Towards next-generation diagnostic pathology: AI-empowered label-free multiphoton microscopy

Abstract Diagnostic pathology, historically dependent on visual scrutiny by experts, is essential for disease detection. Advances in digital pathology and developments in computer vision technology have led to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field. Despite these advancements, the variability in pathologists’ subjective interpretations of diagnostic criteria can lead to inconsistent outcomes. To meet the need for precision in cancer therapies, there is an increasing demand for accurate pathological diagnoses. Consequently, traditional diagnostic pathology is evolving towards “next-generation diagnostic pathology”, prioritizing on the development of a multi-dimensional, intelligent diagnostic approach. Using nonlinear optical effects arising from the interaction of light with biological tissues, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) enables high-resolution label-free imaging of multiple intrinsic components across various human pathological tissues. AI-empowered MPM further improves the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis, holding promise for providing auxiliary pathology diagnostic methods based on multiphoton diagnostic criteria. In this review, we systematically outline the applications of MPM in pathological diagnosis across various human diseases, and summarize common multiphoton diagnostic features. Moreover, we examine the significant role of AI in enhancing multiphoton pathological diagnosis, including aspects such as image preprocessing, refined differential diagnosis, and the prognostication of outcomes. We also discuss the challenges and perspectives faced by the integration of MPM and AI, encompassing equipment, datasets, analytical models, and integration into the existing clinical pathways. Finally, the review explores the synergy between AI and label-free MPM to forge novel diagnostic frameworks, aiming to accelerate the adoption and implementation of intelligent multiphoton pathology systems in clinical settings.