From Glass Slides to AI: How Digital Pathology and MRD Testing Are Transforming Cancer Care With Osama Khan, MD, and Waqas Haque, MD, MPH
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2025-02-10
In this episode of the Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Oncology series, Waqas Haque, MD, MPH, Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the University of Chicago, speaks with Osama Khan, MD, Staff Pathologist at Natera, a cell-free DNA (cfDNA) technology company that aims to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care. Dr. Khan shares insights into how digital pathology and emerging technologies like AI and measurable residual disease (MRD) testing are revolutionizing oncology, driving precision medicine, and enhancing patient care.
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Bridging Traditional and Digital Pathology
Dr. Khan begins by highlighting the fundamental difference between traditional and digital pathology workflows. Traditional pathology relies heavily on physical glass slides, microscopes, and manual collaboration, whereas digital workflows digitize these slides into high-resolution images accessible from anywhere.
“Digital pathology is revolutionizing patient care by allowing pathologists to share cases globally and by enhancing diagnostic accuracy,” he explains. This ability to collaborate seamlessly not only improves efficiency but also aligns with the growing emphasis on precision medicine.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Implementing digital workflows is no small feat, particularly in institutions where traditional methods dominate. Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of leadership and stakeholder collaboration in overcoming resistance to change. Pilot programs can serve as a bridge, allowing institutions to introduce digitization in smaller, manageable segments.
“Strong leadership and the presence of digital pathology champions are crucial for guiding institutions through the digital transition,” he notes. He also underscores the need for continuous education and feedback loops to foster trust and adaptability among healthcare teams.
AI as a Catalyst for Enhanced Diagnostics
The role of AI in oncology is revolutionary. Dr. Khan notes that AI complements digital workflows, enabling quicker and more accurate analyses of complex cases. For example, AI algorithms can triage slides and assist with biomarker detection, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing, thereby reducing manual workload and variability.
“AI doesn’t replace pathologists but empowers them by enhancing efficiency and diagnostic precision,” Dr. Khan emphasizes. This synergy between human expertise and AI technology exemplifies the future of oncology care.
MRD Testing: A Game-Changer
A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around MRD testing, an innovation that detects residual cancer in the body using liquid biopsies. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, liquid biopsies are minimally invasive and provide real-time insights.
“MRD testing offers a proactive approach to cancer care, detecting recurrences earlier than imaging or clinical symptoms,” Dr. Khan explains. This early detection enables oncologists to tailor treatments dynamically, advancing personalized medicine.
The Future of Pathology
The discussion concludes with a look ahead at the integration of AI and emerging technologies. Dr. Khan highlighted two promising areas: the use of AI in biomarker discovery and the ongoing development of cancer vaccines.
“The future of oncology lies in integrating advanced diagnostics with therapeutic innovations like cancer vaccines,” Dr. Khan remarks. These breakthroughs promise to elevate both patient outcomes and the efficiency of oncology care.
Key Takeaways
- Digital Pathology Advantage: Digital pathology enhances collaboration and diagnostic accuracy while reducing storage constraints
- Strategies for Implementation: Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and pilot programs are essential for successful digitization
- AI’s Role: AI acts as a powerful complement for pathologists, streamlining workflows and reducing variability in diagnostics
- MRD Testing: MRD testing revolutionizes cancer monitoring by offering minimally invasive and dynamic tracking of disease progression
- Future Directions: AI-driven biomarker analysis and cancer vaccine trials represent the next frontiers in oncology
About the Speakers
Osama Khan, MD, is a Staff Pathologist at Natera, specializing in genitourinary pathology. He spearheads Natera’s digital pathology solutions, integrating cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of oncology practice. In addition, he provides expert consultation to top pharmaceutical, healthcare, and life sciences companies around the world. He has a passion for mentoring, education, and scientific advancement and has received prestigious awards such as the Stanford Clinical Fellow Teaching Award and a spot on the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Top 40 Under 40 list.
Waqas Haque, MD, MPH, is a Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the University of Chicago. He recently completed his Internal Medicine Residency at New York University (NYU) in a Clinical Investigator Track. Dr. Haque has balanced his patient care work with a variety of research projects. During his fellowship training at the University of Chicago, he plans to further his work in innovative clinical trial design, value-based care delivery to cancer patients, and clinical investigation.