Exploring AI-driven image analysis
in digital pathology

Abstract:

We have developed workflows and applications using Visiopharm for the quantification of histological sections of liver from mice fed a MASH-inducing diet. These tools were used to analyse the expression of specific markers and to study the variation in signal between different samples subjected to different conditions. We have also quantified Iba-1 and GFAP signals in hamster brains. We remain available to assist research teams in the analysis of their histological samples.

Speaker bio:

Sarra Loulizi / Institut Pasteur
Sarra obtained a master's degree in biotechnology in Nancy, where she acquired a solid grounding in this field. She then obtained a second Masters in Platform Engineering in Paris. This advanced training enabled her to acquire specialist skills and knowledge, preparing me for a successful career in research and platform engineering.

Sarra started her career in the histopathology platform at the Institut Pasteur as a trainee. She is currently a research engineer at the same platform. Her journey from Tunisia to France and her academic and professional achievements underline her commitment and passion to be involved in her career. She is enthusiastic about continuing her career in histopathology research and contributing to advances in her field.

Abstract:

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can be life-threatening in 15-20% of patients. Severe and recurrent episodes of this condition can lead to chronic pancreatitis, resulting in permanent inflammation of the pancreas and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Despite extensive research, there are currently no specific therapies available that can alter the disease progression.

To study this condition, we established a caerulein-induced mouse model that effectively mimics clinical pancreatitis. Our aim was to characterize this model at the histological level. The pancreatic injury induced by caerulein leads to the infiltration of inflammatory immune cells, edema, and significant destruction of pancreatic parenchyma. This model is highly reproducible, and the histopathological findings closely resemble those observed in acute pancreatitis in humans. 

Speaker bio:

Florence Anquetil-Besnard / NovAliX
Florence Anquetil-Besnard is a Histology Project Manager at NovAliX. After a PharmD and a PhD in Immunology, she began her career in the autoimmune field (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes) and specialized in histopathology and quantitative image analysis. She is a passionate advocate for digital pathology and loves to solve challenging projects using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Florence joined the Galapagos team in 2020 to implement the newly formed kidney disease histology area. Her current work within NovAliX also includes oncology projects in diverse organs (brain, pancreas, liver, xenograft tumor…).

Speaker bio:

Mario Kreutzfeldt / University Hospital of Geneva (HUG)
Mario holds a PhD from the University of Göttingen, Germany, with research focused on the interactions between cytotoxic T cells and neurons in vivo. Currently a biologist at the University and University Hospital of Geneva,Switzerland. he has over a decade of experience in whole-slide image analysis. Since 2019, he has utilized Visiopharm software following the transition to digital pathology. As Deputy Head of the Digital Pathology Laboratory within the Clinical Pathology Service, his primary responsibilities include developing advanced image analysis algorithms for research and clinical purposes, and integrating these solutions into the clinical environment.

Speaker bio:

Anaïs Balsamo / Evotec
Anaïs holds a master's degree in immunology from Aix-Marseille University. She began her career at the Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy (INSERM) in Professor Eric Vivier's team, focusing on innate lymphoid cells. During this time, she developed knowledge in a wide range of techniques, including histology through collaborations with both public (Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille: AP-HM) and private (Innate Pharma) organizations. 

Anaïs has joined Evotec in 2021 in the histology platform of the translational biomarkers department. She is in charge of histology evaluation for some standalone or integrated drug discovery programs applicable to preclinical and clinical samples. Anaïs is also responsible to perform image analysis and data treatment on those samples.

Abstract:

OracleBio is a UK-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Given the diverse and dynamic nature of our projects, we rely on robust, high-performance, and flexible software solutions to meet evolving demands. Visiopharm delivers on these needs, and the challenges of standardization and efficiency of its use within a large and growing digital pathology team is discussed in this presentation. We’ll share the strategies and solutions we've implemented to ensure consistent, reliable, and high-quality data output, maximizing the impact and efficiency of Visiopharm within our quantitative digital pathology workflows.

Speaker bio:

Matthew McFarlarne / OracleBio

Matthew holds a Master’s degree in Precision Medicine (specialising in cancer) from the University of Glasgow. As part of his research project, he developed an image analysis workflow for Ki67 quantification in colorectal cancer, sparking an interest in digital pathology. Following this, he gained hands-on experience in image analysis as a Laboratory Technician in a histology lab, focusing on the implementation of Visiopharm as an image analysis service and developing training materials for colleagues and students.

Currently, Matthew is a Senior Image Analysis Scientist at OracleBio, a global leader in quantitative digital pathology. Here, he manages routine image analysis studies across both chromogenic and immunofluorescence modalities and coordinates internal use of Visiopharm, including maintaining internal training resources and evaluating new features in the software.

Speaker bio:

Soizic Garaud, Ph.D. / Inserm Research Fellow (CRCN), B Lymphocytes, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapies (LBAI), INSERM UMR1227, University of Brest, France
Dr. Soizic Garaud is a researcher in immunology with a focus on B cells in oncology and autoimmunity. She is currently an Inserm Research Fellow (CRCN) at the B Lymphocytes, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapies (LBAI) INSERM U1227 in Brest, France. Having received her Ph.D. studying the importance of the CD5 isoform, CD5-E1B, in autoreactive B cells at the University of Brest, she then pursued her postdoctoral training at the Institut Jules Bordet in Brussels, Belgium, studying the role of B cells in breast cancer in the Molecular Immunology Laboratory, headed by Dr. Karen Willard-Gallo.

Dr. Garaud’s research primarily investigates the role of B cells in autoimmune diseases and cancer, focusing on infiltrating B cells and their interaction with the immune microenvironment. Her work employs advanced techniques such as high-plex imaging to explore immune mechanisms underlying immunotherapy side effects in cancer patients, aiming to develop predictive biomarkers and improve patient treatment outcomes.

In addition to her research, Dr. Garaud is involved in the coordination of clinical trials, integrating her expertise to bridge translational research and clinical applications. Throughout her career, she has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications, boasts a notable H-index of 29, and has garnered more than 3,200 citations.