From microscope to machine learning for research into rare cancers

Posted by June Heath on 14 July 2025

In a shift from the traditional microscope, pathologists are turning increasingly to digital slides on computer screens in the battle against sarcoma, which means cancers of the bone and soft tissue. In 2023, RNOH Charity funded a digital histopathology scanner and a genomic medicine research post, which meant results could be shared faster and more securely across the globe. The next frontier? Artificial Intelligence (AI). Researchers are training AI to analyse both genetic and pathology data, helping to suggest diagnoses, streamline testing, and save both time and money.

Lead researcher Professor Adrienne Flanagan, OBE, Consultant Histopathologist at RNOH, explained how the researchers have begun looking to link genomic data with digital pathology images. “We want to combine these two sets of information because, as is said, ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’ – that is, if you put these two pieces of information together, it is even more powerful than using them in isolation. With this in mind, we have started to train computers to link genomic results with pathology images so the computer then suggests the most likely diagnosis to pathologists but the pathologist makes the final decision.

“The way we see AI working is that the pathology slides are scanned, the computer algorithm that we develop generates the probability of a diagnosis and prompts the pathologist to undertake special tests to confirm it. There may be 20 or 30 tests that a pathologist could do to research a diagnosis; these are expensive and take time. AI should reduce that considerably.”

This would in turn save money for more research and crucially, allow more rapid diagnosis and treatment for patients.

By funding cutting-edge digital equipment and dedicated research staff, RNOH Charity has accelerated the development of smarter, faster diagnostic tools. These investments are not only helping individual patients receive more timely care, but they’re also tackling shortages in specialist expertise. Our Charity’s support ensures that digital and AI-powered pathology becomes a reality sooner, making treatment more accurate and accessible. This year, we're fundraising to help the team go even further.