From pioneer to expert: Dr CS Ho’s journey in the evolution of clinical mass spectrometry

Dr Chung Shun “CS” Ho, pioneer in mass spectrometry, gives an overview of how the technology and its associated tools have evolved from his 1995 debut. In this episode of Leaders in Conversation with Ronald Lo, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Hong Kong, Dr Ho recounts how mass spectrometry started from a niche discipline to the evolved, integrated machinery it is today. When he first started at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr Ho has been at the helm of working with mass spectrometry since its introduction to the university. Years of experimenting with it has led to discoveries in better testing techniques, analysis with upgraded accompanying software, and laboratory workflows. Improving skills in mass spectrometry is only one part of it, Dr Ho also enjoys that community of like-minded researchers and professionals he has encountered in this journey of clinical mass spectrometry.

Dr Chung Shun “CS” Ho, pioneer in mass spectrometry, gives an overview of how the technology and its associated tools have evolved from his 1995 debut. In this episode of Leaders in Conversation with Ronald Lo, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Hong Kong, Dr Ho recounts how mass spectrometry started from a niche discipline to […]

From pioneer to expert: Dr CS Ho’s journey in the evolution of clinical mass spectrometry Read More »

Beyond the bite: why blood transfusion safety matters amidst the global dengue surge

dengue blood transfusion

Dengue cases have surged worldwide during the 2023-24 outbreak season, with the WHO reporting close to a historic high of over five million cases and more than 5000 dengue-related deaths in over 80 countries. [1] Dengue is capable of causing a transfusion-transmitted infection, with several case reports, including a case of severe dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Beyond the bite: why blood transfusion safety matters amidst the global dengue surge Read More »

Why early CSF testing is a game-changer for Alzheimer’s disease in China

Alzheimer’s disease in China

In this fourth issue of The Value of Diagnostics interview series, Professor Li Xia highlights the specialised role of the Geriatric Psychiatry Department at the Shanghai Mental Health Center in managing cognitive impairment. Unlike neurology departments that focus primarily on cerebrovascular or neurological causes, this department offers “whole-course management” encompassing cognitive function, emotional well-being, and

Why early CSF testing is a game-changer for Alzheimer’s disease in China Read More »

The value of rapid diagnostics: spotlighting POCT in Malaysia’s Poliklinik Ar Razi

poct, rapid poct, rapid diagnostics, point-of-care testing

Dr Ain and Dr Farhan, Principal Doctors at Poliklinik Ar Razi in Kuantan, Malaysia, discuss the transformative impact of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) on their 24-hour primary care facility. Serving a community of approximately 2,000 patients monthly, the clinic manages a split of chronic non-communicable diseases – e.g. diabetes and hypertension – and acute communicable illnesses.

The value of rapid diagnostics: spotlighting POCT in Malaysia’s Poliklinik Ar Razi Read More »

The practical benefits of HCV antigen-antibody dual assay: Q&A with Prof Tawesak Tanwandee

hcv

Professor Tawesak Tanwandee, Professor of Gastroenterology at Mahidol University’s Siriraj Hospital, sits down to discuss how the HCV dual assay helps to streamline diagnosis and reduce patient dropout.  The HCV dual assay represents a significant shift from conventional screening by providing independent antigen and antibody results from a single test that delivers results in under

The practical benefits of HCV antigen-antibody dual assay: Q&A with Prof Tawesak Tanwandee Read More »

Co-creating change beyond the machine: why effective total lab automation starts with its people

total lab automation, change management, lab automation

In healthcare, the margin between life and death is measured by timely and precise clinical intervention. With diagnostics influencing the vast majority of clinical decisions [1], the laboratory serves as the definitive point of clarity – where clinical certainty calls, the lab answers.  To meet surging testing demands, labs are pivoting to total lab automation

Co-creating change beyond the machine: why effective total lab automation starts with its people Read More »

Why expanding access to accurate dengue tests is a critical need in Asia

Why expanding access to accurate dengue tests is a critical need in Asia thumbnail

The viral infection known as dengue is an increasing public health threat. In 2024, the World Health Organisation received reports of 14.6 million cases of this mosquito-borne virus – a historic high, with infections endemic in more than 100 countries [1]. That number is presumed to be a significant undercount; experts estimate that there are

Why expanding access to accurate dengue tests is a critical need in Asia Read More »

In Asia, divergent patient care journeys make dengue diagnosis a challenge

dengue diagnosis

Across the Asia Pacific region, the patient care journey for a dengue infection varies significantly depending on the structure of the local healthcare system [1]. The primary divide stems from whether care is delivered via a centralised model or a community-based model [1]. Delivering appropriate care for patients infected with the dengue virus is increasingly

In Asia, divergent patient care journeys make dengue diagnosis a challenge Read More »

AI作為現代數位病理學的基本副駕駛:與Kunal Sharma博士進行問答

Bridging the quality gap in digital pathology from pre analytics to AI QA with Dr Kunal Sharma

在本期Leaders in Conversation中,Roche Diagnostics印度總經理Rishubh Gupta博士與Agilus Diagnostics副總裁Kunal Sharma博士談到了數位病理學和人工智慧在印度醫療保健領域的變革性作用。Sharma醫師通常被稱為「癌症患者」,詳細說明了他在腫瘤學領域的領導地位,以及他為將Agilus廣泛的實驗室網路數位化所做的努力。他解釋了數位病理如何作為技術革命,實現無縫的全球諮詢,減少對物理組織運輸的需求,並儲存珍貴的活檢樣本用於高級分子檢測。透過從傳統顯微鏡轉向數位顯示器,該行業正在彌合地理差距,並確保來自孟買等主要中心的專家意見可以到達偏遠地區或國際市場的患者。該通話亦解決了將AI整合到診斷工作流程中之實際挑戰及未來願望。Sharma博士強調,AI應被視為「副駕駛」而非競爭對手,藉由對病例進行分診、降低觀察者之間的可變性並提供如Ki-67及HER2等預後標誌物的精確計算來協助病理學家。 儘管最初存在障礙,例如高的基礎設施成本及需要員工再培訓,但他認為,提高效率及準確性最終有利於患者福利。展望未來,Sharma博士設想了一個標準化的生態系統,其中數位品質控制和AI驅動的洞察力成為常態,使印度的每一位病理學家能夠提供更快、更客觀且高度個人化的診斷結果。

AI作為現代數位病理學的基本副駕駛:與Kunal Sharma博士進行問答 Read More »

數位給藥與治療藥物監測的未來:第23屆IATDMCT大會的見解

therapeutic drug monitoring

在治療方面,臨床的核心挑戰通常可以歸納為一個關鍵問題:多少藥物、持續多久? 或者過於冗長,追求真正個人化醫療的願景一直受到靜態、一刀切的給藥方式以及過時的藥動學(PK)模型的限制——這是一種僵化的系統,無法適應生物製劑等先進藥物和新強效化合物的需求。  但是,若能改變產業面臨的數位工具,能為您爭取更多時間呢? 現代數位技術的整合,能從根本上改變這一動態、將治療藥物監測(TDM)從反應性測量工具轉變為主動、預測的臨床策略。這項數位轉型為臨床醫師提供高效、準確的決策能力,同時讓實驗室和醫院獲得更好的結果、降低成本並改善病患體驗[1,2]。 此願景的可行性已在去年於新加坡舉行的第23屆國際治療藥物監測與臨床毒理學學會年會上得到驗證。(IATDMCT)會議的主要主題之一。該活動於9月舉行,由業界頂尖專家及戰略先鋒組成,精準展示這些工具的運作方式。 精準實驗室洞察團隊提煉出關鍵洞見,這些洞見源自四場富有洞察力的演講,展示了數位化治療藥物監測(TDM)和臨床毒理學的多面向方法,驗證了其在邁向個人化照護中的關鍵角色:Amy Legg 博士探討了人工智慧(AI)和大數據在重塑 TDM 研究中的策略角色,強調動態預測模型的必要性。Lab Insights團隊注意到從四場深入的演講中得出的關鍵見解,這些演講展示了TDM和臨床毒理學數位化的多層面方法,驗證了其在邁向個人化照護中的作用: Amy Legg博士探索了人工智慧(AI)和 大資料在重塑TDM研究中的戰略作用,強調了對動態預測模型的需求。她的工作植根於臨床藥劑學和抗菌管理,強調將研究嵌入數位電子健康記錄(EHR)系統的潛力,以解決複雜的臨床問題,從罕見的藥物互動作用到群體特異性PK。 山田朋之博士展示了如何利用大量真實世界資料來源(RWD)提供關鍵的安全性訊號並推進毒理學和藥物監測的臨床實踐。作為領導藥物警戒工作的首席藥劑師,山田博士的個案研究-例如評估達托黴素-他汀類藥物互動作用,以及後續TDM評估以降低萬古黴素毒性——證明了RWD分析對患者結果的實質影響。 Dirk Jan Moes博士詳細說明了腫瘤學中複雜生物製劑MIPD戰略應用的模型知情精密度給藥,強調了整合數位系統的可量化財務與臨床效益。作為臨床藥物計量學副教授,Moes博士專注於MIPD策略如何實現特定生物製劑(包括達雷木單抗及納武利尤單抗)的給藥個人化,從而減少財務與臨床毒性風險。 Tomoyuki Mizuno醫師展示了機器學習(ML)和整合決策支援儀表板的尖端應用,以促進超精確給藥,特別是在具有挑戰性的兒科患者照護環境中。Mizuno博士領導著一家卓越藥物測量中心,專注於使用ML增強MIPD架構,以解決兒童給藥的獨特複雜性,為臨床醫師提供創新的床邊工具。 這些專家共同闡明了界定下一代診斷價值和病患照護的基本數位支柱。 模型知情精密度給藥(MIPD)作為基礎平台 沒有兩個身體完全相同,臨床上需要進行個體化。「我們的身體不是一個同質的魚缸。新加坡總醫院的安德烈·夸教授在主旨演講中強調:「藥物的分配方式不同。」精確給藥的目標是確定最理想的給藥方案,該方案將在每個個體患者中提供所需的功效和最小的毒性[1]。MIPD已成為實現此目標之基本定量架構。其利用複雜的藥物動力學/藥效學(PK/PD)模型來整合及採用患者特定的資訊及臨床觀察,在整個藥物療法中以多個步驟來個體化劑量。 此方法用作預測、確認、學習及應用週期: 預測(前期劑量調適):基線患者資料(諸如體重、年齡、基因組成及器官功能)作為共變數被收集,以告知模型並設計初始起始劑量。Moes醫師將這一關鍵的第一步稱為「早期劑量適應」[2]。 確認與精煉 : 為了控制患者間的高度變異性,會使用觀測數據。(例如藥物濃度量測與藥效學生物標記 ) 作為貝氏反饋用於更新模型,使其反映患者的實際藥物處理特性與表型。 [2] 此迭代過程允許生物標記物收集後進行必要的劑量精煉,這在血液腫瘤學管理更複雜藥物如生物製劑時尤為關鍵,Moes醫師強調對難治性患者群體的療效與安全性至關重要。 [2] 有效運用MIPD的關鍵要素因此需要穩健的臨床基礎設施與可靠的實驗室檢驗 液相層析-質譜法用於多重抗體檢測), 以及關鍵性地將電子健康紀錄(EHR)與實驗室資訊系統(LIS)直接整合至劑量工具。 [1].後者的一個例項是名為RoadMAB的程式,這是由Mizuno醫師和他的團隊在辛辛那提兒童醫院醫療中心(CCHMC)開發的手術給藥軟體[3,4]。 該工具專門設計為整合到EHR中,以自動校正必要的患者資料進行分析,有效關閉資料、診斷和決策之間的數位循環。   真實世界資料(RWD)與大資料分析的威力 雖然MIPD為個體化給藥提供了關鍵的定量架構,但當藉由真實世界證據不斷完善其預測模型時,此數位方法的真正力量得以實現。這就是RWD和大資料分析成為推進TDM和臨床毒理學不可或缺的工具的地方[5]。  RWD的強度在於其廣泛的集合。RWD源自自發報告資料庫、索賠資料庫和EHR,為檢測不良事件和評估當前臨床實踐模式提供至關重要的補充見解[6]。此龐大、複雜的資料集對假設產生至關重要:大型觀察性RWD集-例如Legg博士[5]引用的針對β-內醯胺類 TDM的BLUeY登記表-允許ML辨識由於罕見結果或複雜的患者可變性而在較小、傳統研究中經常遺漏的早期假設產生訊號[8]。  更重要的是,該資料直接轉化為可證明的臨床影響。例如,對索賠資料的分析表明,一致的隨訪TDM可顯著降低藥物誘發毒性的發生率,一項研究指出,這種方法將萬古黴素誘發的腎毒性發生率從60.9%降低到9.9%,山田醫師分享了這一結果[6]。  用於下一代決策支援的AI及機器學習(ML) 使用RWD生成假設及驗證實踐模式的能力對能夠處理此類大量、複雜資料集的複雜分析工具產生重要需求。診斷實驗室及臨床團隊藉由AI及ML之先進計算能力,可將大量資料轉化為可預測、可操作及個人化之給藥見解。 動態建模: AI對於處理開發更複雜及動態群體PK (PopPK)模型所需之大樣品量及混雜變數至關重要,該等模型可適應患者隨時間推移之變化的臨床引數,如Legg博士所強調[8]。 混合模型:Mizuno博士亦強調,最具前景的方法超越孤立技術。此涉及將習用貝氏估計之臨床合理性與ML (例如,使用XGBoost模型)組合以校正預測誤差。這導致穩健的混合模型持續優於常規PopPK方法[3]。 自動化及智慧AI:展望未來,未來的系統正在使用強化學習來建立AI藥劑,該等藥劑可自動收集患者資料、評定治療選項以及建議給藥方案及間隔。Mizuno博士亦強調,此進步可簡化整個給藥過程,並提升人類決策[3]。 診斷領導層的策略價值與投資報酬(ROI) 總而言之,MIPD架構、RWD及預測AI之整合不僅僅是一個學術概念;它代表了診斷學價值主張之根本轉變。對於實驗室和醫院的領導力,這種融合直接轉化為可量化的效益,對患者收入和組織盈利均有影響。 A)增強病患安全性和臨床結 果數位轉型的主要益處是它能夠將診斷服務從被動報告提升為主動、個人化的指導,從而提供更好的病患照護: 精確度及準確度:

數位給藥與治療藥物監測的未來:第23屆IATDMCT大會的見解 Read More »

Scroll to Top