Use of digital pathology in analysis of cancer screening samples
UK NSC consulted on whether providers can safely use digital pathology as an alternative to light microscopy in examination of NHS cancer screening samples.
Digital pathology (DP) enables glass histopathology slides to be reviewed digitally, rather than with a microscope. A Health Technology Assessment study found DP performs as well as light microscopy in cancer screening. The study focused on breast and bowel cancer, but expert stakeholders are confident its findings are also likely to be robust for cervix histopathology. The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) did not carry out a cost effectiveness exercise, so consulted stakeholders on the recommendation, based on the HTA study, to allow the use of DP in cancer screening, excluding cytology, as an alternative to light microscopy. See cover sheet, study findings and 2021 evidence review below.
Consultation outcomeComments received from this consultation were presented to the UK NSC at its meeting on 10 November 2023 for a recommendation.
In light of the consultation responses and expert input from the UK NSC’s Adult Reference Group, the committee was satisfied that digital pathology represented a safe option for commissioners and providers of diagnostic pathways in the breast, bowel and cervical screening programmes.