VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round with Dr Cameron Snell

The use of digital algorithms in the management of breast cancer

14 June 2023

Breast cancer classification relies on immunohistochemical assays for ER, PR, HER2, and ki-67, which are evaluated with semi-quantitative scoring by pathologists. However, this process can be subject to inter-observer variability. Dr Cameron Snell, Head of Anatomical Pathology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, explores the new digital algorithms providing pathologists with accuracy like never before.

Discover the ground-breaking digital algorithms allowing pathologists to more accurately assess biomarkers with the potential to improve therapy selection and patient outcomes.

Dr Cameron Snell will share his experience evaluating an algorithm to assess HER2 in situ hybridisation, aiming to reduce interobserver variability in challenging HER2 ISH cases. He will also explore the potential for digital algorithms to enhance care for patients with low levels of ER expression and enumerate proliferation by ki-67.

Aim:  to provide an overview of the cutting-edge applications of digital algorithms in breast cancer management

Learning objectives: In this session, you will gain insights into

• the role of digital algorithms in reducing inter-observer variability in breast cancer biomarker assessment.
• the potential of digital algorithms to improve care for patients with low levels of ER expression and enumerate proliferation by ki-67. 
• the benefits and challenges of implementing digital algorithms in the management of breast cancer, and how to assess them. 
• how digital algorithms can enhance the accuracy of biomarker evaluation and improve therapy selection for patients. 
• the practical implications of adopting digital algorithms in the breast cancer management landscape.