China Medical Technologies and Leica Microsystems Announce Collaboration

Last month it was announced that Mayo Medical Laboratories entered into a pathology testing agreement with a Chinese medical laboratory.  Earlier this year both UCLA and UPMC announced telepathology initiatives with China.  Now comes word that Leica has entered into collaborative efforts for joint sales, research and development with a Chinese company:

Beijing, China / Wetzlar, Germany. China Medical Technologies, Inc. (CMED) (Nasdaq: CMED), a leading China-based advanced in-vitro diagnostic (“IVD”) company, and Leica Biosystems, a division of Leica Microsystems, a world leader in microscopes and scientific instruments, today announced that they have established a sales, research and development collaboration to co-develop and market automated FISH kits to be used on the Leica BOND system. CMED will sell the Automated FISH Kits in China and Leica will have an option to sell the FISH kits in the rest of the world.

 Under the collaboration, CMED and Leica Microsystems will jointly develop automated FISH solutions for tissue sample tests on HER-2, EGFR and TOP2A on the Leica BOND system, an automated advanced staining platform. HER-2, EGFR and TOP2A are genes in connection with the targeted cancer therapy drugs for breast cancer, lung cancer and stomach cancer patients. Automation of these FISH tests on the Leica BOND system will enable pathology laboratories and independent service laboratories to run these diagnostic tests more efficiently and with higher and more consistent quality. The automation of FISH tests will also help users to reduce the work load pressure created by increasing test volumes. Both parties agreed to add further FISH applications into the collaboration during the term, including for cytology and pre-natal applications.

“These collaborations with Leica mark a significant milestone for us,” commented Mr. Xiaodong Wu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMED. “We believe that FISH applications will be more widely used in various clinical applications on automated basis in the future. By partnering with Leica, one of the leading global players anatomic pathology, we can provide more efficient and higher quality FISH diagnostic solutions to the end users not only in China, but also in the global markets through Leica’s extensive global network.”

“CMED is the market leader for FISH based diagnostics in China and has played a key role in the rapid development in the use of FISH in China, especially for tissue based companion diagnostic testing. This partnership will help Leica and CMED to offer customers in China a broad test menu of high quality FISH tests automated on the Leica BOND system,” commented Arnd Kaldowski, President of Leica Biosystems.

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Leica Microsystems is a world leader in microscopes and scientific instruments. Founded as a family business in the nineteenth century, the company’s history was marked by unparalleled innovation on its way to becoming a global enterprise. Its historically close cooperation with the scientific community is the key to Leica Microsystems’ tradition of innovation, which draws on users’ ideas and creates solutions tailored to their requirements. At the global level, Leica Microsystems is organized in four divisions, all of which are among the leaders in their respective fields: the Life Science Division, Industry Division, Biosystems Division and Medical Division.

Leica Microsystems’ Biosystems Division, also known as Leica Biosystems, offers histopathology laboratories the most extensive product range with appropriate products for each work step in histology and for a high level of productivity in the working processes of the entire laboratory.

The company is represented in over 100 countries with 12 manufacturing facilities in 7 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The company is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

China Medical Technologies, Inc. is a leading China-based advanced IVD company using molecular diagnostic technologies including Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and an immunodiagnostic technology, Enhanced Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA), to develop, manufacture and distribute diagnostic products used for the detection of various cancers, diseases and disorders as well as companion diagnostic tests for targeted cancer drugs. The Company generates all of its revenues in China through the sale of diagnostic consumables including FISH probes, SPR-based DNA chips and ECLIA reagent kits to hospitals which are recurring users of the consumables for their patients. The Company sells FISH probes and SPR chips to large hospitals through its direct sales force and ECLIA reagent kits to small and mid-size hospitals through distributors. For more information, please visit http://www.chinameditech.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olympus VS120 Announcement

The VS120 virtual microscopy slide scanning system from Olympus scans faster than ever before, offers image deconvolution/deblurring for ultra-sharp images and provides important fluorescence imaging capabilities. Virtual slide creation could not be simpler—just set the slide in place and press Start. The system creates outstanding brightfield slide scans up to three times faster than was possible with earlier systems, making it ideal for training, education, archiving and research.

The VS120 is the latest in a series of Olympus virtual microscopy systems that can scan up to 100 slides at a time at very high fidelity, so that users anywhere in the world can view and fully navigate high-resolution images of entire microscope slides or slide areas using a computer. It comes equipped with a 5-megapixel CCD brightfield camera that improves brightfield scanning speeds while delivering superb color reproduction and ultra-high resolution.

Olympus is a world leader in fluorescence microscopy, and no other virtual microscopy system available today can match the fluorescence slide scanning performance of the VS120.

Acquiring sharp images at multiple depths using six or more fluorescence labels is possible, thanks to OlympusFluorescence Virtual-Z capability. The software adjusts for the potentially different focal positions of various wavelengths in multichannel acquisition. Automated batch scanning can be accommodated with fluorescence samples and individual shading correction isavailable for each color channel. In addition, the VS120 provides for online deblurring during fluorescence acquisition, which vastly improves image sharpness in real time.

“The VS120 provides users with the exceptional optical performance and reliability people have come to expect from Olympus, which is renowned for both research microscopy and pathology imaging,” said Brad Burklow, director of business development for the Olympus America Scientific Equipment Group.

In addition to its faster scan speeds, the system offers more than 30 software enhancements. No-neighbor and nearest-neighbor deconvolution are available offline and a wide range of measurement and annotation functions are supported. Images can now be saved in .tiff and .btf file formats, along with the .vsi virtual slide file format. To support users working simultaneously with images from the Nanozoomer virtual microscopy scanning system, the .ndpi file format is supported.

The VS120 is built around the Olympus renowned optical and microscope technologies. For superior optical performance and scanning flexibility, Olympus Plan Apo 2x, 10x, 20x and 40x objectives come as standard, with optional 60x and 100x Plan Apo oil objectives for high-magnification oil immersion scanning.

Source: Olympus America Inc.

Read more at Olympus Virtual Microscopy site.

 

Autopsy rates declining

There are a number of reasons for this, namely, ubiqutous pre-mortem imaging with improved techniques and detection of disease pre-mortem, lack of payment/reimbursement, more out of hosptial deaths and decreased number of physicians trying to obtain consent.  I have seen the autopsy rate at some hospitals in my career as low as 8%.  What is not clear to me is why/how JCAHO does not cite for these kinds of findings and why more is not done in clinical medicine to obtain consent for what is still widely considered the "gold standard" in medicine for clinicopathologic correlation and assessing effects of therapy and natural history of disease.

It is said the Virchow himself performed over 50,000 autopsies.  I can't imagine doing that many, but these numbers are paltry.

The Wall Street Journal (8/4, Hobson) "Health Blog" reported that CDC statistics show that in 2007, autopsies were performed on 8.5% of deaths, compared with 19.3% of deaths in 1972. CDC scientist Donna Hoyert says this may be due to medical professionals believing that autopsies are unnecessary due to modern technology. However, doctors point out that autopsies can contradict imaging findings, and alert families to genetic conditions. The report also notes that the Joint Commission has removed a rule that hospitals must perform autopsies on 20% to 25% of deaths. 

HealthDay (8/4, Preidt) reported that "in 1972, deaths due to disease accounted for 79 percent of autopsies, while deaths due to external causes such as injury or murder accounted for 19 percent. By 2007, the respective percentages were 46 percent and 50 percent, the investigators found. External causes of death — including murder, accidental injury, suicide or undetermined cause — accounted for nine of the 10 most frequently autopsied causes of death in 2007." The report also showed that "while the number of deaths among older people increased from 1972 to 2007, autopsied deaths were increasingly concentrated in the one to 34 and 35 to 64 age groups." WebMD (8/4, Hendrick) also covered the study.

 

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/08/04/the-incredible-shrinking-autopsy/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=WSJ_health

 

PathXL BioBank Launched at SMi’s Biobanking Conference

Last month i-Path attended SMi’s Biobanking Conference in London and launched a new product, PathXL BioBank.  During the two-day conference a number of thought leaders from around the world made presentations highlighting the exciting work of the biobanking industry.

A biobank is a facility to store and archive biological samples primarily for use in research. With each biobank taking their own approach to set up and operations, it is a dynamic and fast paced environment.  Path XL BioBank allows users to store, track and check in / out tissue samples using a sophisticated web-based interface. Customers have the flexibility to use their own biobanking software whilst incorporating the PathXL image viewer or to use PathXL BioBank as their database and management software with virtual images integrated.

“Moving into the biobanking sector is an exciting step for i-Path, and we were delighted to see PathXL BioBank so well received at the Biobanking Conference.”
Phil Murray, i-Path Executive VP & Sales Director

Key benefits
•    Immediate access to virtual slides, eliminating the inefficiency of physically retrieving slide
•    Slide scanning conducted by i-Path experts who will guide you through the scanning options and QC all scans
•    All virtual slides are hosted on a secure, high performance image server environment providing a fast reliable service
•    Securely log in anytime from anywhere in the world to manage your tissue research project
•    Share digital slides with collaborators anywhere in the world

“We integrated PathXL with our NI Biobank database to enable researchers to view our catalogue of samples online, from anywhere in the world. When a sample is added to the NI Biobank it immediately appears in our online catalogue. Researchers will then be able to select and order samples from the NI Biobank in full confidence that all the samples they receive will be useable in their research.”
Dr. Jacqueline James, Northern Ireland Biobank Scientific Lead

PathXL BioBank Launched at SMi’s Biobanking Conference

Last month i-Path attended SMi’s Biobanking Conference in London and launched a new product, PathXL BioBank.  During the two-day conference a number of thought leaders from around the world made presentations highlighting the exciting work of the biobanking industry.

A biobank is a facility to store and archive biological samples primarily for use in research. With each biobank taking their own approach to set up and operations, it is a dynamic and fast paced environment.  Path XL BioBank allows users to store, track and check in / out tissue samples using a sophisticated web-based interface. Customers have the flexibility to use their own biobanking software whilst incorporating the PathXL image viewer or to use PathXL BioBank as their database and management software with virtual images integrated.

“Moving into the biobanking sector is an exciting step for i-Path, and we were delighted to see PathXL BioBank so well received at the Biobanking Conference.”
Phil Murray, i-Path Executive VP & Sales Director

Key benefits
•    Immediate access to virtual slides, eliminating the inefficiency of physically retrieving slide
•    Slide scanning conducted by i-Path experts who will guide you through the scanning options and QC all scans
•    All virtual slides are hosted on a secure, high performance image server environment providing a fast reliable service
•    Securely log in anytime from anywhere in the world to manage your tissue research project
•    Share digital slides with collaborators anywhere in the world

“We integrated PathXL with our NI Biobank database to enable researchers to view our catalogue of samples online, from anywhere in the world. When a sample is added to the NI Biobank it immediately appears in our online catalogue. Researchers will then be able to select and order samples from the NI Biobank in full confidence that all the samples they receive will be useable in their research.”
Dr. Jacqueline James, Northern Ireland Biobank Scientific Lead

Earn CME at Pathology Visions – NEW this year

New this year — CME will be offered to physicians attending the meeting.  I know from personal involvement this was a team effort with a couple of pathologists involved with the Digital Pathology Association (DPA) and the DPA staff.  

My sense from years past is that more pathologists would attend if CME were offered.  Now it is.

Earn up to 13 hours at this meeting.  The talks, combined with the exhibits and networking opportunities should place Pathology Visions high on your list of the many Fall meetings to attend.

I use to say that the Visions conference was a greet meeting in a great venue but now add on the CME and will only add to the meeting program and offerings.

My personal thanks to DPA staff — in particular Lindsey M. and Michael W. for making this a reality.

Please see attached announcement.

Download Dpa_blogCME_01_ACT.

Webinar from Aperio — August 23 — Select Topics in Image Analysis Series

Select Topics in Image Analysis:
Algorithm Tuning for IHC Analysis and An Introduction to Genie

August 23, 2011

8:00 am Pacific Time, 11:00 am Eastern Time
(4:00 pm London GMT / 10:00 am Mexico City Standard Time)
and 
4:00 pm Pacific Time, 7:00 pm Eastern Time
(8:00 am Japan Time / 9:00 am Australia EST August 24)
  

Presenter:
Marc Friedman, Ph.D, Imaging Scientist and Digital Pathology Consultant, Aperio

In this 60-minute complimentary webinar, Dr. Friedman will present an overview of algorithm tuning for IHC probes, as well as an introduction to Genie and how it is used as a pre-processor for other image analysis algorithms.  

To register for the 8 am PDT session, click here.

https://aperio.webex.com/aperio/onstage/g.php?d=768917066&t=a

To register for the 4 pm PDT session, click here.

https://aperio.webex.com/aperio/onstage/g.php?d=765740143&t=a

You may also register by visiting the Aperio Events page.

You will receive a confirmation email upon registration with a web link that will lead you to the online event. Simply visit the link at the assigned time. The session is secure and easy to access. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Aperio Events Team at events@aperio.comor 760.539.1192. 

 

Tipping points in digital pathology

Interesting blog post on tipping points in digital pathology:

“Social consensus through the influence of committed minorities” (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.84.011130) is a fascinating read. In it, Xie et al. of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute take the well-known phenomenon of an inflection point in thinking – a tipping point past which a minority opinion will become the majority opinion – and use computational and analytic simulations to try to determine what that point might be. Their conclusion? That when the number of “true believers” reaches 10% of a given population, conversion of the rest of the population becomes inevitable. Below 10%, it would take far longer for such a conversion to take place.

Read more.

New distributorship announcement: Aperio

Genecompany is now the sole distributor for Aperio in Hong Kong and China.

We’re pleased to inform that Genecompany is now the authorized distributor for Aperio in Hong Kong and China. With this agreement, Genecompany now offer our customers the Aperio‘s products which are the only complete solution for digital pathology over the world.

Read more.

Courtesy of Gene Company.

Farewell Walter Reed Hospital

After more than 100 years of active operations, Walter Reed Army Medical Center lowered its flag for the last time as activities transition to the newly constructed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in neighboring Bethesda, MD.

The hospital was known for both treating U.S. presidents and high ranking military and civilian officials and scandal alike. 

I first went to Walter Reed in 1995 as a senior medical student to do a rotation in pathology and check out the program and area as possible site of my residency training.

Truth be told, I wanted to go to Hawaii, California or Colorado where there were active Army hospitals with pathology residency programs.  By the time I finished medical school and internship, those programs were closed.

Walter Reed was one of the Army pathology programs that remained and we stayed at Walter Reed for 9 years were I completed my internship, residency and had my first job in practice.  

Some of the best years of my life, personally and professionally, although I don't think I appreciated it at the time.  The day I started "clearing post" was the day the BRAC list come out with Walter Reed's name on it.  6 years later, much like AFIP as well which was an installation on the Walter Reed campus, has closed down its operations.  

 

What military medicine offers trainees and physicians is a camaraderie and sense of group effort that is hard to match in civilian medicine.  Within the military healthcare system you were able to practice medicine.  No asking permission from insurance companies for approvals, no reimbursement issues that directly impacted you or issues with hospital contracts, payers, payees, etc… Nevermind you were fortunate enough to take care of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines — people charged with defending our country at times with personal sacrifice and taking care of their families who counted on these individuals to be safe from harm.

Hard to imagine people actually told me ten years ago the government would never close Walter Reed or AFIP.  

Times change.