acute leukemias is based on a synthesis of various laboratory technologies: morphologic analyses using microscopes, immunophenotype analyses using flow cytometry, chromosome analyses using caryotyping and FISH, as well as genetic analyses using molecular biology techniques. In our group we develop new molecular methods for a better and more precise classification of leukemias and lymphomas. Project 1: Leukemia and lymphoma diagnosis using nanotechnology During the last ten years gene expression profiling (GEP) using microarray technology has emerged as a powerful method for better classification of disease entities, outcome prediction, pathway delineation, and identification of targets for therapeutic intervention in various haematological malignancies. In our project we establish prediction algorithms for the diagnosis and classification of acute leukemias and of B cell lymphomas using a new mRNA profiling system, more sensitive and precise than traditionnal microarrays, in combination with new mathematical analysis tools. In collaboration with a group at the Haute Ecole HEIG-VD at Yverdon we are developing supervised and non-supervised approaches based on fuzzy logic, in order to optimize the classification process for each patient.

Nephrology