Translational Histopathology Lab
The Translational Histopathology Laboratory (THL) is a GCLP accredited lab located in the Old Road Campus Research Building next to the Churchill Hospital. We specialise in high-quality tissue handling and processing, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunofluorescence (IF), and computer-aided analysis of digitised slides. The lab is supported by NIHR/ECMC and CRUK funding and is jointly led by Prof Eileen Parkes (Academic lead) and Dr Alistair Easton (Pathology lead).
The THL provides support to biomedical research groups across the University and external commercial partners. We work across basic and translational research to develop imaging-based assays on both mouse and human tissue with a strong focus on biomarker identification, preclinical research, and clinical trials.
Our work aims to translate research outputs into clinically deployable, GCP-compliant, validated assays. Our GCLP accreditation ensures that all procedures are performed to a high standard of reproducibility, traceability, and quality.
The THL supports all stages of histological and imaging workflows, including:
- Sample preparation and embedding
- FFPE Sectioning
- IHC, and multiplex IF staining
- High-resolution imaging and whole-slide scanning
- Quantitative digital analysis using HALO and QuPath
Users can choose the level of support that best fits their project needs, we can perform full analysis in-house, train researchers in slide analysis, or provide user access to HALO software for independent work.
User Case
The THL was instrumental in the Parkes Lab’s efforts to establish a robust method to detect chromosomal instability (CIN) – a key feature of aggressive tumours – in clinical cancer tissue. The study’s findings, which can be found on BioRxiv, show a direct link between CIN and tumour-promoting inflammation in human cancers, with important implications for treatment.
The THL assisted in:
- Tissue microarray (TMA) construction
- Optimisation of novel staining protocols
- Multiplex immunostaining
"The THL was fundamental to the success of our project. Their expertise and support were essential for translating our laboratory findings to patient tumours. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone interested in doing translational work here"
- Bruno Beernaert, DPhil
For a full list of our services please see below:
Our Team
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Eileen Parkes
Upper-GI/Urology Cancer
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Alistair Easton
Consultant Pathologist
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Leticia Campo
Technical Lead
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Molly Browne
Researcher and Laboratory Technician
Contact Us
If you are interested in using any of the THL services please email thlenquiries@oncology.ox.ac.uk with the THL application form (downloaded here).
If you have any feedback on the website please let us know through the email above.
Picking Up Samples
If you are collecting or dropping off a sample at the THL lab, please go to reception at the address below and ask for extension 617057.
Old Road Campus Research Building,
Roosevelt Dr,
Headington,
Oxford
OX3 7DQ
The THL lab is supported by funding from:
We can turn your fixed tissue into FFPE blocks and slides – ready for your research!
View the overall structure and distribution of cells in your tissue samples with H&E staining
We will optimise a protocol to get your antibody staining looking the best it can
Observe antigens of interest in your tissue samples with single or double chromogenic IHC
Tired of looking down the microscope? Digitise your slides and automate your analysis
View multiple tissue samples on one slide with a TMA
Visualise multiple markers at once with our multi-plex IF workflow
Use HALO for faster and easier analysis of markers in your brightfield and fluorescent images