Denmark Royal Philips Electronics and Dako, a Danish company specialized in tissue-based cancer diagnostics, have signed an agreement to integrate a selection of Dako's image analysis applications into Philips' future digital pathology solutions.
The Philips-Dako collaboration initially expects to focus on leveraging Dako’s image analysis software for tissue-based breast cancer diagnosis using its reagents for staining HER2, Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), p53 and Ki-67 proteins.
The detection and quantification of the proteins in biopsy tissue are relevant for the classification of breast cancers and the selection of appropriate therapy.
Philips and Dako also expect to explore the possibility of extending the collaboration to include image analysis software for immunohistology-based prostate and colon cancer diagnostics.
Lars Holmkvist, CEO of Dako, said: “By joining forces with Philips, we will be able to deliver highly competitive diagnostic tools based on Philips’ extensive clinical expertise and technology know-how and Dako’s expertise in advanced staining and image analysis in order to benefit pathology laboratories, pathologists and ultimately patients.”
Bob van Gemen, general manager of philips digital pathology, said: “Anatomic pathology is an essential element of virtually every cancer diagnosis and the demand for it is ever-increasing. Our goal is to develop integrated digital solutions that enhance the operational efficiency and productivity of pathology departments, as well as increasing diagnostic confidence.
“I am convinced that our partnership with Dako, with its leading market position and expert knowledge in detecting and quantifying specific biomarkers in cancer tissue, will significantly accelerate our clinical applications development program.”