Unique to its uPath enterprise software for digital pathology

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has launched an automated digital pathology algorithm to provide image analysis for diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer.

The uPath PD-L1 (SP263) image analysis aims to provide pathologists with automated assessments of scanned slide images, with the potential to aid diagnosis and target treatment options.

The product has obtained European CE Marking for In Vitro Diagnostic devices (CE-IVD), which means it has been certified to be used the EU, European Free Trade Area (EFTA), Switzerland, Turkey, and some other countries.

The algorithm is being integrated within Roche uPath enterprise software for digital pathology, a universal digital platform for case management, collaboration, and reporting, which was launched in January.

AI in production

The new AI-based feature can help pathologists quickly determine if tumours in a patient are positive for the PD-L1 biomarker, which may make them eligible for targeted treatment.

“Improving diagnostic consistency and certainty is crucial in providing faster, higher-quality, and more accurate diagnoses to cancer patients,” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “Our uPath PD-L1 (SP263) image analysis is the first next-generation CE-IVD PD-L1 algorithm to the clinical market.

“It expands on our growing digital pathology suite for Ventana assays that aid physicians in providing the most accurate treatment decisions for patients with the most common type of lung cancer.”

The Roche system focuses on delivering “end-to-end digital pathology solution from tissue staining to producing high-quality digital images that can be reliably assessed using automated clinical image analysis algorithms.”

The AI-enabled uPath system is an example of traditionally research-oriented tools moving into routine clinical practice.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancel deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization