The IT Advanced Services company (ITAS) and the Clinical Center of Montenegro, with the support of the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, have launched a revolutionary project: enhancing histopathological analysis through artificial intelligence (AI).
Project Overview
This project aims to develop an advanced AI system for pathological analysis of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of colorectal cancer.
How Does It Work?
Using machine learning techniques, the system will analyse medical images and automatically detect key pathological changes, including dysplastic and malignant cells. To ensure its reliability and applicability in different clinical environments, special attention is given to high-quality data and rigorous model validation. Ultimately, this system is expected to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of analysis, reducing the workload of pathologists and enhancing patient treatment outcomes. The project is being implemented through a multidisciplinary collaboration of experts in pathology, AI/ML technologies, and software development.
Why Is This Important?
Cancer diagnosis is a complex and time-consuming process that heavily relies on manual work. Once tissue is obtained through a biopsy or surgery, it is sent to pathology, where it undergoes a series of preparation steps to produce a histopathological slide ready for microscopic examination. Analysing histopathological samples involves assessing tissue architecture, cell morphology, and the presence of abnormalities, among other factors. These activities are crucial for an accurate diagnosis but require significant time and attention.
This is where artificial intelligence comes into play. AI technology enables the automated analysis of these elements, providing additional support to pathologists and accelerating the decision-making process.
Adenocarcinoma: A Specific Challenge
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colorectal cancer. According to statistics, the incidence of colorectal cancer in Montenegro is lower than the global average, but mortality rates are higher. Its prevalence and aggressiveness make it a significant public health issue.
Advantages of the AI System
By using advanced machine learning algorithms, the AI system for pathological analysis of adenocarcinoma will be able to identify cell changes, isolate potentially malignant tissue, and highlight areas that require further examination. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the system will automatically mark suspicious tissue, directing the pathologist’s attention to regions that require a more detailed analysis.
The project also includes the development of a user interface tailored for pathologists, making it easier to integrate AI tools into their daily work.
Revolution in Telemedicine
A key advantage of this system is its applicability in telemedicine. Thanks to digitalization and AI analysis, samples will be able to be reviewed and analyzed remotely, enabling faster and more efficient consultations with experts from other medical centers. This is particularly important for smaller healthcare facilities that do not have permanently engaged pathologists.
The Future of Healthcare
Investing in innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence in medicine, particularly in oncology, is crucial for improving healthcare and public health. This project has the potential to become a key element in Montenegro’s strategy to combat colorectal cancer, contributing to reduced mortality and improved quality of life for patients.
Additionally, the digitalization and application of AI in pathology represent an important step toward modernizing healthcare in Montenegro, keeping pace with global trends in medical diagnostics.
