Journal Article

Bridging the Clinical-Computational Transparency Gap in Digital Pathology

Zarella, Mark, McClintock, David, Garcia, Chris, Hart, Steven N., Patel, Ankush, Gu, Qiangqiang, Lennerz, Jochen K., Hanna, Matthew G.

2025

Overview

Computational pathology combines clinical pathology with computational analysis, aiming to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve clinical productivity. However, communication barriers between pathologists and developers often hinder the full realization of this potential. To propose a standardized framework that improves mutual understanding of clinical objectives and computational methodologies. The goal is to enhance the development and application of computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) tools. This article suggests pivotal roles for pathologists and computer scientists in the CAD development process. It calls for increased understanding of computational terminologies, processes, and limitations among pathologists. Similarly, it argues that computer scientists should better comprehend the true use cases of the developed algorithms to avoid clinically meaningless metrics. CAD tools improve pathology practice significantly. Some tools have even received US Food and Drug Administration approval. However, improved understanding of machine learning models among pathologists is essential to prevent misuse and misinterpretation. There is also a need for a more accurate representation of the algorithms' performance compared to that of pathologists. A comprehensive understanding of computational and clinical paradigms is crucial for overcoming the translational gap in computational pathology. This mutual comprehension will improve patient care through more accurate and efficient disease diagnosis.

• Publisher: College of American Pathologists
• Subject: Algorithms / Artificial intelligence / Collaboration / Communication / Computer applications / Computer science / Computer-aided medical diagnosis / Decision making / Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - methods / Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - standards / Engineers / Forecasts and trends / Humans / Image processing / Laboratories / Machine Learning / Pathologists / Pathology / Pathology, Clinical - methods / Pathology, Clinical - standards / Practice / Scientists / Software / Technology application