Testing the MitProfiler tool for detecting and counting dividing cells in stained tissue samples
This study is looking at a new computer program called MitProfiler. It uses artificial intelligence, like teaching a computer to recognise patterns, to count dividing cells in tissue samples from people with cancer. Doctors usually do this job by hand to help understand the type and stage of cancer. Comparing the computer's results with those of experienced doctors will help show if MitProfiler is accurate and reliable. If it works well, it could help doctors analyse samples more quickly and consistently, potentially leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses for many patients. The study involves looking at existing tissue samples from various cancer types, and there are no new procedures for participants. It runs from February to September 2025 and is funded by Innovate UK.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your body is like a finely tuned machine, and sometimes, some parts (cells) start dividing more quickly than they should, like in cancer. Doctors often look at these dividing cells under a microscope to understand how fast the cancer might be growing. This is a very important but time-consuming job.
This study is testing a new computer program called MitProfiler. Think of it as a very smart assistant that uses artificial intelligence (AI) – like teaching a computer to learn from examples – to spot and count these dividing cells in tissue samples. Doctors usually do this by eye, so we want to see if the computer can do it just as well, if not better. If the computer can do this task, it could save doctors a lot of time and help make sure the results are always consistent, because sometimes different doctors might count slightly differently.
To do this, researchers will compare the counts from the MitProfiler program with the counts made by human doctors using the same tissue samples. This will help them understand how well the computer program works. If it proves to be accurate and reliable, it could be a really helpful tool for doctors in the future, speeding up diagnoses and making them more consistent across the UK.
Key takeaways
- This study compares a new AI tool (MitProfiler) with human doctors for counting dividing cells in cancer samples.
- The goal is to make cancer diagnosis faster and more consistent.
- It uses existing tissue samples; no new tests or procedures for patients.
- If successful, MitProfiler could become a valuable tool for UK pathologists.
- The study runs from February to September 2025 and is funded by Innovate UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study doesn't involve any new tests or procedures for patients. Instead, it looks at existing tissue samples that have already been collected as part of someone's medical care. Specifically, they are looking for samples that have been specially prepared and stained, which is a standard way doctors look at tissues under a microscope.
The samples they are interested in come from people who have had various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, certain skin cancers like melanoma, and specific brain tumours like glioblastoma. They are looking for samples from patients aged anywhere from 1 to 100 years old, from both men and women.
The main reason someone's sample wouldn't be included is if the specially prepared and stained tissue slides aren't available to the researchers.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do you have a tissue sample that was taken as part of your standard medical care?
- Was this sample stained and prepared on a slide for a doctor to look at under a microscope?
- Is your tissue sample from one of the listed cancer types (e.g., breast cancer, melanoma, lung cancer)?
- Is your medical care provided in the UK?
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study is very straightforward because it uses tissue samples that have already been collected once they've been prepared and stained. You wouldn't need to do anything new, such as extra visits to the hospital, additional tests, or taking any new medicines. There's no follow-up required after the scientists have looked at the samples. Essentially, your contribution to the study would involve your existing tissue sample being included in the comparison between the computer counting and human counting. The study itself is planned to run from February 2025 to September 2025.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyHartlepool, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is MitProfiler?
MitProfiler is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence to find and count dividing cells in tissue samples, especially those from cancers.
Why is this study important?
It's important because if MitProfiler works well, it could help doctors diagnose cancers more quickly and consistently, benefitting many patients in the future.
Will I need to do anything if my sample is used?
No, you don't need to do anything. The study uses existing tissue samples, so there are no extra appointments, tests, or treatments for you.
What kind of cancer samples are being used?
They're looking at samples from various cancers, including breast, lung, melanoma, and brain tumours, among others.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is funded by Innovate UK, a UK government agency that supports science and technology projects.
How to find out more
David Snead
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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