NEW YORK — Cernostics has partnered with Irish digital pathology firm Deciphex to study the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis for the early detection of cancer in Barrett's esophagus patients, the companies said on Thursday.
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which acid reflux damages the lining of the esophagus, which can lead to dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma. In 2017, Pittsburgh-based Cernostics launched the TissueCypher Barrett's Esophagus Assay, which analyzes whole-slide digital images with multiplexed fluorescence, to aid pathologists interpret standard pinch biopsies from Barrett's esophagus patients.
Under their collaboration, the companies will evaluate whether AI-based technologies can identify previously unobservable prognostic indicators within histology slides. These indicators may be incorporated into future versions of TissueCypher Barrett's Esophagus Assay and other commercial products.
Deciphex intends to use the project to demonstrate the utility of AI-based histology in improving patient care, the companies added.
Additional terms were not disclosed.