When it comes to advancing cancer research—especially in pediatric oncology—what happens under the microscope can make all the difference. At the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), the Histology Lab plays a critical role in helping scientists turn tissue samples into meaningful discoveries that drive better treatments and outcomes for children with cancer.
What Is Histology—and Why Does It Matter?
Histology is the science of studying tissues at the microscopic level. In cancer research, this means examining tumor samples to identify abnormalities, understand disease progression, and uncover the biology behind cancer development. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
Through specialized staining techniques and laboratory processes, researchers can visualize differences in cell structure and detect key proteins and antigens linked to disease. These insights are essential for understanding how cancers behave and how they might respond to treatment. [gccri.uthscsa.edu],
In simple terms: histology turns tissue into answers—and those answers can lead to lifesaving breakthroughs.
The Power of the Greehey CCRI Histology Lab
The Histology Lab at GCCRI offers a full range of expert services designed to support cutting-edge cancer research. By combining advanced technology with deep scientific expertise, the lab ensures that tissue samples are processed with precision and care.
Comprehensive Tissue Processing
From the moment a sample arrives, it undergoes a meticulous, multi-step process to preserve its integrity and prepare it for analysis:
- Grossing & Fixation: Tissue is examined, trimmed, and preserved to prevent degradation. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
- Processing: Samples are treated and embedded in paraffin to provide structural stability. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
- Embedding & Sectioning: Tissue is cut into ultra-thin sections (as small as 3–5 micrometers) for microscopic analysis. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
- Staining & Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Specialized dyes and antibodies highlight cellular structures and detect proteins of interest. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
This highly controlled workflow ensures researchers receive clear, reliable data that can be used to advance their studies.
Why Researchers Should Use the GCCRI Histology Core
1. Precision That Drives Discovery
Histology enables researchers to examine tissue architecture and cellular detail with incredible accuracy. This level of precision is essential for identifying cancer types, understanding tumor behavior, and validating research findings.
2. Insight Into Tumor Biology
By analyzing stained tissue samples, scientists can observe how cancer cells interact with surrounding tissue—providing clues about growth, spread, and resistance to treatment.
3. Support for Targeted Therapies
Techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) enable researchers to detect specific proteins or biomarkers in tissue samples. This information helps guide the development of targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches.
4. High-Quality, Reproducible Results
With standardized workflows and advanced instrumentation, the GCCRI Histology Lab ensures consistent, high-quality results—an essential factor for publishing research and validating experiments. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
5. Integrated Research Support
As part of GCCRI’s broader Core & Research Services, the Histology Lab works alongside other specialized cores to support hypothesis-driven, translational research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
Advancing Childhood Cancer Research—One Slide at a Time
At GCCRI, every tissue sample represents more than just data—it represents a child, a family, and a future we’re working to improve.
By providing expert histology services, the institute empowers researchers to:
- Better understand cancer at the cellular level
- Identify new therapeutic targets
- Develop more effective, personalized treatments
- Move discoveries from the lab to the clinic faster
Histology is not just a laboratory technique—it’s a cornerstone of translational cancer research and a key driver of innovation in pediatric oncology.
Partner with GCCRI Histology
Whether you’re conducting basic research or advancing preclinical studies, the Greehey CCRI Histology Lab provides the expertise and infrastructure needed to take your work to the next level.
📍 Located in San Antonio, Texas
🔬 Supporting scientists across UT Health San Antonio and beyond
🧬 Dedicated to accelerating discoveries in childhood cancer research
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For more information:
Daniel Robledo
Greehey CCRI Histology Lab
8403 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7784
San Antonio, Texas 78229
(210) 562-9162
robledod@uthscsa.edu