Digital Pathology Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us Fan Mail

Can spatial biology and multiplex immunofluorescence truly transform how we understand cancer?

I went live from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2025 — the 40th Anniversary Meeting to explore how spatial biology, multiplex IF, and digital pathology are coming together to redefine cancer diagnostics, research, and precision medicine.

This session kicked off a weekend of cutting-edge discussions with leaders from Hamamatsu (Booth 415) and Biocare Medical (Booth 717) — two companies helping laboratories around the world embrace digital transformation and spatial imaging in oncology.

🧠 Episode Highlights & Key Moments

0:00 — Introduction
I set the stage live from SITC 2025, explaining the goal of this series: to connect the science of multiplex imaging and spatial analysis with the practical needs of today’s cancer pathologists and researchers.

~1:00 — What Is Multiplex Immunofluorescence (IF)?
I explain how multiplex IF enables simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers and immune cell types within a single tumor sample — giving us an unprecedented look at the tumor microenvironment and how cells interact.

~2:30 — The Spatial Biology Revolution
We talk about spatial biology as the “next frontier” beyond traditional histopathology — visualizing not just what is on the slide, but where it happens.

~5:00 — Digital Pathology & AI Readiness
I discuss the importance of digital pathology systems for slide digitization and how AI-powered software is now helping identify biomarkers, quantify expression, and accelerate immunotherapy research.

~7:30 — Featured Booths at SITC 2025

• Hamamatsu (Booth 415): High-end slide scanners and digital imaging solutions empowering pathology labs toward digital readiness.
• Biocare Medical (Booth 717): Showcasing the ONCORE Pro X — an open slide stainer that automates multiplex IF, IHC, FISH, and ISH protocols, plus smart software for optimizing complex staining processes.

~9:00 — Real-World Impact
We walk through clinical case examples where multiplex IF data guides immunotherapy decisions — helping clinicians stratify patients and tailor treatments more precisely.

~12:00 — Getting Started
I share practical advice for researchers ready to adopt spatial biology or digital pathology, from workflow design to validation and staff training.

~15:00 — Audience Q&A
Live questions from the audience on implementation, data integration, and scaling multiplex workflows across research and clinical environments.

~20:00 — Future Directions
We look ahead to how machine learning and spatial data integration will shape the next decade of immuno-oncology, including new SITC workshops on AI-driven tissue profiling.

~24:00 — Wrap-Up & Takeaways
Key message: spatial biology is not just a trend — it’s the next layer of precision medicine. I invite everyone to visit Hamamatsu (Booth 415) and Biocare (Booth 717) and to stay tuned for the next livestream focused on multiplex IF in clinical settings.

Resources Mentioned

🔹 Hamamatsu Photonics (Booth 415)
High-performance digital slide scanners and imaging systems.
🌐 hamamatsu.com

🔹 Biocare Medical (Booth 717)
ONCORE Pro X — Open slide stainer automating advanced multiplex imaging workflows.
🌐 biocare.net

🔹 SITC 2025 Official Information
Conference programs, workshops, and educational resources.
🌐 sitcancer.org

My Takeaway:

Spatial biology and multiplex IF a

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

Can one AI system learn from every organ — and teach us something new about all of them?

In this edition of DigiPath Digest #31, I explore how artificial intelligence is transforming pathology across multiple organ systems, revealing connections that help us diagnose faster, more consistently, and more accurately than ever before.

From glomerulonephritis to hepatocellular carcinoma, AI is no longer confined to a single specialty — it’s becoming the connective tissue between them.

What’s Inside:

1️⃣ AI for Bladder Cancer Classification
We begin with a multicenter study validating AI models for urothelial neoplasm classification using over 12,000 whole-slide images. Both CNNs and transformer models achieved high accuracy (AUC 0.983, F1 score 0.9). I discuss why the F1 score matters — and what it tells us about model balance between sensitivity and specificity.

2️⃣ AI in Colorectal Cancer Care
Next, we explore multimodal AI — integrating histopathology, radiology, genomics, and blood markers to modernize colorectal cancer workflows. AI now helps detect adenomas, infer microsatellite instability (MSI) from H&E slides, and predict treatment outcomes. I highlight the critical need for external validation, interpretability, and governance as AI enters clinical use.

3️⃣ AI for Glomerular Nephritis Diagnosis
A deep learning model trained on over 100,000 kidney biopsy images identified four nephritis types — FSGS, IgA, MN, and MCD — with over 85% accuracy. This technology could ease workloads and improve turnaround time in renal pathology. Still, I share why AI support may feel both empowering and unsettling for many pathologists.

4️⃣ AI in Liver Disease (MASLD & HCC)
AI is advancing noninvasive fibrosis staging and risk prediction in liver pathology. From large consortia like NIMBLE and LITMUS to predictive models for HCC therapy response, AI is moving us closer to precision hepatology. I also discuss the challenge of translating these tools from research to regulatory approval.

5️⃣ Lightweight AI for Domain Generalization
Finally, we look at one of pathology AI’s biggest challenges: domain shift — when a model trained on one scanner or staining style performs poorly elsewhere. The new Histolite framework shows how lightweight, self-supervised models can generalize across data sources — trading some accuracy for reliability in real-world use.

My Takeaway

Across every study, a single message stands out:
 AI isn’t replacing pathologists — it’s amplifying our vision.
By connecting kidney, colon, liver, and bladder insights, AI is teaching us that medicine works best when it learns across boundaries.

Episode Highlights

• Bladder cancer AI validation (06:41)
• Multimodal colorectal AI (12:38)
• Glomerular nephritis deep learning (19:29)
• AI in liver pathology (29:55)
• Domain shift & Histolite framework (38:17)
• Halloween wrap-up + SITC preview (46:18)

Join me next time for updates from the SITC 2025 Conference, where I’ll be live at Booth 415 with Hamamatsu and Biocare, discussing how AI and spatial biology are converging to drive clinical utility.

#DigitalPathology #AIinHealthcare #ComputationalPathology #CancerDiagnostics #LiverPathology #RenalPathology #FutureOfMedicine #DigiPathDigest

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

What if the way we quantify pathology is more guesswork than science? In this episode of DigiPath Digest, I take you through the latest research where AI is not just supporting but challenging traditional methods of image analysis in neuropathology, nephrology, hematology, and cytology. From Boston brain banks to Mayo Clinic kidney models, we look at how advanced AI compares to human vision—and where it already outperforms us.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:49] Neuropathology image analysis (Boston VA & BU) – Why traditional semiquantitative scoring often fails, and how AI-based density quantification reveals more subtle pathology in CTE.
• [00:13:16] Chronic kidney changes with AI (Mayo Clinic, Cambridge, Emory, Geneva) – A 20-class AI model trained on 20,500 annotations, showing how multiclass segmentation outperforms human guesswork in renal pathology.
• [00:21:09] Digital hematology review (University of Pennsylvania) – Current hurdles in AI for blood and bone marrow evaluation: regulatory oversight, data standardization, and resistance to change.
• [00:25:52] AI in cytology review (Journal of Cytopathology) – From BD FocalPoint to deep learning: two decades of digital cytology, stagnation, and why adoption still lags despite proven benefits.
• [00:32:09] Neuropathology goes digital – Where digital neuropathology is already routine (Ohio State, Mayo Clinic, Leeds, Granada) and why this specialty is crucial for pushing adoption.
• [00:34:19] Personal note – Why I believe learning, sharing, and experimenting with AI tools now will shape the way we practice pathology tomorrow.

Resources from this Episode

• Comparison of quantitative strategies in neuropathologic image analysis – Boston VA / BU Brain Bank study.
• Multiclass AI model for chronic kidney changes – Mayo Clinic, Cambridge, Emory, Georgia Tech, Geneva collaboration.
• Review: Digital hematology in the AI era – International Journal of Laboratory Hematology.
• Review: AI and machine learning in cytology – Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology.
• Digital Pathology 101 (by me, Dr. Aleksandra Zuraw) – Free PDF & Amazon print edition.
• Pathology AI Makeover Course – Practical training for AI in pathology workflows.

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

Get the PDF of "Digital Pathology 101" Book here

Get the paper copy  of "Digital Pathology 101" on AMAZON

I'm thrilled to introduce you to a long-awaited companion in your digital pathology voyage – the book, "Digital Pathology 101 - All you need to know to start and continue your digital pathology journey."

This book is the culmination of months of passion and hard work. If you've been following me on social media, you know it's been a labor of love. But why did I write this book, you might ask? Well, it's your comprehensive guide to navigating and thriving in the realm of digital pathology.

But first, let's rewind a bit. Back in 2003, Dr. Anil Parwani predicted that everyone would be digital by 2007. Well, that might have been a bit too optimistic, but guess what? The digital age in pathology is here, and it's not a distant future; it's right around the corner.

I'm convinced that now is the time, and that's why I'm so excited to share this book with you.

If you missed our webinar launch, don't worry – you can catch the replay here . 

In that webinar, I delved deep into why digital pathology is the future, and trust me, it's a future you don't want to miss out on.

But enough about that, let's dive into the first chapter of the audio version of "Digital Pathology 101." In this chapter, we'll explore the historical milestones that paved the way for digital pathology. So, without further ado, let's get started on this journey into the world of digital pathology.

Here is what we will cover in this part of chapter 1:

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY MILESTONES

• A. Historical Milestone
• B. Regulatory Milestone

BASIC DIGITALIZATION CONCEPTS

• A. About Digitization, Digitalization and Digital Transformation
• B. Digitization - The Scanner and its Components
• C. Digitalization and its challenges - Data Generation and Management
• D. Digital transformation: Advantages and Challenges of Digital Pathology

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get the PDF of "Digital Pathology 101" Book here

Get the paper copy  of "Digital Pathology 101" on AMAZON

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

 In this episode of "The Digital Pathology Podcast," we delve into the fascinating career of Dr. Anil Parwani from Ohio State University, a visionary whose ardor for technology and research paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in digital pathology.

Dr. Parwani's journey commenced with a bold move – launching a web educational series during his residency – well ahead of digital pathology's mainstream emergence. As we delve into his narrative, you'll witness how his pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for a transformative trajectory. The pivotal moment? It arrived with the debut of the first digital pathology scanners. Dr. Parwani envisioned a future where patient care and pathology research could soar to unprecedented heights through digitization. His role in implementing digital pathology solutions, including collaborations with startups, deepened his grasp of the clinical significance of this game-changing technology.

As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated technological advancements in digital pathology, Dr. Parwani witnessed a significant 20% surge in adoption within his institution. How did they strike the ideal balance between remote and in-person interactions? Discover the insights in this episode.

Furthermore, in an era where the number of medical students pursuing pathology is dwindling, we'll examine how digital pathology is sparking renewed interest. Dr. Parwani reveals how this field, with its research prospects, educational promise, and collaborative ethos, is reshaping perceptions and attracting fresh talent.

Stay tuned for an expedition through the dynamic realm of digital pathology with Dr. Anil Parwani. It's a captivating odyssey into innovation, precision, and the future of medical science that promises not to disappoint!

Start your 7-day free trial: Digital Pathology Club Membership

EPISODES YOU WILL ALSO ENJOY:

• The Best Online Pathology Book Ever w/ Nat Pernick, PathologyOutlines.com
• What the Heck is DICOM in Pathology w/ David Clunie, PixelMed Publishing

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY RESOURCES:

•  Digital Pathology Club Membership
• Bridging the Gap between Pathology and Computer Science - FREE Online Course
• Digital Pathology Starter Kit

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

What happened to digital pathology in the last decade?

Step into a time machine with us as we explore "The Evolution OF Digital Pathology– From Improved Histology Quality to Fair Use of Pathology Data" alongside Dr. Matt Leavitt, President of the Digital Diagnostics Foundation and Founder of Lumea. In this captivating podcast episode, we'll journey through the years and witness the incredible transformation of digital pathology.

Travel back to 2013, when digital pathology was still in its infancy, and fast forward to the present day, where innovation and technology have reshaped the landscape and ethical questions about patient data use urgently need answers.

Dr. Leavitt provides unique insights into the challenges, breakthroughs, and trends that have defined this transformative decade.

Gain a front-row seat to the evolution of healthcare innovation as we compare and contrast digital pathology then and now. Whether you're a seasoned pathologist, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.

Join us on this remarkable journey through time and innovation. Subscribe to the podcast now to uncover the secrets of digital pathology's evolution and chart a course for the future. Don't miss out—tune in and be a part of this fascinating exploration!

Start your 7-day free trial: Digital Pathology Club Membership

EPISODES YOU WILL ALSO ENJOY:

• BigPicture The Largest Whole Slide Repository for AI Model Development in Pathology.
• Digital Pathology for Dermatologists. How Pathology Watch managed to Incorporate Digital Pathology in dermatology Practices across the US. 

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY RESOURCES:

•  Digital Pathology Club Membership
• Bridging the Gap between Pathology and Computer Science - FREE Online Course
• Digital Pathology Starter Kit

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

How is digital pathology used in clinical trials? Because digital pathology as a discipline began with the aim of streamlining clinical trials, one could assume that this is currently the default.
Unfortunately, this is not the case… In today's discussion, our guest, Dr. Monika Lamba, a pathologist from Q2 Solutions, the lab division of IQVIA, sheds light on how digital pathology revolutionizes the landscape of clinical trials but also where we can still see the gaps.

In this engaging conversation, we discover how the origins of telepathology marked the inception of digital pathology and its journey to becoming an essential component of clinical trials.
Dr. Lamba walks us through the complexities of clinical trials, their organization, and patient matching across multiple sites and international boundaries.

As we unravel the role of pathology in clinical trials, we delve into how eligibility criteria, participant engagement, and informed consent are intricately woven into the process. Dr. Lamba educates us on the critical role of pathology in stratifying and randomizing patients, as well as evaluating outcome measures.
 
From disease staging to pathologic complete response assessments, pathology guides the way toward precision medicine and targeted therapies. Don't miss this captivating episode where we explore the synergy between digital pathology and clinical trials, paving the path for medical advancements and transformative healthcare solutions. Tune in now to expand your horizons on the ever-evolving intersection of digital pathology and clinical trials.

Start your 7-day free trial: Digital Pathology Club Membership


EPISODES YOU WILL ALSO ENJOY:

• Is this the year of AI in Pathology? And what about ChatGPT? A crossover podcast with "Beyond the Scope"
• What you need to know about Digital Pathology Trends: Takeaways from the DP&AI Global Engage Event w/ Giovanni Lujan, Ohio State University

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY RESOURCES:

•  Digital Pathology Club Membership
• Bridging the Gap between Pathology and Computer Science - FREE Online Course
• Digital Pathology Starter Kit

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to a very spontaneous and exciting episode of the Digital Pathology Podcast. In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Giovanni Lujan from Ohio State University, whom you might remember from our previous crossover podcasts with Beyond the Scope.

Recently, we were at the Digital Pathology and AI Congress in New York organized by Global Engage, and guess what? We decided to record this episode right there, surrounded by the buzz of the conference. No fancy preparations, just real and raw insights for you.

Giovanni and I are sharing our impressions and discussing the latest trends in digital pathology that were highlighted at the Congress. It's fantastic to finally meet in person after collaborating on two podcasts together. Giovanni has been a devoted follower of our podcast and all things digital pathology, and I'm truly inspired by his passion for the field.

The Congress organized by Global Engage has a unique vibe. It's smaller, which allows for more meaningful interactions and networking opportunities with fellow professionals and vendors. The longer breaks and one-on-one meetings foster valuable connections, making this conference stand out from the rest.

Start your 7-day free trial: Digital Pathology Club Membership

THIS EPISODE'S RESOURCES:

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY RESOURCES:

•  Digital Pathology Club Membership
• Bridging the Gap between Pathology and Computer Science - FREE Online Course
• Digital Pathology Starter Kit

Keywords: Digital Pathology Congress Recap, Networking, Insights, Global Engage Impact, Giovanni Lujan, Beyond the Scope, Cutting-edge Innovations, Stay Updated, Join Now

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

Bringing Science into the Clinic with Prof. Anant Madabhushi

Translational research - what is it actually? How do you do it? 

I can already tell you how not to do it - halfheartedly. 

If you want to translate your scientific discoveries into something that actually benefits patients, you need to do all in! 

And this is what my guest Prof. Anant Madabhushi from the Emory University and Georgia Tech has dedicated his entire professional career to. 

He offers his insights on what it really takes to "walk your scientific talk" and work as a truly translational researcher in the space of digital pathology, radiology and medical engineering. 

Listen to an in-depth discussion about conducting high-quality science and the rigorous journey of commercializing the research and actually benefiting the patients with it.

With his vast experience and profound understanding, Prof. Madabhushi gives us an insider's view of the effort and time required to successfully take a scientific discovery from the lab to a clinical trial, and then to the market. His perspective is enriched by his role as founder of several med tech companies, co-author of numerous high impact factor scientific publications, and a mentor and teacher to the next generation of brilliant computational pathology scientists.

THIS EPISODE'S RESOURCES:

• Anant Madabhushi on LinkedIn
• 🎥 Video from Anant's email signature
• 🎙️  Podcast with Rish Pai
• 📃 Paper "Deep computational image analysis of immune cell niches reveals treatment-specific outcome associations in lung cancer"
• 📃 Paper "Computerized tumor multinucleation index (MuNI) is prognostic in p16+ oropharyngeal carcinoma"
• ✅ Anant's company Picture Heath

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY RESOURCES:

• Bridging the Gap between Pathology and Computer Science - FREE Online Course
• Digital Pathology Starter Kit

Keywords: digital pathology, translational research, image biomarkers, clinical practice, healthcare professionals

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!

Send us Fan Mail

Exploring Spatial Biology and Image Analysis with Lorenz Rognoni

Get ready for a deep dive into spatial biology and image analysis with Lorenz Rognoni, the Director of Image Data Science at Ultivue. Ultivue is a company specializing in spatial biology and Lorenz brings his wealth of knowledge in multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and image data science to this great conversation.

Multiplex IF: Challenges and Complexities

We kick off our discussion by addressing the inherent challenges in multiplex IF. The conversation spans a range of issues including tissue preparation artifacts, unique tissue morphology, and antibody-specific staining. The vast variability of tissues, differing across body regions, species, and health conditions, is a recurring theme. We also delve into the effectiveness of expert visual evaluation for traditional stains and the need for new strategies to interpret high-dimensional data.

Brightfield Imaging in Spatial Biology: Does it Still Play a Role?

Shifting gears, we discuss the role of brightfield imaging in spatial biology. Is there still space for brightfield if we want to learn the spatial interactions of cells in the tissue? Is this method not too limiting?
Lorenz underscores its continued relevance, particularly when robustness and scalability are prerequisites. He suggests transitioning to simpler methods like singleplex IF or even brightfield imaging, once research zeroes in on specific biomarkers of relevance with multiplex IF.

Transitioning from Image Analysis to Data Interpretation: Navigating the Pitfalls

Our conversation culminates in a look at the challenges and potential missteps in moving from image analysis to interpreting the data generated. Lorenz points out the crucial process of extracting meaningful insights from millions of cells, defining appropriate phenotypes, and considering the intricacies of downstream data mining.

Key Takeaways

• mIF is an exploratory method and the insights gained can later be transitioned ti simpler methods such as single market IF or IHC
• The spatial biology research relies on accurate cell segmentation and identifying the correct phenotypes of cells. 
• Correct segmentation is the first step to explore the insights and this exploration is being done through informed data mining that takes into consideration all the information about the study. This is best done by an image data science team where image analysis scientists, data mining experts and pathologists work together. 

Join us for this insightful conversation and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of spatial biology and image data science with Lorenz Rognoni.

Keywords: Lorenz Rognoni, Ultivue, spatial biology, image analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence, tissue morphology, brightfield imaging, data mining

THIS EPISODE'S RESOURCES:

• Lorenz Rognoni on LinkedIn
• Ultivue Official Website

DIGITAL PATHOLOGY PLACE RESOURCES:

• Bridging the Gap between Pathology and Computer Science - FREE Online Course
• Digital Pathology Starter Kit

Support the show

Get the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!