Systems pathology

Abstract

Novel technologies that provide high-density data sets together with the resurgence of complex systems sciences have given new impulse to study human pathology at the systems level. Integration of large volumes of data with biologic knowledge and interpretation of their significance can be hypothesis driven, but agnostic approaches based on the use of artificial intelligence and statistics increasingly contribute to the discovery of new rules and serve to generate novel conceptual and mechanistic models of disease. These can in turn be tested in a variety of venues including preclinical studies, companion diagnostic analytics, or at the bedside. Clinical systems pathology uses the systems approach to solve the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic (predictive) problems posed by a specific clinical case. It progressively builds up an objective and accessible knowledge base to ultimately improve the precision and effectiveness of medical care.