Dr. Lal PathLabs (DLPL) has become the country’s first laboratory to integrate a deep learning-based AI module for detecting lymph node metastasis, including elusive micrometastasis. This advanced system, developed in collaboration with Qritive, was unveiled at USCAP 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious pathology conferences.
Why Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis Matters
Accurately identifying whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes is critical for staging the disease and planning treatment. When lymph node metastasis goes undetected, the disease can progress silently, increasing the risk of spreading to distant organs and drastically lowering survival chances. Detecting occult micrometastases at an early stage can therefore transform patient care by guiding timely and targeted therapy.
Overcoming Traditional Challenges with AI
Traditionally, spotting micrometastases—tiny clusters of cancer cells within lymph nodes—has been time-consuming and required specialized tests. The new tool, QiAI Lymph Node Dx, changes this paradigm. Powered by deep learning, it rapidly scans digital slides to identify cancer cells with high precision, making diagnosis both faster and more reliable.
Key Highlights of the Technology
*100% Sensitivity and Negative Predictive Value: The AI tool detected every metastatic case with no false negatives, establishing itself as a powerful screening system.
*Unparalleled Accuracy: Even single cancer cells were identified and later confirmed through immunohistochemistry (IHC).
*Tumor-Agnostic Versatility: Validated across multiple cancer types—including breast cancer, which accounts for 28.2% of cancers among women in India—the tool demonstrates wide clinical applicability.
*Clear Clinical Benefits: By enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, the system supports faster treatment decisions and improves patient outcomes.
Voices from the Leadership
“At Dr. Lal PathLabs, we are proud to lead the way in bringing AI-powered diagnostics to India,” said Shankha Banerjee, CEO, Dr. Lal PathLabs. “This advanced technology allows us to identify cancer spread with exceptional precision and speed—particularly micrometastasis that may be missed by the human eye. By integrating AI into our workflow, we are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling quicker clinical decisions that significantly improve patient care,” Banerjee added.
Dr. Vandana Lal, Executive Director, Dr. Lal PathLabs, emphasized, “The role of a pathologist is evolving rapidly. Introducing AI into diagnostics is not just about adopting new tools—it’s about reimagining how we detect and respond to disease. With this advancement, we can uncover even the most elusive signs of cancer, such as micrometastasis, with unmatched speed and certainty. It marks a proud milestone in our pursuit of precision diagnostics.”
Collaborative Validation and Global Recognition
The AI system was rigorously tested on digital slides from breast, colon, stomach, and esophageal cancer cases. In several instances, it successfully identified micrometastases and even single-cell deposits that manual reviews had missed. These findings were later validated through IHC, confirming the system’s robustness and reliability.
Bruno Occhipinti, CEO, Qritive Pte. Ltd., noted, “After extensive testing and workflow validation with Dr. Lal PathLabs, we are thrilled to go live with this AI-powered solution. Its impact on accuracy and efficiency in large-volume diagnostic settings is transformative, reinforcing Lal PathLabs’ leadership in precision pathology.”
Transforming Cancer Care in India
As per the press release, as cancer cases continue to rise, the adoption of AI-driven tools like QiAI Lymph Node Dx marks a critical step in advancing India’s healthcare infrastructure. By combining speed, accuracy, and scalability, this innovation promises to not only improve patient outcomes but also set new benchmarks in the country’s fight against cancer.