The National Reference Laboratory (NRL), part of M42 and one of the region’s leading diagnostic service providers, has partnered with digital pathology company Qritive to launch advanced artificial intelligence-powered solutions for prostate cancer diagnosis. The initiative marks a significant milestone for the UAE and reinforces the country’s commitment to using advanced technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy and healthcare quality.
The introduction of the new solutions represents an important step in the digital transformation of pathology services in the UAE, enabling faster, more accurate and more consistent detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer while supporting clinicians in making more informed and reliable treatment decisions.
AI-Driven Digital Pathology
Qritive’s AI-powered prostate pathology platform analyses digitised tissue samples, identifies suspicious areas and generates structured diagnostic insights to support faster cancer detection and grading with greater consistency.
The solution will be integrated into the National Reference Laboratory’s diagnostic workflow at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where it is expected to help pathologists identify subtle disease patterns, standardise the interpretation of results, improve laboratory efficiency and accelerate clinical decision-making for patients with cancer.
The AI platform has been designed to assist pathologists in detecting malignant glands, assessing tumour architecture and assigning standardised tumour grades according to the internationally recognised guidelines of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP). It also enables Gleason pattern classification, tumour burden measurement and the highlighting of suspicious regions on digital pathology slides, providing advanced analytical support that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of case reviews while expediting diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Dr Leila Abdel Wareth, Chief Executive Officer of Diagnostics at M42, said artificial intelligence has become a strategic enabler in advancing pathology by improving diagnostic precision and supporting pathologists in managing complex clinical decisions. She added that AI also helps reduce diagnostic variability and allows specialists to focus on the most challenging cases, particularly in prostate cancer, where tumour grading plays a critical role in determining treatment strategies.
Dr Shweta Narang, Chief Medical and Commercial Officer at the National Reference Laboratory, said integrating AI-powered prostate cancer diagnostics into routine clinical practice represents an important step towards building a more efficient and responsive healthcare system. She noted that the technology will help healthcare providers meet growing demand for diagnostic services while giving both physicians and patients greater clarity and confidence during a crucial stage of the treatment journey.
Bruno Occhipinti, Chief Executive Officer of Qritive, said the partnership with the National Reference Laboratory reflects a shared vision of using artificial intelligence to strengthen the capabilities of pathologists and support them in addressing the rising demand for cancer diagnostics. He added that the collaboration demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to delivering advanced, technology-driven healthcare while maintaining a patient-centred approach and enhancing the quality of care.
