UNITED KINGDOM –- Roche announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to support the advancement of two assays for use in clinical trials with the development and deployment of two new digital pathology algorithms.

In the first project under this collaboration, Roche Digital Pathology is creating an AI-based image analysis algorithm to aid pathologists in interpreting the on-market VENTANA PD-L1 (SP142) Assay.

Bristol Myers Squibb will use this algorithm to generate biomarker data from clinical trial samples.

In the second project, Roche will leverage its recently announced Open Environment collaboration with PathAI to integrate a PathAI-developed algorithm for CD8 biomarker analysis into the NAVIFY Digital Pathology workflow software.

The AI-powered algorithm will be used by Bristol Myers Squibb to analyze clinical trial samples that have been stained with Roche’s CD8 assay and generate quantitative spatial biomarker data.

Roche’s pathology lab solutions

As a leading provider of pathology lab solutions, Roche is providing an end-to-end digital pathology solution ranging from tissue staining to producing high-quality digital images, which can be performed using automated clinical image analysis algorithms can be evaluated reliably.

Whole slide imaging combined with modern artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis tools has the potential to transform the practice of pathology.

The use of AI and deep learning methods to interpret whole slide images in digital pathology enables pathologists to obtain novel and meaningful clinical insights from tissue samples.

AI-based image analysis automates quantitative tasks and enables rapid, repeatable evaluation of information-rich tissue images that are sometimes difficult to interpret manually.

AI-based image analysis uncovers aspects that are invisible to the human eye and minimizes the risk of human error.

Patients whose tissue samples are analyzed using AI-based image analysis may benefit from a faster and more accurate diagnosis.

Insights derived from these analyzes may help pathologists determine the best treatment options for cancer patients.

Projects’ data to advance cancer diagnosis

Data from both projects will be used to aid in cancer diagnosis and to advance personalized healthcare treatment options, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients.

Jill German, Head of Roche Diagnostics Pathology Customer Area said: “The Bristol Myers Squibb and PathAI collaborations are among the first examples where AI technology and digital pathology applications are playing a role in developing treatments for patients.”

“By using our NAVIFY Digital platform to interpret tissue-based assays and AI algorithms, pathologists are better able to identify targeted therapy options, ultimately improving patient care.”

Pathology imaging tools based on artificial intelligence can help to support clinical trials in the investigation of targeted therapy options.

Expanding access to these innovative imaging tools through the Roche Digital Pathology Open Environment can potentially enable more precise diagnoses, improved clinical decision-making and lead to more personalized treatment strategies.

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our regular email newsletters, focused on Africa and World’s healthcare industry, directly into your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE