The DigiPatICS project is transforming digital pathology in Catalonia by combining the massive digitization of histopathological samples with the use of advanced algorithms. This initiative, coordinated by the ICS with key participation from the Image Processing Group (GPI) at the UPC, aims for faster, more precise, and reproducible diagnoses.

Until recently, tissue sample analysis was primarily done using conventional microscopes, requiring pathologists to manually count a limited number of reactive cells. Since 2022, ICS hospitals have been equipped with 24 high-precision scanners connected to 13 workstations, creating a common database containing over four million images.

Leveraging this enormous volume of data, the GPI at the UPC has developed deep learning algorithms capable of automatically detecting, quantifying, and classifying reactive cells. This automation not only speeds up the diagnostic process but also enhances statistical accuracy. By 2024, just one year after implementation, 13,885 images had been analyzed, contributing to the treatment of over 4,400 patients.

The network includes more than 170 pathologists from the hospitals Arnau de Vilanova (Lleida), Bellvitge (L’Hospitalet), Germans Trias i Pujol (Badalona), Josep Trueta (Girona), Joan XXIII (Tarragona), Vall d’Hebron (Barcelona), Verge de la Cinta (Tortosa), and Viladecans. This collaboration establishes one of the largest digital pathology networks in Europe.

Although the initial focus was breast cancer, due to its high prevalence, the project is already expanding to other tumors, such as lung, colon, and endometrial cancers. DigiPatICS received the 15th UPC Research Valorization Award, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the public health system and the university to improve the response to serious diseases.