AI-based pathology: Dresdner Startup fights against Krebs-tsunami

AI-based pathology: Dresdner Startup fights against Krebs-tsunami

Falk Zakrzewski, Managing Director of Katana Labs, before a tissue sample. The technology analyzes cell nuclei that can indicate possible cancer anomalies. Photo: Heiko Weckbrodt

The future of cancer diagnostics in Saxony

in Dresden, the new Katana Labs company shows innovative approaches to cope with the challenges in cancer diagnostics. In view of an alarming increase in cancer, which are referred to as "cancer tsunami", the need for action in Germany is clear. It is becoming increasingly difficult to win enough pathologists, especially in times of shortage of skilled workers.

The role of artificial intelligence in pathology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in medical diagnostics. Katana Labs has set itself the task of developing AI assistants who support pathologists in evaluating microscope images. This includes counting cell nuclei and identifying cancer profo hundes in fabric samples. By automated viewing of the image data, pathologists can make more precise diagnoses, since the AI ​​works with a larger amount of data and reduces human error sources.

challenges of digitization in healthcare

Despite the progress at Katana Labs, the digital infrastructure in many German hospitals remains behind the requirements. Manual systems are still often used. The need for modern digital microscopes that can send image data seamlessly to AI-controlled systems is crucial to fully exploit the benefits of AI technology. In the industry, supporting measures are essential to achieve the full potential of digital health solutions.

perspectives for the company and the labor market

Katana Labs plans to increase his workforce from currently nine to around 20 people in 2025. But they too are fighting the same shortage of skilled workers, from which the entire industry is suffering. According to technology director Walter de Back, more qualified specialists in the field of medical image processing and computer vision must be trained. This is a significant challenge for the development of efficient solutions in cancer diagnostics.

conclusion: one step in the right direction

The Katana Labs initiative is a promising approach to increase the efficiency of cancer diagnosis and relieve pathologists. The development of intelligent systems that work with human experts could ultimately help to meet the increasing need for diagnoses. At the same time, it is essential to cope with the structural challenges in the German healthcare system in order to successfully design the transition to digital, individualized medicine.

Author: Heiko Weckbrodt

Sources: Visiting on-site, Katana Labs, Information Dr. Falk Zakrzewski, Dr. Walter de Back

- Nag