Image
A new way to fight cervical cancer: How artificial Intelligence is transforming pap test screening
11 October 2024
Screening is critical for effective prevention and treatment of many cancers, and cervical cancer is no different. Each year in the U.S., an estimated 26.4 million Pap tests are ordered, and an estimated 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed.
Labcorp has performed analyses on Pap tests for more than 50 years, processing more than 6 million of these tests annually. As the number of patients getting regular Pap tests from Labcorp continues to grow, it is crucial to implement the latest innovations and workflows to help every patient receive their results as quickly as possible. By improving systems and adopting new technologies, the increasing demand for Pap tests can be met, while maintaining Labcorp’s commitment to delivering the highest quality care.
“We understand the pathogen, we understand the cellular changes, and we need to keep adding tools to the toolbox here to reduce the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year,” says Dr. Mindy Nye, vice president in the office of the Chief Scientific Officer at Labcorp.
The latest addition to that toolbox? Digital cytology utilizing artificial intelligence (AI).
Labcorp has entered an agreement to use Hologic's Genius™ Digital Diagnostics System and Genius™ Cervical AI algorithm, recently cleared by the FDA, to analyze cervical cell samples. Labcorp plans to implement the system at several locations across its national footprint of labs, beginning in Alabama and North Carolina.
"[The technology] is very promising in its ability to aid in detecting cervical disease,” says Dr. Jennifer Schneiders, division president of diagnostic solutions at Hologic. “The system delivers more actionable and accurate insights for laboratories to maintain the most comprehensive standard of care for patients and providers in cervical cancer screening. “
Artificial intelligence offers a promising tool to detecting cervical cancer
Pap smear analysis typically involves a pathologist using a microscope, meticulously examining stained glass slides for signs of cervical cancer.
Now, with the power of AI, those same slides are digitized and analyzed in the blink of an eye by intelligent algorithms. The AI then identifies abnormal cells, categorizes them, and flags them for further review, allowing pathologists and cytologists to spend more time performing detailed examinations and assessments on challenging samples. Unlike traditional methods where the expert must be physically present with the stained slide, the digital scan allows cytologists and pathologists to access the digital images remotely from any location.
“By handling the initial analysis and categorization of cells, the AI system allows cytologists to focus on samples that require more in-depth analysis,” Nye says. “This standardizes the process and minimizes variables, improving consistency regardless of who is handling the staining or analysis.”
The goal is to use AI so cytologists and pathologists can more quickly, accurately and objectively detect abnormalities. Hologic reported that it found a significant reduction in false negatives during its study compared to microscopic review alone, making the tool a valuable resource for the lab.
Labcorp and Hologic partner to expand artificial intelligence into pap testing
Prior to receiving FDA clearance for its Genius Digital Diagnostics System, Hologic approached Labcorp to get a better understanding of the user experience lab cytotechnologists and pathologists have with Pap analysis.
According to Nye, Hologic wanted to understand the training curve of using the Genius Digital Diagnostics System and Genius Cervical AI algorithm, so they conducted a review of specimens with Labcorp staff.
This collaboration allowed Hologic to see how the AI system compared to current methods, helping to plan implementation strategies.
“Our partners at Hologic said this technology will change the field, and at Labcorp, we wanted to understand how this technology could make a difference in cervical cancer screening and early identification,” Nye says.
This early collaboration provided valuable insights to the Labcorp team prior to the FDA clearance of the Genius Digital Diagnostics System. The FDA approved system has recently completed evaluation studies at Labcorp’s Burlington, North Carolina, and Birmingham, Alabama, sites.
The future of artificial intelligence in laboratory diagnostics
AI-assisted screening is a critical advancement that will help to improve cervical cancer detection and help reduce cervical cancer deaths. However, this marks only the beginning of plans to use AI to help deliver on Labcorp’s mission of improving health and improving lives.
“There is potential to use similar technology in the diagnosis of parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract, and it uses the same basis and a lot of the same methodology,” Nye says. “With advancements in AI, we have even better tools in the lab to contribute to the fight against cervical cancer and other diseases.”