Definiens Image Analysis Technology Improves Accuracy in Scoring Her2/neu in Breast Cancer Biopsies
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Definiens has completed a feasibility study for the evaluation of the Her2/neu protein in breast cancer biopsies. Conducted in conjunction with a leading pharmaceutical company, the study involved 1800 tumor cases from patients enrolled in a multi-center clinical trial for a breast cancer targeted therapy.
The study compared results obtained using manual pathology scoring methods to those obtained via Definiens’ computerized image analysis approach for evaluating Her2/neu objectively, on a cell-by-cell basis.
The comparison indicated that Definiens XD – the company’s platform for multi-dimensional image analysis – provided improved scoring accuracy of 30% as compared to a panel of six pathologists.
The study’s results suggest utilizing automated image analysis technology in biomarker screening can have a positive impact on clinical trial outcomes and the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Definiens technology is developed to address the unmet need for automatic and objective image analysis of complex biological images such as heterogeneous tumor tissue. It can enable rapid quantitative assessment of biological images from multiple image acquisition platforms.
“The results of this feasibility study are very compelling,” said Manfred Voglmaier, Vice President of Business Development for Definiens’ Life Sciences division. “Our approach to image analysis and biomarker quantification demonstrates enormous potential for facilitating better treatment decisions for a variety of cancer types. We are currently seeking cancer center and bio-pharmaceutical partners to collaborate with in the development of tissue-based cancer diagnostics applications.”
Definiens is also evaluating the application of its image analysis platform for Her2/neu assessment in stomach cancer biopsies; the grading of non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer; and tumor volumetric assessment post-Avastin, Sutent, and Sorafenib treatment.
The study compared results obtained using manual pathology scoring methods to those obtained via Definiens’ computerized image analysis approach for evaluating Her2/neu objectively, on a cell-by-cell basis.
The comparison indicated that Definiens XD – the company’s platform for multi-dimensional image analysis – provided improved scoring accuracy of 30% as compared to a panel of six pathologists.
The study’s results suggest utilizing automated image analysis technology in biomarker screening can have a positive impact on clinical trial outcomes and the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Definiens technology is developed to address the unmet need for automatic and objective image analysis of complex biological images such as heterogeneous tumor tissue. It can enable rapid quantitative assessment of biological images from multiple image acquisition platforms.
“The results of this feasibility study are very compelling,” said Manfred Voglmaier, Vice President of Business Development for Definiens’ Life Sciences division. “Our approach to image analysis and biomarker quantification demonstrates enormous potential for facilitating better treatment decisions for a variety of cancer types. We are currently seeking cancer center and bio-pharmaceutical partners to collaborate with in the development of tissue-based cancer diagnostics applications.”
Definiens is also evaluating the application of its image analysis platform for Her2/neu assessment in stomach cancer biopsies; the grading of non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer; and tumor volumetric assessment post-Avastin, Sutent, and Sorafenib treatment.
