A revolutionary trial began at Peterborough City Hospital last week as pathologists began using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to improve breast cancer diagnostics.  

The innovative AI powered diagnostic tool, developed by Ibex Medical Analytics is the subject of a 12-month trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The tool aims to support pathologists by enhancing the accuracy of reporting and improving efficiency in terms of the time it takes to review and report each biopsy to either confirm or exclude the presence of breast cancer.  

The AI has been developed using a specially trained algorithm, with input and expertise from over 100 pathologists across the world.

The software runs a series of checks for breast cancer, using technology to analyse tissue samples, helping pathologists detect the disease more quickly and with greater ease.

It has been robustly tested and evidence shows that the high accuracy rate reduces the need for patients to undergo repeat biopsies and frees up more time for pathologists.  

Dr David Bailey, consultant pathologist for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust said: “This is a really exciting breakthrough in diagnostics and something we are incredibly proud to be a part of.

"I have seen some huge advancements in technology during my career but none more so than the strides being made in digital pathology now.” 

The Trust is already using a similar AI tool in prostate cases which has proven successful in the improvement of cancer care in the last 18 months.

This 12 month trial period now focuses on breast cancer patients.

The AI tool will initially be used as a safety net after a consultant has reported on biopsy slides for the first three months.

Following that the AI will pre-read biopsy slides, instantly highlighting areas of concern, and identifying cancer much faster and achieving a diagnosis in a much shorter timeframe.  

Dr Bailey added: “The future of pathology is changing, and it not only benefits the patient but also the clinicians.

“The AI doesn’t fatigue like humans do and it is a fantastic aid to us as pathologists. It will make a huge difference to the way we diagnose patients in the future and improve both patient experience and care.”