Breast cancer patients at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) are set to benefit from faster diagnosis and treatment decisions thanks to pioneering new technology. HDFT is the first NHS Trust to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI) enabled HER2 tissue scanning system for clinical use, marking a significant step forward in breast cancer diagnostics.
Funded by Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC) who raised over £40,000 through their 30th birthday campaign, the new scanner from Roche will be used by the Histopathology Department at Harrogate District Hospital to help assess breast cancer tissue samples more quickly and efficiently.
The scanner captures high–resolution digital images of breast cancer tissue samples and uses an advanced AI powered algorithm to support pathologists in assessing HER2 status, an important factor in identifying if patients are likely to benefit from targeted drug treatment.
The algorithm does this by detecting if the HER2/neu gene, which can be a cause of breast cancer, is present or not in a patient’s sample, helping pathologists review samples more quickly while maintaining expert clinical oversight at every stage.
Receiving test results sooner means patients can begin their treatment plans faster, which improves treatment and outcomes for patients, while reducing anxiety during an already difficult time.
The purchase of the scanner has been made possible thanks to the generosity of HHCC supporters, meaning local patients are among the first in the country to benefit from this innovative technology.
HDFT is continuing to increase its use of innovative technologies, such as AI software, to improve patient care and services. AI is already being used to support clinicians across a number of specialties including helping to speed up fracture diagnosis and improve the efficiency and accuracy of chest x-rays, particularly for conditions such as lung cancer.
Philippa Bleasdale, Histology Section Manager said “It was wonderful to see the scanner and AI software being installed in the department after all the efforts of HHCC and the Histopathology team.
“This project has been a labour of love and will make a real difference for patients by delivering results more quickly and supporting faster treatment decisions.
“Whilst this technology will initially be used to improve the pathway for breast cancer patients, in the future it is hoped it can be used to assist with the interpretation of other biomarkers for different cancers, such as lung cancer.
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked on this campaign and to all our generous donors, who have made it possible.”
Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity at HDFT said “We are delighted to be able to support the Histopathology Department with this incredible piece of diagnostic equipment enabling earlier diagnosis and onset of treatment for patients at Harrogate District Hospital.
“This has only been possible through the generosity of our donors and supporters, who got behind our 30th Birthday Campaign and helped us raise more than £40,000 for this groundbreaking technology.
“Our mission is to enhance healthcare for our patients, families and communities, being able to provide cutting edge technology closer to homes and improving the outcomes for those who access our services.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive every day from patients, their families and the wider community. Without that support, projects like this would not be possible.”
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