cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues.
Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are
several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or
cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or
other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as
the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the
blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also
called malignancy.

antibody (AN-tee-BAH-dee)
A protein made by plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in response to an antigen (a substance that
causes the body to make a specific immune response). Each antibody can bind to only one specific
antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens
directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen.

immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)

The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.

immunohistochemistry (IH-myoo-noh-HIS-toh-KEH-mih-stree)
A technique used to identify specific molecules in different kinds of tissue. The tissue is treated with
antibodies that bind the specific molecule. These are made visible under a microscope by using a color
reaction, a radioisotope, colloidal gold, or a fluorescent dye. Immunohistochemistry is used to help
diagnose diseases, such as cancer, and to detect the presence of microorganisms. It is also used in
basic research to understand how cells grow and differentiate (become more specialized).

antigen (AN-tih-jen)
Any substance that causes the body to make a specific immune response.

cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more
cells.

tissue (TISH-oo)
A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

DNA
The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next.
Also called deoxyribonucleic acid.

History
Founded in 1966 by a Danish medical doctor, Niels Harboe, Dako is headquartered in Denmark with
manufacturing and research sites in Glostrup, Denmark and Carpinteria, California, USA.

Dako has earned its reputation for innovation and quality by introducing the first conjugated antibodies
for immunohistochemistry 40 years ago. In the 1960s several companies were producing antisera, but
the strength varied greatly, presenting significant challenges for hospitals, which had difficulties using
the antisera for the evaluation of patient samples.

Niels Harboe realized the importance of obtaining a supply of antibodies for analytical purposes that
was of the same strength at all times, therefore he founded his own company, DAKOPATTS.

A discovery in early 1967 made it possible to standardize the strength of antibodies in a usable product.
Soon antibodies became a useful tool for hospitals, to the benefit of patients all over the world.

Since then Dako has continously been a driver in developing the field of cancer diagnostics introducing
pharmDx, Special Stains, Image Analysis and Pathology Workflow.
• Anatomic Pathology: units included here are histopathology,
cytopathology, and electron microscopy. Academically, each unit is studied
alone in one course. Other courses pertaining to this section include anatomy,
physiology, histology, pathology, and pathophysiology.

• Clinical pathology, including :

o Clinical Microbiology: This is the largest section in laboratory
medicine; it encompasses five different sciences (units). These include
bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, and mycology.
o Clinical Chemistry: Units under this busy section are instrumental
analysis, enzymology, toxicology and endocrinology.
o Hematology: This small, yet busy, section consists of two units,
which are coagulation and blood bank.
o Genetics is also studied along with a subspecialty known as
cytogenetics.
o Reproduction biology : Semen analysis, Sperm bank and
assisted reproductive technology.