PATH combines automation technology, experience in proteomic and genomic diagnostics and expertise in the field of clinical informatics, in relation to processes and management of large amounts of biomedical data, to define enabling technologies that allow to substantially redesign the work paths of pathological anatomy laboratories in order to improve their productivity, and the quality of diagnosis and prognosis.
The main aim of the PATH project is to define enabling technologies that allow to substantially redesign the "productive" process of pathological anatomy laboratories. The mechanisms on which it proposes to act concern: the automation of the handling and storage of samples, in order to create chains such as Total Laboratory Automation for the pipelines of analysis; the traceability of samples and the efficient remote access to the results in order to ensure an efficient interface of the laboratory with external hospital facilities.
The various prototypes and the research and development activities related to them will demonstrate in a concrete way the possibility of extending to the field of pathological anatomy the ICT and process automation technologies already widespread and consolidated in other diagnostic sectors, such as laboratory analysis and radiology, despite the substantial differences in the process and the different clinical needs.
In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of this evolution in the field of pathological anatomy, it will be highlighted, through studies and some specific implementations, how this paradigm shift can lay the foundations for the near future of clinical diagnostics, creating the conditions for the creation of an integrated diagnostic laboratory (clinical chemistry/pathological anatomy) that includes in the diagnostic workflow innovative methods such as genomics and proteomics procedures, with a view to progress towards personalized medicine.
The objectives considered are at the frontier of the state of the art for industrial research: the results of the activities will be specialized in oncology, but they are of general interest and the innovative models of activities in the field of health can be adopted and extended in other clinical contexts, also thanks to the use of open and interoperable technological solutions.
The training project, associated with the PATH research project, aims to train industrial researchers with specific skills in the most innovative aspects of modern digital medicine technologies such as: research and development of innovative systems of robotized management of samples for complex examinations on multiple markers and different diagnostic methods; techniques for integration of digital services for diagnostics with new experimental methods (high-processor sequencing, proteomics, genetic profiling); scalable methodologies of management, transfer, analysis and visualization of large moles of biomedical data.