The Menarini Group and its subsidiary, Stemline Therapeutics, have partnered with VisualDx to improve the early identification of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).
VisualDx is a physician-led company enhancing medical decision-making and education.
Its software includes a comprehensive database of clinical images, vetted by clinicians, to assist healthcare professionals in identifying skin conditions across all skin types.
The AI image search feature helps clinicians gain a better understanding of various skin conditions, aiming for more accurate diagnoses.
The collaboration uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools to enhance the VisualDx platform.
It will support the early differential diagnosis of BPDCN through AI-driven image analysis.
The partnership leverages actual images of BPDCN skin lesions, integrating them into the VisualDx platform to improve diagnostic accuracy.
The AI model is now operational within VisualDx, a clinical decision support system used by over 2,300 hospitals, clinics, and medical schools globally.
Montefiore Einstein leukaemia program director and blood cancer institute co-director molecular pharmacology professor Marina Konopleva said: “BPDCN is a rare and clinically aggressive hematologic malignancy, often presenting with cutaneous lesions.
“Due to its aggressive nature and the immature cell involvement, the prognosis can be poor if not treated promptly.
“Early diagnosis plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes, and emerging AI/ML technologies may offer valuable support in the differential diagnosis and early identification of BPDCN.”
BPDCN is an aggressive orphan haematologic malignancy with a historically poor prognosis.
It typically presents with skin lesions and can affect the bone marrow, blood, central nervous system, lymph nodes, and viscera.
Dermatologists often first recognise BPDCN signs, performing biopsies on suspicious lesions, while pathologists test for specific biomarkers highly expressed on BPDCN cells.
Elzonris is said to be the only approved treatment for BPDCN and the first CD123-targeted therapy available in the US, Europe, and other regions.
The collaboration between Menarini, Stemline, and VisualDx represents a significant step forward in utilising AI/ML technologies to improve patient outcomes in oncology.
Menarini Group CEO Elcin Barker Ergun said: “BPDCN often first presents as a skin lesion and usually has a poor prognosis. There is a dire need for early diagnosis so that patients may access appropriate treatment options.
“We are delighted to collaborate with VisualDx to provide healthcare teams with a tool using the latest artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technology to help interpret challenging skin lesions.”
