In Vitro Drug Screening On Cancer Cells Using The Spark® Cyto Imaging Cytometer

This application note explores a high-throughput, cell-based assay designed to evaluate drug efficacy against aggressive squamous cell carcinomas in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Using a 384-well format and stain-free imaging via the Spark® Cyto imaging cytometer, researchers combined luminescence-based viability and fluorescence-based toxicity assays to assess cytostatic and cytotoxic effects. The study highlights the importance of substrate concentration, cell density, and normalization strategies for accurate signal interpretation. It also demonstrates how bright field and fluorescence object counting, along with roughness factor analysis, can enhance assay reliability and reduce variability. This approach enables efficient screening of repurposed drugs and supports meaningful interpretation of complex cellular responses.

For labs seeking robust, scalable methods for oncology drug screening, gain valuable insights into assay optimization and imaging-based quantification.