#blood cancer diagnosis

[healthcare-industry]

Blood Cancer Treatment in India

Blood cancer, also known as hematological cancer or hematopoietic cancer, refers to a group of cancers that affect the production and function of blood cells. It occurs when abnormal cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones, disrupt the normal production of blood cells

Blood Cancer Treatment:

Treatment for blood cancer depends on the specific type and stage of the disease. Common treatment modalities include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment is determined by factors such as the type of blood cancer, the extent of the disease, and the patient's overall health.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of blood cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone pain.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing blood cancer involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies. These tests help determine the presence of cancer, its type, and its stage.

Treatment Risks/Complications:

Blood cancer treatments can carry risks and complications. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. Stem cell transplant carries risks such as infection, graft-versus-host disease, and organ damage. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy may have specific side effects depending on the drugs used.

Causes:

The exact causes of blood cancer are often unknown. However, certain risk factors have been identified, including genetic predisposition, exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, viral infections, a weakened immune system, and certain inherited conditions.

Procedure & Recovery:

The specific procedure and recovery process depend on the type and stage of blood cancer and the chosen treatment modalities. Surgery is not typically used for blood cancer. Recovery involves managing treatment side effects, monitoring blood counts, and potential maintenance therapies. Supportive care is essential for overall well-being.

Treatment Preparation:

Treatment preparation involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health, including physical examinations, medical history review, blood tests, and imaging studies. The healthcare team discusses treatment options, potential side effects, and the overall treatment plan. Open communication with healthcare providers is important for making informed decisions about treatment.

Clinical Trials:

Clinical trials investigate new treatments or treatment combinations for blood cancer. Participation in clinical trials offers access to innovative therapies and helps advance medical knowledge. Eligibility criteria and informed consent are required for participation.

Cost in India:

The cost of blood cancer treatment in India can vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, treatment modalities used, hospital charges, and individualized care plans. It is advisable to consult with healthcare providers and hospitals to obtain accurate cost estimates and explore insurance coverage options.

Side Effects:

Side effects of blood cancer treatment can include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, increased susceptibility to infections, and anemia. The severity and duration of side effects vary depending on the specific treatment modalities used and individual response.

Success Rate & Treatment Diet:

The success rate of blood cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, treatment modalities used, and individual response. A healthy and balanced diet is generally advised to support overall health during treatment. Consultation with a registered dietitian can provide personalized dietary guidance based on individual needs and treatment goals.

[shrikeseams]

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[everythingroyalty]

well thats fucking awful 😭

[opens-up-4-nobody]

I wanna play with Legos right now :-[

[bluesey-182]

the vet today really tried to talk me into paying $600 for the same service they provided for my mom and her dog a few months ago for under $100

[plague-doctor-who]

Hey, that's better than ghosts in your blood. Or, y'know, what we would nowadays call cancer...

At least they'd give you a bunch of cocaine to help deal with it. Wouldn't save your life, but it would make the end of it a lot more fun

in the 19th century i would've gotten diagnosed with ghosts in my brain

[rrmch]

Ear - Nose - Throat - Dept of ENT - MBBS in Bangalore | RRMCH College

Explore MBBS in Bangalore with advanced training in medical specialties like microscopic ear surgery, cochlear implantation, endoscopic nose and sinus surgeries, micro laryngeal surgery, phonosurgery, head and neck oncology, sleep and snoring surgery, pediatric otorhinolaryngology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, vertigo management, and allergology

[jcmarchi]

Noninvasive imaging method can penetrate deeper into living tissue

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/noninvasive-imaging-method-can-penetrate-deeper-into-living-tissue/

Noninvasive imaging method can penetrate deeper into living tissue

Metabolic imaging is a noninvasive method that enables clinicians and scientists to study living cells using laser light, which can help them assess disease progression and treatment responses.

But light scatters when it shines into biological tissue, limiting how deep it can penetrate and hampering the resolution of captured images.

Now, MIT researchers have developed a new technique that more than doubles the usual depth limit of metabolic imaging. Their method also boosts imaging speeds, yielding richer and more detailed images.

This new technique does not require tissue to be preprocessed, such as by cutting it or staining it with dyes. Instead, a specialized laser illuminates deep into the tissue, causing certain intrinsic molecules within the cells and tissues to emit light. This eliminates the need to alter the tissue, providing a more natural and accurate representation of its structure and function.

The researchers achieved this by adaptively customizing the laser light for deep tissues. Using a recently developed fiber shaper — a device they control by bending it — they can tune the color and pulses of light to minimize scattering and maximize the signal as the light travels deeper into the tissue. This allows them to see much further into living tissue and capture clearer images.

This animation shows deep metabolic imaging of living intact 3D multicellular systems, which were grown in the Roger Kamm lab at MIT. The clearer side is the result of the researchers’ new imaging method, in combination with their previous work on physics-based deblurring.

Credit: Courtesy of the researchers

Greater penetration depth, faster speeds, and higher resolution make this method particularly well-suited for demanding imaging applications like cancer research, tissue engineering, drug discovery, and the study of immune responses.

“This work shows a significant improvement in terms of depth penetration for label-free metabolic imaging. It opens new avenues for studying and exploring metabolic dynamics deep in living biosystems,” says Sixian You, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), a member of the Research Laboratory for Electronics, and senior author of a paper on this imaging technique.

She is joined on the paper by lead author Kunzan Liu, an EECS graduate student; Tong Qiu, an MIT postdoc; Honghao Cao, an EECS graduate student; Fan Wang, professor of brain and cognitive sciences; Roger Kamm, the Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor of Biological and Mechanical Engineering; Linda Griffith, the School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation in the Department of Biological Engineering; and other MIT colleagues. The research appears today in Science Advances.

Laser-focused

This new method falls in the category of label-free imaging, which means tissue is not stained beforehand. Staining creates contrast that helps a clinical biologist see cell nuclei and proteins better. But staining typically requires the biologist to section and slice the sample, a process that often kills the tissue and makes it impossible to study dynamic processes in living cells.

In label-free imaging techniques, researchers use lasers to illuminate specific molecules within cells, causing them to emit light of different colors that reveal various molecular contents and cellular structures. However, generating the ideal laser light with certain wavelengths and high-quality pulses for deep-tissue imaging has been challenging.

The researchers developed a new approach to overcome this limitation. They use a multimode fiber, a type of optical fiber which can carry a significant amount of power, and couple it with a compact device called a “fiber shaper.” This shaper allows them to precisely modulate the light propagation by adaptively changing the shape of the fiber. Bending the fiber changes the color and intensity of the laser.

Building on prior work, the researchers adapted the first version of the fiber shaper for deeper multimodal metabolic imaging.

“We want to channel all this energy into the colors we need with the pulse properties we require. This gives us higher generation efficiency and a clearer image, even deep within tissues,” says Cao.

Once they had built the controllable mechanism, they developed an imaging platform to leverage the powerful laser source to generate longer wavelengths of light, which are crucial for deeper penetration into biological tissues.

“We believe this technology has the potential to significantly advance biological research. By making it affordable and accessible to biology labs, we hope to empower scientists with a powerful tool for discovery,” Liu says.

Dynamic applications

When the researchers tested their imaging device, the light was able to penetrate more than 700 micrometers into a biological sample, whereas the best prior techniques could only reach about 200 micrometers.

“With this new type of deep imaging, we want to look at biological samples and see something we have never seen before,” Liu adds.

The deep imaging technique enabled them to see cells at multiple levels within a living system, which could help researchers study metabolic changes that happen at different depths. In addition, the faster imaging speed allows them to gather more detailed information on how a cell’s metabolism affects the speed and direction of its movements.

This new imaging method could offer a boost to the study of organoids, which are engineered cells that can grow to mimic the structure and function of organs. Researchers in the Kamm and Griffith labs pioneer the development of brain and endometrial organoids that can grow like organs for disease and treatment assessment.

However, it has been challenging to precisely observe internal developments without cutting or staining the tissue, which kills the sample.

This new imaging technique allows researchers to noninvasively monitor the metabolic states inside a living organoid while it continues to grow.

With these and other biomedical applications in mind, the researchers plan to aim for even higher-resolution images. At the same time, they are working to create low-noise laser sources, which could enable deeper imaging with less light dosage.

They are also developing algorithms that react to the images to reconstruct the full 3D structures of biological samples in high resolution.

In the long run, they hope to apply this technique in the real world to help biologists monitor drug response in real-time to aid in the development of new medicines.

“By enabling multimodal metabolic imaging that reaches deeper into tissues, we’re providing scientists with an unprecedented ability to observe nontransparent biological systems in their natural state. We’re excited to collaborate with clinicians, biologists, and bioengineers to push the boundaries of this technology and turn these insights into real-world medical breakthroughs,” You says.

“This work is exciting because it uses innovative feedback methods to image cell metabolism deeper in tissues compared to current techniques. These technologies also provide fast imaging speeds, which was used to uncover unique metabolic dynamics of immune cell motility within blood vessels. I expect that these imaging tools will be instrumental for discovering links between cell function and metabolism within dynamic living systems,” says Melissa Skala, an investigator at the Morgridge Institute for Research who was not involved with this work.

“Being able to acquire high resolution multi-photon images relying on NAD(P)H autofluorescence contrast faster and deeper into tissues opens the door to the study of a wide range of important problems,” adds Irene Georgakoudi, a professor of biomedical engineering at Tufts University who was also not involved with this work. “Imaging living tissues as fast as possible whenever you assess metabolic function is always a huge advantage in terms of ensuring the physiological relevance of the data, sampling a meaningful tissue volume, or monitoring fast changes. For applications in cancer diagnosis or in neuroscience, imaging deeper — and faster — enables us to consider a richer set of problems and interactions that haven’t been studied in living tissues before.”

This research is funded, in part, by MIT startup funds, a U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER Award, an MIT Irwin Jacobs and Joan Klein Presidential Fellowship, and an MIT Kailath Fellowship.

[miagkoi]

my father has had up to 15 pills to consume every day for around 8 months now but they still don't actually know how to treat him 😐

[littleprincessfawn]

Diagnosis: Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

Not really up for talking about my diagnosis in a real or vulnerable way yet... It takes me time to let my guard down and talk about my true feelings. But these are my surface feelings that I've shared with my family and friends on FB (curse that website, it's so horrible, everyone is so damn mean)

[ramanimaginganddiagnosticcentre]

Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre: Your One-Stop Solution for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer in women across the globe. Following lung cancer, it also ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving the outcome of breast cancer.

Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre in Patna

Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre is one of the leading diagnostic centers in Patna, Bihar, India. It offers a wide range of diagnostic services, including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, and pathology. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and has a team of highly qualified and experienced radiologists and pathologists.

Why Choose Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre?

There are many reasons why you should choose Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre for your diagnostic needs:

State-of-the-art equipment: Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, including a 3 Tesla MRI machine. This ensures that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date diagnosis possible. Highly qualified and experienced staff: Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre has a team of highly qualified and experienced radiologists and pathologists. These experts are skilled in interpreting diagnostic images and reports, and they can provide you with accurate and timely diagnoses. Patient-centered care: Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre is committed to providing patient-centered care. The staff is friendly and compassionate, and they will work with you to ensure that you have a comfortable and stress-free experience. Breast Cancer Awareness :

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that it is also highly treatable when detected early. That is why it is important for women to get regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Here are some tips for breast cancer awareness:

Know your risk factors: Some risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history of breast cancer, and certain genetic mutations. If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about how often you should get screened for breast cancer. Get regular breast cancer screenings: Mammography and clinical breast exams are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early. Mammography are recommended for women starting at age 40, while clinical breast exams are recommended for women starting at age 20.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer: The most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, a change in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, and changes in the skin of the breast. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.

Conclusion:

Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre is one of the leading diagnostic centers in Patna, India. It offers a wide range of diagnostic services, including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, and pathology. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and has a team of highly qualified and experienced radiologists and pathologists.

If you are looking for a reliable and accurate diagnostic center in Patna, Raman Imaging and Diagnostic Centre is a great option. The center is committed to providing patient-centered care, and it offers a wide range of services to meet your needs.

In addition, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to get regular breast cancer screenings. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving the outcome of breast cancer.

[medidectindia]

Advances in Cancer Detection: Promising Tests for Blood, Breast, and Lung Cancer

Cancer is a formidable disease that affects millions of lives worldwide. Early detection plays a pivotal role in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing tests for the detection of various types of cancer. In this article, we will delve into the latest advancements in cancer detection, focusing on tests for blood cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Blood Cancer Detection:

Blood cancers, also known as hematologic malignancies, include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Detecting these cancers early can greatly impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Recent breakthroughs have led to the development of innovative tests that aid in the detection and monitoring of blood cancers.

One such test is the liquid biopsy, which analyzes small fragments of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) found in the bloodstream. Liquid biopsies provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies and can detect specific genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities associated with blood cancers. These tests enable oncologists to assess disease progression, monitor treatment response, and identify the emergence of resistance to targeted therapies.

Another valuable diagnostic tool for blood cancer detection is flow cytometry. This technique analyzes the physical and chemical characteristics of individual cells in a blood sample. By identifying abnormal cell populations, flow cytometry helps in diagnosing and classifying different types of blood cancers. It provides valuable information on the presence of specific cell markers, enabling precise characterization of the disease.

Furthermore, advanced imaging technologies, such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), contribute to the detection and staging of blood cancers. By visualizing metabolic activity and anatomical changes, PET-CT scans aid in identifying affected lymph nodes, organs, and bone marrow involvement.

Test to Detect Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women globally. Timely detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates. In addition to regular mammograms and clinical breast examinations, several innovative tests have emerged to enhance breast cancer detection.

One such test is molecular breast imaging (MBI), also known as breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI). MBI uses a small amount of radioactive material to create detailed images of breast tissue. It is particularly effective in evaluating women with dense breast tissue, where traditional mammograms may yield limited results. MBI can identify suspicious areas that may be missed by mammography, thereby aiding in the early detection of breast cancer.

Another promising approach is the development of blood-based biomarker tests for breast cancer. Researchers are investigating various circulating biomarkers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). These biomarkers can provide valuable information about the presence and characteristics of breast cancer, potentially serving as non-invasive tools for early detection and monitoring of the disease.

Additionally, advancements in genetic testing have led to the discovery of specific gene mutations associated with breast cancer susceptibility, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Genetic testing enables individuals with a family history of breast cancer to assess their risk and make informed decisions about preventive measures, including enhanced screening and risk-reducing surgeries.

Test to Detect Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection is challenging, as symptoms often appear in advanced stages. However, advancements in screening techniques and diagnostic tests have shown promising results in improving lung cancer detection.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has emerged as an effective screening tool for individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer, such as long-term smokers. LDCT scans provide detailed images of the lungs, allowing for the detection of small nodules or abnormalities. Early detection through LDCT screening enables timely intervention and potentially curative treatments.

Another breakthrough in lung cancer detection is the development of blood-based tests, specifically liquid biopsies. These tests analyze ctDNA and other tumor-associated biomarkers in the blood to detect the presence of lung cancer. Liquid biopsies offer a non-invasive and convenient approach for monitoring disease progression, assessing treatment response, and detecting genetic mutations associated with targeted therapies.

Moreover, researchers are exploring the potential of breath tests for lung cancer detection. These tests analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a person's breath, which can provide valuable information about the presence of lung cancer. VOC profiles specific to lung cancer can potentially serve as diagnostic markers, offering a non-invasive and rapid method for early detection.

Conclusion:

The landscape of cancer detection has been revolutionized by advancements in diagnostic tests. From blood cancer detection to tests for breast and lung cancer, these innovative approaches are transforming early detection and improving patient outcomes. Liquid biopsies, molecular imaging, genetic testing, and breath tests are among the groundbreaking tools enhancing our ability to detect cancer at its earliest stages. With continued research and technological advancements, the future of cancer detection holds great promise in the fight against this devastating disease. Early detection remains our strongest weapon in saving lives and reducing the burden of cancer worldwide.

[cosmicpuzzle]

8th House- What is your danger ⚠️🚫⚡?

Aries on 8th: You are prone to physical danger from sharp subjects such as knifes, kitchen equipments such as microwave oven, cutting utensils, weapons, guns, heat and the Sun. You also are prone to accidents. Your head area must be guarded always.

Taurus on 8th: You are not prone to much physical danger but there are financial dangers such as loans, debts etc. You are also prone to excesses of all kinds, sexual, physical, food etc. Your throat area must be paid attention.

Gemini on 8th: You are prone to danger from social media and your random contacts. You also have problems through your communication. You are prone to danger throuh air element. Thus you may suffer lungs and breathing problems due to pollution, poor air quality etc. You must also avoid smoking.

Cancer on 8th: You are prone to danger from water bodies if you visit beaches, rivers and lakes. You must be careful during swimming, bathtubs etc.

Leo on 8th: You are prone to danger from fire and wildlife animals. You must also avoid overexposure to the Sun. You are at risk of blood pressure and heart ailments.

Virgo on 8th: You are prone to nervous disorders and anxieties and worries. You may also receive wrong medical diagnosis. You may face danger from small pets and infections. You may also have a relative backstabbing you.

Libra on 8th: Your dangers are from wrong relationships and addictive behaviors. You may become too lazy and thus your weight gain may lead to health problems especially related to kidneys

Scorpio on 8th: The danger in your life is related to violence or crimes and underhanded deals. You are exposed to jealosuy, fights or arguments. Anxiety or worries make you prone to accidents, bruises or burns. You are also prone to black magic. Sagittarius on 8th: You must be careful with fire, guns, competitive sports, adventures where you are exposed to accidents. You may also face danger in foreign lands or from foreigners and any mentors.

Capricorn on 8th: You face danger in old age or from old people. Accidents breaking the bones are also possible. Your joints are weak. You may be prone to Government fines.

Aquarius on 8th: You face danger from electricity and electronic items damaged plugs, wires or appliances. You may face danger from friends, social network. Your cardiac rhythm may be very irregular. Your circulatory system can be poor.

Pisces on 8th: You face danger from water bodies like cancer on 8th. Additionally, you face danger from drug overuse, medicines, tablets and any addictive substances such as alcohol, tobacco etc.

Note: Don't freak out as 1 in 12 people will have a sign on their 8th house. Just take precautions.

For Readings DM. For Reports at discount DM

[rrmch]

Community Medicine | top medical colleges in bangalore - RRMCH College

Dept of Community Medicine has incorporated Training, Preventive Promotive and Curative Services inclusive of Research Projects. Dept of Community Medicine Is being updated as per National Medical Commission to train as per the recent Competency Based Medical Education. Teaching Faculty of Dept of Community Medicine are competent as per National Medical Commission to train Undergraduates, Post – Graduates and allied Health course Students. In this regard the Dept is updated regarding Practical Classes, Field based Activities, Research Projects, Observation of Important World Health Days, Specialist Health Camps, etc

[jcmarchi]

Chaim Linhart, PhD, Co-founder & CTO of Ibex Medical Analytics – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/chaim-linhart-phd-co-founder-cto-of-ibex-medical-analytics-interview-series/

Chaim Linhart, PhD, Co-founder & CTO of Ibex Medical Analytics – Interview Series

Chaim Linhart, PhD is the CTO and Co-Founder of Ibex Medical Analytics. He has more than 25 years of experience in algorithm development, AI and machine learning from academia as well as serving in an elite unit in the Israeli military and at several tech companies. Chaim has a PhD in Computer Science from Tel Aviv University and has won multiple Kaggle machine learning competitions.

Since 2016, Ibex has led the way in AI-powered diagnostics for pathology. The company set out to transform pathology by ensuring that every patient can receive an accurate, timely, and personalized cancer diagnosis. Today, Ibex is the most widely deployed artificial intelligence platform in pathology. Developed by pathologists for pathologists, their solutions serve the world’s leading physicians, healthcare organizations, and diagnostic providers. Every day, Ibex has the privilege of impacting the lives of patients worldwide. The platform raises physician confidence, streamlines diagnostic workflows, helps clinicians provide more personalized diagnoses, and, most importantly, enables better clinical outcomes.

Can you share the journey and vision behind Ibex’s founding and its mission to transform cancer diagnostics with AI?

In 2016, my co-founder, Joseph Mossel, and I learned about the direct impact a digital revolution in pathology could have on improving cancer diagnostics. Radiology had gone through a similar transformation 20 years earlier, which had a prominent impact on how the specialty was practiced. With pathology becoming digitized, we recognized it provided an opportunity to develop new advanced tools that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to perform sophisticated image analysis. We have focused on developing AI-powered tools that help physicians in reaching more accurate, objective, reproducible diagnoses, and thereby helping each patient receive the right diagnosis, in a timely way, which leads to the best possible treatment.

How has the landscape of cancer diagnostics changed since Ibex’s inception in 2016?

Labs have been adopting digitization at an increasing rate, even further accelerated by Covid-19. The digital revolution has enabled the labs to broaden their capabilities beyond the microscope in an impactful and meaningful way, leveraging AI that helps pathologists analyze and understand results efficiently.

The cancer diagnostics AI field has grown exponentially, as we’ve been seeing startups and other companies working on various aspects of AI for pathology in the cancer diagnosis realm. Precision medicine, for example, is data-driven patient stratification enabled by an accurate diagnosis and various informatics approaches that lead to optimal, personalized treatment. An increase in precision medicine comes with an enhanced need for more complex diagnostics to support the new targeted treatments.

We’ve also seen an increase in academic publications and industry associations focusing on the field. When Joseph and I attended our first conference on digital and computational pathology in 2016, AI was a small sliver of the conversation surrounding cancer diagnosis, as it wasn’t as mainstream. Now, when attending a large pathology conference, AI is the main event.

What differentiates Ibex from other companies in the field of AI-powered pathology?

When we talk about AI-powered pathology, there are several subdomains. There are companies that prioritize research applications, like tools that analyze tissue images to help understand disease processes at the morphological and cellular level, for example. Secondly, there are companies that focus mainly on clinical applications, i.e., products that are used in labs to support routine diagnosis.

Ibex is focused on clinical applications, and we have the largest and most widespread installation base with pathologists around the world using our tools daily for cancer diagnosis. We are also partnering with Pharma to develop AI-powered clinical applications that support pathologists in quantifying biomarkers that enable targeted therapies.

Additionally, while some companies focus on specific, limited indications per tumor type, like cancer detection, our approach is to train the AI to analyze everything a pathologist would see in these tissues. It’s not only about cancer detection, but also the type and subtype of cancer, the grade, its size, as well as cancer-related morphologies and other clinical features. We know pathology is more than just determining if the patient has cancer or not. We want to help pathologists realize the vast benefits that AI brings to the table.

Can you explain the core technology behind Ibex’s solutions and how it assists pathologists in cancer detection and grading?

Our approach is that pathologists essentially train the machine. We have a large team of pathologists around the world annotating slides. This means, they mark specific areas within those slides and label them. They may mark a low-grade tumor, a blood vessel, a nerve, inflammation, and so on. We then take that data and use it to train the AI models. This ensures that the AI is very accurate, even for rare and difficult cases, which is vitally important. Our AI is taught by pathologists and is trained to identify many different types of structures and morphologies of the tissue, which is very helpful to pathologists and inevitably increases its accuracy. By having access to a breadth of data and knowledge, we’re able to improve our AI and implement learnings with the feedback obtained directly in the field.

How does Ibex ensure clinical-grade accuracy across different cancer types such as breast, prostate, and gastric cancers?

This takes a lot of hard work. We collect data from many partners around the world. We ensure the data is very diverse, with representation from different labs and various tissue preparation techniques, scanners, and clinical findings. We enrich the training data with rare types of cancer. This ensures the AI is trained with a wide variety of features. During the training process, we measure what the AI does well, and we also determine where improvements need to be made. The team, with vast experience in machine learning, tests the AI on thousands of slides that we collected from different labs. We run studies and clinical trials and compare two fundamental aspects of the system. First, we review its standalone performance compared to the ground truth. Second, we determine how accurately the pathologist works with and without AI. In doing so, we ensure the AI is accurate, robust, unbiased, and safe. We measure its impact on the pathologists using the AI. Across our applications, we see that the pathologist, with the assistance of AI, reaches better results (meaning more accurate, higher agreement with the ground truth) than in standard of care (i.e., when they are not supported by the AI). We also measure the efficiency of their work and other important benefits of the AI platform, such as optimizing the workflow in the lab and decreasing the turnaround time (how quickly the patient receives the results).

What are some unique features of Ibex’s solutions that enhance diagnostic workflows and improve patient outcomes?

Our integrated system includes a slide viewer, the AI results, and built-in reporting tools. This holistic system was designed to enhance accuracy and productivity. It walks pathologists through the diagnostic process, showing them the main findings in every case and slide. Instead of searching for features, which can be small and hard to detect, the AI highlights everything very clearly. From there, the pathologist can confirm or modify. The AI shows measurements and quantifications; it also scores everything. With built-in reports, the pathologist doesn’t have to look at the slide, make the diagnosis in their mind, and then go to another system and report everything; instead, reporting is done while the AI is driving the integrated workflow. Even the number of mouse clicks was optimized. Everything was built with pathologists in mind to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, thereby creating a better work environment for these physicians with better outcomes for their patients.

How does Ibex’s solutions integrate with existing digital pathology software solutions and laboratory information systems?

We work with several vendors in the field that sell image management solutions or offer lab information systems. For each partner, there are different types of integration opportunities. In some cases, we embed our AI into their tools so the pathologist can use their platform with our AI inside it. In other cases, we integrate with these tools in a way that allows pathologists to launch Ibex from the other system. Regardless of the integration, we always want to make sure the users have the most optimal way of using the AI. Additionally, we have developed an open application programming interface (API) that allows third parties, including other companies or customers’ IT departments, to retrieve information from our AI and integrate it into their environment.

What challenges did Ibex face in achieving widespread adoption of its AI-powered solutions in pathology?

Upon reflection, I’d say the main challenge Ibex faced was around the sheer complexity and the amount of work, effort, and time required to bring diagnostics products to market. This includes multidisciplinary approaches: collecting data, working with pathologists, training the AI and testing it rigorously, running clinical trials, and, in some geographies, gaining regulatory clearance – and doing all of this under strict quality assurance measures. In the medical field, it is also extremely important to generate scientific evidence and publish results with multiple labs to demonstrate the performance and benefits of the AI platform.

Another notable challenge is integration. We need to make sure that pathologists can use the AI in a way that is efficient and natural. There are multiple systems in the lab: digital pathology scanners, the lab information system and workflow, and reporting tools. Put simply, we make sure everything comes together in the most efficient way possible, despite the challenges.

Can you share some success stories or case studies from healthcare organizations that have implemented Ibex’s solutions?

We’re very proud of our partnerships and global reach. For example, we have the first nationwide deployment of AI in Wales – all of the Health Boards in Wales are using Ibex’s AI solution. Another example is CorePlus Laboratories in Puerto Rico – they  have been using Ibex for several years and published a paper, which shows the impact the platform has had on their clinical practice. As an example, using the AI algorithm, the pathologists were able to identify 160 men that otherwise would have been misdiagnosed. Those patients were given the right treatment thanks to the AI’s support. That’s really the impact that we’re making. It’s something we can’t forget – we’re here to impact people’s lives.

What role do you see AI playing in the future of pathology and cancer diagnostics over the next decade?

Throughout the next decade, we’ll continue to see pathologists use AI to support them in their primary diagnostic efforts. I envision pathologists will use AI on most of their workloads to make sure that the quality is high, and everything is objective, reproducible, and timely. Additionally, AI will help physicians do things they don’t currently do. It can help them decide which additional tests need to be performed on a specific case, as well as provide a more accurate prognosis and streamlined treatment selection.

AI will be integral throughout the entire patient journey, not just the cancer diagnostic part in the pathology lab, but also, for example, the oncologist who decides on the course of treatment. Also, I think AI will help combine disciplines. With time, the different modalities (pathology, radiology, genomics, clinical records) will be fed to various AI modules to support new and improved precision medicine. From a health equity perspective, patients that don’t have access to the best doctors in the world will experience a huge leap in the quality of their diagnosis and their treatment. AI will bring everyone to the level of near expert. Everyone deserves access to quality care, and AI will help bring us in the right direction to democratized health access.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Ibex Medical Analytics.

[woso-dreamzzz]

Torn V

Kewis x Child!Reader

Summary: You go to the doctor

Usually, when you go to the doctor, it's because Mom has to have another checkup on her knee.

Lately though, it's because of you.

You go to the GP and then you go to another doctor and then another one.

Mom and Mommy are worried about you but you don't know why. They speak in hushed tones together and always make sure to squeeze you extra tight during bed time cuddles.

You don't understand what's going on, even as you're taken to the special doctor and have sticky things stuck to your head.

Mommy says that it's to check you're healthy. You don't know why you have to be checked like this all of a sudden but it's not too bad.

Mom had surgery before. That's scary.

Having weird things stuck to your head isn't scary, not really so you force yourself to be brave.

You get to hold your favourite dino toy nice and tight as you look up at flashing lights and the nurses set you up for the rest of your tests.

Things are weird but you must be brave like how Mommy was brave to move across the world to be with Mom and how Mom was brave when she had her knee surgery.

You have to be brave because Mom and Mommy are brave all the time and you don't want them to see you scared.

You go for more appointments too, to get your blood drawn and to be checked over.

Then, it's a round of waiting.

Mom and Mommy don't tell you what's going on, not really, but they hold you more often.

You're sitting in the doctor's office again when your moms get told the results.

Kristie's been anxious all morning, knee bouncing as the doctor pulls up your file.

Any number of things could be wrong with you.

She'd doom scrolled through google last night, reading about cancer and tumours for so long that Sam had to take her phone from her and hold her as she cried.

You'd never been sick like this before. Sure, you'd had the flu and a tummy bug before but your random zone outs are nothing like that.

Kristie doesn't know how long you've been having them, doesn't know how long they've been ignored for. She doesn't know if they're going to get worse or if you've already hit the worst of them.

She takes Sam's hand tightly in her own, eyes darting down to the floor where you're amusing yourself playing with your dinosaur toys.

"Alright and this is for the little one, right?"

Kristie nods.

"Can you confirm her name?"

"y/n Mewis-Kerr."

"And birthdate?"

Kristie answers easily and squeezes Sam's hand.

"Right." The doctor types in a few more things before swinging his chair around to face them.

"Is she okay?"

"That depends on what your idea of okay is. We can make a diagnosis after seeing the results of her tests."

"And?" Sam asks, getting a bit impatient with this man trying to delay telling them.

He reaches across the desk to grab a pamphlet, offering it up to them.

"We're very confident that Miss y/n has CAE. Childhood Absence Epilepsy."

"Epilepsy," Sam repeats," She's been having seizures?"

The doctor nods. "Now, there's not much to worry about at this stage." He opens the leaflet and points to a section. "The type of seizure she's been having are absence seizures. These are normal enough and aren't as dangerous as others."

"So...So she'll be okay?"

The doctor purses his lips. "Most kids grow out of it by the time they're teenagers but..."

Kristie sighs. "Some don't."

"There is a chance that she'll develop a different type of epilepsy as she grows up."

"That's it?" Sam scoffs, something unfamiliar swelling in her chest. "Oh, your kid has epilepsy! Here you go?!"

"Sam!" Kristie hisses.

"Mom?"

The room falls silent as you twist around to look at Sam, broken out of your play by her loud voice.

"Are you okay?"

Sam looks at you, mouth hung open for a moment before she opens her arms up for you.

You go to her willingly, letting her lift you up onto her lap.

"We're talking to the doctor about you, chook," Kristie says," He's going to help you get better."

"But I'm not sick," You tell her," Am I sick, Mommy?"

Kristie shakes her head. "No, chook and we're going to keep you that way. Let's just listen to what the doctor has to say."

The doctor clears his throat. "From what I've seen and what you've told me, I'm going to recommend some medicine to keep her seizures under control. I'll send off the prescription in a moment and the pharmacy will call you when it's ready. All the dosages and instructions are on the bottle."

Kristie nods as Sam holds you tighter than before.

"We'll schedule another appointment in a month so we can check how she's doing on her new medication and we'll adjust as needed. She'll also need to be seen by her neurologist at least once a year just to check on how she's doing."

"And...And if she does develop a different type of epilepsy?" Sam asks tentatively.

"Then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."