We were proud to present our collaborative research with AstraZeneca at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The study, focusing on AI-assisted training for HER2 IHC interpretation, was delivered by Marina De Brot on Friday, May 30th, in Hall D2, in Front of over 2000 people.
Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in HER2-Low and HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer
The classification of HER2-low—and the emerging HER2-ultralow category - has become increasingly significant with the advent of HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates such as Enhertu. These therapies are providing new treatment options for patients with minimal HER2 expression, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnostic interpretation.
However, differentiating IHC 1+ from IHC 0, particularly in cases of faint membrane staining, remains a major diagnostic challenge. In line with the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting theme introduced by ASCO President Dr. Robin Zon, our work aims to improve diagnostic precision and expand equitable access to personalized cancer treatments.
Global AI-Enabled Training Initiative
To address this challenge, we deployed an AI-supported training program through the Mindpeak GmbH ComPath Academy. The initiative engaged 287 pathologists across 11 countries, providing standardized education and decision support on HER2 IHC scoring.
Impactful Results for Clinical Practice
The study results were both clinically and statistically significant. Notably, the AI-supported training led to a 40% increase in accurate identification of HER2-ultralow cases—potentially expanding access to life-extending targeted therapies for a broader group of patients.
As highlighted in coverage by OncLive following the official ASCO press conference, this research reflects the evolving standards in cancer care. Accurate identification of HER2-low and HER2-ultralow patients is now a critical component of therapeutic decision-making in both metastatic and early-stage breast cancer settings.
Empowering, Not Replacing, Pathologists
This initiative is not about replacing pathologists with AI - it’s about empowering them. By combining expert training with advanced AI tools, we aim to improve diagnostic consistency and ensure that more patients receive the therapies they need.
We extend our thanks to everyone who joined us at ASCO 2025 and look forward to continuing our work toward a more precise, equitable future in cancer diagnostics.
