Digital pathology and AI transform cancer diagnosis and research

Digital pathology and artificial intelligence are transforming clinical workflows, research, and education within pathology laboratories. Digital systems allow for the seamless transfer of whole slide images (WSIs) from clinical archives to research projects. Technologies such as the Corista DP3 system facilitate this by anonymizing data to maintain HIPAA compliance and using streaming technology to move metadata and images without duplicating data, which reduces storage costs.

In clinical settings, AI is being used to enhance cancer diagnosis and precision oncology. Implementation studies in Europe are exploring how AI can identify molecular characteristics and assist in treatment decisions. A study titled ‘Articulate Pro,’ conducted across three NHS specialist centres in England, evaluated AI assistance in prostate biopsy reporting. The study, which included 1,613 cases, found that AI prompted changes to initial diagnoses or grade groups in a subset of patients, with some changes potentially impacting clinical management.