AstraZeneca and Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific Strengthen AI-based Digital Pathology Development for Breast and Lung Cancer
Singapore, (ANTARA/PRNewswire) - AstraZeneca and Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to accelerate the development of digital pathology expertise and improve cancer services quality across nine countries in Asia. As the first initiative of its kind in Asia, the collaboration will accelerate the adoption of AI-based digital and computational pathology technologies for breast and lung cancer through education and training programmes, and enhance biomarker testing for the two diseases.
Globally, almost half of breast cancer cases and more than 60% of new lung cancer diagnoses occur in Asia. In breast cancer, nearly half of Asian women have low HER2 expression. Meanwhile, the TROP2 biomarker is found in 82-90% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. This condition underscores the importance of precise biomarker testing to determine the most appropriate therapy for patients. AI-based TROP2 assessment can also identify patients who may respond better to antibody-drug conjugate therapies.
This collaboration aims to help close the gap between knowledge and the use of AI-based pathology technologies in Asia. Currently, only 17% of medical professionals report a strong understanding of digital pathology technologies, while the use of computational pathology tests in clinical facilities remains relatively low. In the Philippines, for instance, 60% of oncologists report that limited access to biomarker testing facilities is a barrier.
‘A strong health system is a key part of AstraZeneca’s efforts to improve cancer services in Asia,’ said Arun Krishna, Area Vice President, Asia, AstraZeneca. ‘Through collaboration with Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific, we are actively addressing the gaps in diagnostic services still experienced across countries in the region. By expanding education programmes and the use of AI-based pathology, AstraZeneca is driving the integration of precision diagnostics into patient management, so that more patients can receive accurate diagnoses and therapies at an early stage.’
AI-based pathology can help standardise diagnostic processes, reduce subjectivity, and improve the accuracy of test results. Several studies show that the use of AI technology to support clinicians can:
Improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 5%, and reduce case analysis time by up to 36%.
Increase consistency of diagnostic interpretation by up to 15%, helping to reduce workload and human bias.
Expand access to targeted therapies by reclassifying 24% of cases previously categorised as HER2-negative to HER2-low.
Support more precise patient identification through first AI-based companion diagnostic technology for TROP2.
When receiving appropriate therapy, patients experience clinical benefits such as higher response rates, longer progression-free survival (PFS), and more efficient use of health service resources.
‘D fast diagnosis and accuracy are foundational to effective cancer services. In the Asia-Pacific region, gaps in access to AI-based diagnostics affect patient outcomes,’ said Lance Little, Head of Region, Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific. ‘Through this collaboration, we strengthen diagnostic capabilities and accelerate the adoption of digital pathology across health systems. This step is expected to deliver more consistent and reliable diagnoses while raising the standard of care for patients with lung cancer and breast cancer,’ he added.
The collaboration is taking place in Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines through a range of education and training programs tailored to the needs of each health system. The initiative also supports faster integration of AI-based computational pathology into diagnostic workflows.
Prepared and funded by AstraZeneca, this press release provides information, not promotional material.
Z2-7573 | DOP: May 2026
SOURCE AstraZeneca