New Delhi, August 20, 2025 – Dr. Lal PathLabs (DLPL) has become the first laboratory in India to integrate a deep learning-based AI module for detecting lymph node metastasis, including micrometastasis, in cancer cases. The breakthrough technology, developed in collaboration with Qritive and showcased at USCAP 2025, promises to transform cancer diagnostics in the country.

Accurate detection of cancer spread to lymph nodes is crucial for staging and treatment planning. Undetected metastasis can accelerate disease progression and reduce survival rates. The new AI tool, QiAI Lymph Node Dx, leverages deep learning to rapidly and accurately identify even tiny clusters of cancer cells on digital slides—reducing the time and complexity associated with conventional testing.

Key Highlights:

100% Sensitivity & Negative Predictive Value: Detected all metastatic cases with no false negatives.

Enhanced Accuracy: Able to spot single-cell metastasis, later confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Tumour-Agnostic: Validated across multiple cancer types, including breast cancer (which accounts for ~28.2% of female cancer cases in India).

Clinical Benefit: Enables earlier, more precise diagnoses—supporting better treatment decisions.

Mr. Shankha Banerjee, CEO of Dr. Lal PathLabs, said: “By integrating AI into our diagnostic workflow, we can identify cancer spread with unmatched precision and speed. This technology enhances accuracy, enables quicker clinical decisions, and ultimately improves patient outcomes.”

Dr. Vandana Lal, Executive Director, added: “AI adoption is about reimagining diagnostics. Detecting elusive micrometastases with greater speed and certainty represents a major leap in precision diagnostics for India.”

The AI model was tested on digital slides from breast, colon, stomach, and esophageal cancers, consistently identifying micrometastases missed during manual reviews, later validated through IHC.

Mr. Bruno Occhipinti, CEO of Qritive, said: “Following extensive validation, we are thrilled to see our AI solution go live with Dr. Lal PathLabs. This integration will significantly boost efficiency and accuracy in high-volume diagnostics, strengthening their leadership in cancer care.”

As cancer incidence continues to rise, the adoption of advanced AI-powered tools like QiAI Lymph Node Dx is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of cancer diagnosis in India.