IBMS Congress

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Image analysis in the field of cellular pathology

Session 1

Cellular Pathology

Presentation – Image Analysis in the field of Cellular Pathology

Alison Bigley CSci, FIBMS

In recent years, the availability of robust computerised slide scanning systems, combined with software that enables the visualisation and management of high resolution images, coupled with algorithms for morphological analysis, has provided the Pathologist with ‘state-of-the-art’ support tools for research and clinical diagnostics.

Histopathology laboratories are under continued pressure to increase functional efficiencies whilst maintaining or improving the quality in the diagnosis of cancer. In addition, as we enter the age of customised healthcare, success of personalised medicines appreciably relies on the precision of the pathology to guide treatment. Quantitative pathology is now playing a crucial role in clinical diagnostics, particularly in the area of oncology, e.g. in relation to FDA clearance for HER2 image analysis applications for breast cancer pathology.

The application of image analysis in cellular pathology ranges from pre-clinical and translational research through to clinical trials and diagnostics. A vast majority of immunohistochemistry based image analysis can be covered by a relatively simple routine approach for the detection of markers with respect to their nuclear, membrane or cytoplasmic localisation. However, all aspects of quantitation present with inherent conundrums and technical difficulties, which create issues around the approach required, reproducibility and consistency.