Lithuania has made strides in breast cancer diagnostics with the introduction of an AI tool to assess the HER2 biomarker, marking a significant advancement in oncology within the Baltic region.
The National Pathology Center (VPC), part of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, is now utilizing the “Ibex Breast HER2” algorithm, the first CE-IVDR certified AI tool of its kind in the area. This technology aims to enhance treatment accuracy for the over 22,000 women living with breast cancer in Lithuania, where approximately 1,700 new cases are diagnosed each year.
This AI-driven system automates the detection of invasive tumor areas and analyzes immunohistochemical images, generating HER2 expression scores in line with international standards. It is particularly beneficial in cases of borderline or low HER2 expression, where human interpretation can be inconsistent. Pathologist Donatas Petroška emphasized that the AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly aids in making more reliable, evidence-based treatment decisions.
HER2 status is crucial for determining eligibility for targeted therapies, and this new technology facilitates the identification of patients suitable for innovative treatments. Prof. Dr. Arvydas Laurinavičius highlighted that while pathologists retain final diagnostic authority, the AI offers enhanced reliability, shifting the focus toward personalized medicine. Furthermore, multidisciplinary collaboration among oncologists and other specialists is expected to strengthen, allowing for more effective treatment strategies based on specific tumor characteristics.
By adopting the Ibex platform, Lithuania is positioning its healthcare system within the broader global digital pathology landscape, potentially improving outcomes through advanced diagnostic capabilities.