169: AI Across Organ Systems: Kidney, Liver, Colon, Bladder, and Beyond
Send us a textCan 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 TakeawayAcross 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 HighlightsBladder 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 #DigiPathDigestSupport the showGet the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!
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