Scientists at the U.S. Department of Defense and Google have collaborated to develop an Augmented Reality Microscope (ARM) that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist doctors in identifying cancer. The ARM has the potential to support doctors in smaller labs who are facing workforce shortages and increasing case loads. This AI-powered tool has the ability to quickly analyze tissue samples and identify the severity of a particular cancer.
One case in which the ARM proved its value was during a consultation between pathologists regarding a prostate cancer case. The AI microscope confirmed the diagnosis madeone doctor concerning the aggressiveness of the cancerous cells, resolving the debate and ultimately improving patient care. The ARM is currently in the research phase and is not actively used for patient diagnosis, but it shows promise as a tool to provide valuable second opinions to pathologists who may not have easy access to consultations.
The ARM is designed to integrate seamlessly into the workflow of pathologists. It looks like a traditional microscope with an additional computer tower connected to it. When a glass slide with tissue samples is placed under the microscope, the AI can outline the location of cancer cells. This outline appears as a bright green line for the pathologist to see through the microscope’s eyepiece and on a separate monitor. Additionally, the AI generates a black and white heat map on the monitor to show the boundaries of the cancer. This technology allows pathologists to continue working without disruption.
Aside from its diagnostic capabilities, the ARM also addresses challenges facedpathologists in digitizing their workflows. Digital pathology systems require large-scale data collection and storage, which can be expensive and challenging for smaller health systems. The ARM provides an alternativeallowing pathologists to take screen grabs of slides using the microscope’s software, reducing costs associated with data storage.
The cost of an ARM typically ranges between $90,000 to $100,000 for health systems. However, the benefits it offers in terms of improved diagnoses and efficiency make it a valuable investment. The ARM ensures that the physical microscope remains an integral part of the pathologist’s process while augmenting it with AI capabilities.
By leveraging the power of AI, the ARM can potentially revolutionize cancer diagnosis and contribute to better patient outcomes. It exemplifies the collaboration between the medical and technological fields to bring innovative solutions to healthcare.
