PathGroup

Pranil Chandra is a distinguished Senior Physician Executive and Chief Genomic Officer at PathGroup. He holds board certifications in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Oncologic Pathology and Hematopathology. In his current role, Dr. Chandra leads the clinical and administrative aspects of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Genomic Operations at PathGroup.

His expertise has been pivotal in advancing the adoption of next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- based tests. Dr. Chandra is deeply committed to value-based personalized and precision medicine and is recognized nationally as a thought leader in this field. He frequently serves as an advisor to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, AbbVie, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Roche.

In his interview with Healthcare Tech Outlook, Chandra focuses on the advancements in cancer diagnostics, emphasizing the integration of genomics and AI, the challenges in patient access and the future of digital pathology.

Cancer Diagnostics: Evolving Technologies and Rising Demand

When discussing cancer diagnostics, it’s crucial to acknowledge both the rapid advancements in the field and the increasing demand for these essential tests. Cancer diagnostic testing has experienced a significant surge, driven not only by rising cancer rates but by our enhanced capabilities to detect cancers earlier through improved screening methods. Our methods for examining cancer cells have grown more sophisticated, yielding more precise and informative diagnostic reports.

“The convergence of genomics with digital pathology, particularly through the use of AI, represents a substantial growth opportunity that could fundamentally transform the field over the next decade.”

We now employ cancer genomic testing, analyzing changes at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. Technologies such as next-generation sequencing have transformed our ability to detect aberrations in hundreds, sometimes thousands, of genes simultaneously, and this technique has become a staple in clinical practice. Looking ahead, the convergence of genomics with digital pathology, particularly through the use of AI, represents a substantial growth opportunity that could fundamentally transform the field over the next decade.

Digital Advancements: The Role of AI in Cancer Diagnostics

One of the most thrilling developments in cancer diagnostics is the integration of digital technology and AI. These advancements are pivotal in predicting and identifying biomarkers on a large scale. I envision a future where pathologists will transition from traditional microscopes to digital microscopes augmented by AI. This shift will ensure that the appropriate tests are administered to the right patient at the right time, fundamentally transforming patient care.

This vision is rapidly approaching realization, with the next decade poised to bring transformative advancements that will markedly enhance patient outcomes, particularly for those diagnosed with cancer. The application of AI to digital pathology will facilitate more accurate and timely diagnoses, significantly improving the quality of care patients receive.

Patient Access: Overcoming Barriers to Essential Testing

While technology in cancer diagnostics is advancing rapidly, patient access to these critical tools remains a significant challenge. Multiple factors contribute to this issue, including the absence of standardized procedures for conducting cancer diagnostic tests at scale and insufficient education and engagement among stakeholders to optimize test utilization. Additionally, insurance coverage for these tests, even those with proven medical value, is often not guaranteed. It is disheartening to witness patients with advanced cancers not receiving the necessary tests due to inadequate tissue management or the selection of incorrect tests. Even when tests identify actionable biomarkers, this crucial information is not always effectively used, highlighting the need for more comprehensive education and systemic changes. The landscape is also complicated by ongoing reimbursement and regulatory pressures on laboratories, which pose additional obstacles to patient access to essential diagnostics.

Current Projects: Leading Innovations in Genomics and Pathology

Currently, I oversee several projects to advance cancer genomics and enhance patient access to the appropriate tests through the integration of digital pathology and artificial intelligence. These initiatives are propelled by my vision of a future where pathologists are supported by digital tools and AI to deliver more accurate and timely diagnoses. I am driven by the prospect of seeing this vision become a reality, where the widespread adoption of these technologies becomes the standard practice, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes on a broad scale. It is an exhilarating time to be involved in the field of cancer diagnostics, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to the journey toward more effective and accessible diagnostic solutions.

PathGroup’s Vision: Shaping the Future of Cancer Care

Our company, Path Group, has developed into a premier diagnostics company with a substantial presence in the southeastern U.S. and beyond. We are operational in 25 states and cater to over 15,000 physician clients, providing diverse pathology testing services. We have successfully expanded our digital and molecular pathology programs and are now concentrating on scaling these initiatives even further. I am immensely proud of the work we are accomplishing at Path Group. I am confident that our ongoing growth and innovation will be instrumental in shaping the future of cancer diagnostics.