DoMore Diagnostics uses AI to personalise cancer treatment

DoMore Diagnostics is addressing a significant challenge in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). The company has developed an AI-powered tool that analyses digital histology slides to help doctors assess the risk of recurrence in CRC patients and determine whether additional chemotherapy after surgery is necessary. This approach aims to personalise treatment decisions and ensure that patients receive the appropriate care.

"Currently, only 15 per cent of patients benefit from chemotherapy after surgery, but it is widely administered to most, leading to unnecessary side effects and increased healthcare costs," says CEO Torbjørn Furuseth. "Our solution aims to better identify which patients will truly benefit from the treatment, improving outcomes while minimising harm."

Addressing unmet needs

Each year, 1 million new cases of locally advanced CRC are diagnosed worldwide. While surgery can cure many of these patients, recurrence remains a significant challenge. Without reliable biomarkers, oncologists often treat patients with chemotherapy as a precaution, even though the treatment is not effective for many.

DoMore Diagnostics’ AI tool divides patients into three distinct risk categories – low, intermediate, and high – based on their digital histology data. This classification helps guide treatment decisions and aims to avoid chemotherapy for low-risk patients, reducing unnecessary side effects and associated healthcare costs.

"By accurately identifying which patients need chemotherapy, we can avoid harmful treatments and improve patient quality of life," Furuseth explains.

Market differentiation

There are several prognostic tools on the market, but these are not widely used in CRC due to limited accuracy and inability to guide treatment decisions. Additionally, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, while promising, is expensive, requires a long turnaround time, and often yields false-negative results.

DoMore Diagnostics’ tool differentiates itself by offering a quick, cost-effective, and reliable solution. The tool provides results in minutes, is fully automated, and integrates into existing hospital workflows without the need for additional sample handling or processing. Furuseth emphasises the speed and accuracy of the test, saying:

“Unlike ctDNA testing, our solution provides rapid and actionable results, allowing doctors to start treatment without delays.”

Commercial potential

The market for precision medicine in cancer treatment is growing, with similar tests in other cancers priced around EUR 4 000. The new AI tool from DoMore Diagnostics is positioned to fill a gap in the colorectal cancer market by offering a more affordable and reliable option. The test has the potential to save healthcare systems significant amounts by preventing unnecessary treatments and hospitalisations.

"The potential impact is significant," says Furuseth. "Our test can save healthcare systems up to EUR 70 000 per low-risk patient by preventing unnecessary chemotherapy and related complications. On a global scale, it could reduce treatment costs by up to EUR 4 billion annually."

Recent achievements

DoMore Diagnostics has reached several important milestones in its development. The company has secured CE-marking and ISO 13485 certification for its AI tool, ensuring its compliance with international medical device standards. It has also formed collaborations with leading medical institutions, including UMC Utrecht, Erasmus MC, Gustave Roussy, and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, to validate the tool's effectiveness in clinical settings. Clinical validation data in U.S and Japanese patient population was recently presented at leading cancer and digital pathology conferences, including the 2024 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and Pathology Visions. The company also recently announced a commercial partnership with leading image management system (IMS) provider PathAI, which comes in addition to already established partnerships with Sectra and Proscia.

Earlier this year, DoMore Diagnostics was named Norwegian AI Start-up of the Year and received a EUR 2,5 million grant and EUR 7.5 million equity match from the European Innovation Council. The company has also been awarded national grants to support further development and commercial expansion.

Future outlook

DoMore Diagnostics' AI-driven tool aims to address the growing need for reliable biomarkers in colorectal cancer. By improving the accuracy of treatment decisions and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs, the tool represents a promising advancement in personalised cancer care.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its product’s reach globally, continuing to collaborate with research institutions and healthcare providers to refine and validate the technology. Furuseth sees great potential in the broader use of AI in healthcare, stating:

"Our technology is just one example of how AI can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs."