Newly published study in collaboration with Japan's NCCHE reveals how AI-powered HER2 and tumor microenvironment analysis improves patient stratification and clinical outcome predictions
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ), a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, today announced the publication of a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Precision Oncology. Conducted in collaboration with Japan's National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE), the study reveals how Lunit's cutting-edge AI-powered pathology solutions, Lunit SCOPE® HER2 and Lunit SCOPE IO, significantly improve HER2 biomarker evaluation and the prediction of clinical outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients undergoing HER2-targeted therapy.
"Lunit SCOPE HER2", Lunit's AI-powered solution designed to detect HER2 expression profile
This study presents findings from the TRIUMPH phase II clinical trial, which evaluated 30 patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer treated with dual HER2-targeted therapy using Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab. Lunit's AI solutions were applied to assess HER2 status and tumor microenvironment (TME) variables, with significant findings:
Enhanced HER2 Assessment Accuracy
Lunit SCOPE HER2 demonstrated 86.7% accuracy compared to pathologist assessments for HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC), achieving 100% accuracy in identifying HER2 IHC 3+ cases.
Improved Prediction of Treatment Response and Outcomes
Patients identified by the AI model as having a high proportion of HER2 IHC 3+ staining tumor cells (AI-H3-high, >50%) exhibited better clinical outcomes than those identified through traditional HER2 evaluation methods:
- Objective Response Rate (ORR): 42.1% (AI-H3-high) vs. 26.7% (overall TRIUMPH trial)
- Progression-Free Survival (PFS): 4.4 months (AI-H3-high) vs. 1.4 months (AI-H3-low)
- Overall Survival (OS): 16.5 months (AI-H3-high) vs. 4.1 months (AI-H3-low)
Deeper Insights into the Tumor Microenvironment (TME)
Using Lunit SCOPE IO, the study performed detailed TME profiling, including lymphocyte, macrophage, and fibroblast densities. Among AI-H3-high patients, those with low stromal TME density (TME-low) achieved the most favorable outcomes:
- ORR: 57.1%
- PFS: 5.6 months
- OS: 26.0 months
The findings underscore the transformative potential of AI-powered pathology tools in precision oncology. By providing a more accurate and detailed evaluation of HER2 status and TME characteristics, Lunit's solutions can better stratify patients and predict responses to HER2-targeted therapies currently available or in development. This capability may inform more tailored treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in mCRC and potentially other HER2-amplified cancers.
"This study underscores the potential of AI technology to redefine how we evaluate biomarkers and predict treatment responses," said Dr. Takayuki Yoshino of the National Cancer Center Hospital East, principal investigator of the research. "The ability to more precisely stratify patients will lead to more personalized treatment options, improving outcomes for patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer."
"The findings from this study demonstrate how Lunit's AI-powered solutions, Lunit SCOPE HER2 and Lunit SCOPE IO, can provide clinicians with actionable insights to refine treatment strategies," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. "Our continued collaboration with NCCHE showcases the transformative potential of AI in precision oncology."
About Lunit
Founded in 2013, Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ) is a medical AI company on a mission to conquer cancer. Lunit harnesses AI-powered medical image analytics and biomarker analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment for each cancer patient. The FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT suite for cancer screening serves over 4,500 medical institutions across 55+ countries.
Lunit clinical studies have been published in top journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Lancet Digital Health, and presented at global conferences such as the ASCO and RSNA. In 2024, Lunit acquired Volpara Health Technologies, setting the stage for unparalleled synergy and accuracy, particularly in breast health and screening technologies. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with a network of offices worldwide, Lunit leads the global fight against cancer. Discover more at lunit.io.