Digital pathology in personalized cancer therapy
Janina Słodkowska1, Marcial García-Rojo
1Department of Pathology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland. joanslo@wp.plE-mai
Abstract:
The development of small molecule inhibitors of the growth factor receptors and discovery of somatic mutations of the thyrosine kinase domain resulted in new paradigms for the cancers therapy. Digital microscopy is an important tool for surgical pathologists. The achievements in the digital pathology field have modified the workflow of pathomorphology labs, enhanced the pathologists' role in the diagnostics and increased their contribution to the personalized targeted medicine. Digital image analysis is now available in a variety of platforms to improve quantification performance of diagnostic pathology. The authors describe the state of digital microscopy as it applies to the field of quantitative immunohistochemistry of biomarkers related to the clinical personalized targeted therapy of breast cancer, non-small lung cancer and colorectal cancer: HER-2, EGFR, KRAS and BRAF genes. The information is derived from the experience of the authors and review of the literature.
Insights
Digital microscopy enhances cancer diagnostics by enabling quantitative immunohistochemistry for targeted therapies. This technology aids pathologists in personalized medicine for breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Targeted cancer therapies have emerged due to advancements in understanding growth factor receptors and somatic mutations.
- Digital microscopy and digital image analysis are transforming surgical pathology workflows.
- Personalized medicine relies on accurate biomarker quantification for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of digital microscopy in quantitative immunohistochemistry for personalized targeted cancer therapy.
- To discuss the role of digital pathology in analyzing biomarkers such as HER-2, EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF.
- To highlight the impact of digital microscopy on diagnosing breast, non-small lung, and colorectal cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on digital microscopy and quantitative immunohistochemistry.
- Analysis of author experiences in applying digital pathology tools.
- Description of digital image analysis platforms for biomarker quantification.
Main Results:
- Digital microscopy significantly improves the quantification of biomarkers like HER-2 and EGFR.
- Digital pathology enhances the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of pathologists.
- The technology facilitates personalized targeted therapy by providing precise biomarker data.
Conclusions:
- Digital microscopy is a crucial tool for quantitative immunohistochemistry in personalized oncology.
- Digital pathology is revolutionizing cancer diagnostics and treatment selection.
- The integration of digital microscopy supports the advancement of targeted therapies for various cancers.
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