Making cancer cells visible for a cancer-free tomorrow

Founded in 2014 by a group of visionary researchers from EPFL, the company's primary focus has been to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their cutting-edge solution, the Histolog® scanner, combines artificial intelligence, imaging technology, and expert medical knowledge.

 An efficient solution to a stubborn challenge

The founders recognized the critical need to address the challenges faced in cancer diagnostics and surgery. Cancer surgeries often present difficulties in identifying tumor margins accurately, leading to incomplete removal of cancerous tissue or unnecessary removal of healthy tissue. Also, post-surgical complications and high re-excision rates posed significant emotional and financial burdens on patients and healthcare systems.

 The founders sought to integrate advanced imaging technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms into surgical procedures to address these issues. This approach also provides surgeons with real-time guidance during operations. Their vision was to create a seamless and precise surgical experience, allowing for improved patient outcomes and faster recovery times. "Expert feedback included the confirmation that cancer surgery needed to be improved in terms of re-operation rates and that the Histolog system, which will be sold or leased to hospitals, has a large potential in doing so," explains Olivier Delporte, CEO of SamanTree Medical.

The evolution of SamanTree Medical

In its early stages, the Samantree Medical founding team focused on research and development, collaborating closely with leading oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons to understand the specific challenges in cancer surgery. They optimized the device and put in place the foundation to move from an R&D company to a commercial company. "That foundation was important as we continue to build on it as we expand commercially. We started hiring experienced commercial talent two years ago when we hired a commercial leader. Now it is the right time to strengthen the company management with more commercial expertise as we expand in Europe and to the US. This included hiring Olivier Delporte as our new CEO with a commercial profile and simultaneously bringing experience and expertise in medical devices", explains Dr. Charles Carignan, Executive Chairman of SamanTree Medical. 

The hard work of the team is paying off

 At the hospital of Sion, the hospital of Munich, and the UCLH institution in London, physicians are amazed by SamanTree. "I have tried everything to improve my clinical practice and reduce my re-operation rate. The Histolog Scanner is by far the most promising approach", Dr Stefan Paepke from Munich University says.

 Similarly, Olivier Delporte, has been amazed by the technology and felt like he joined the right company to have a purposeful job: “My initial weeks at SamanTree Medical have been very enlightening and enriching. The surgeries that I attended confirmed my belief that the Histolog scanner has a very high potential in a number of different cancer applications.”

 The company's dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration has garnered widespread recognition. Samantree Medical has received multiple awards and grants acknowledging its contributions to the advancement of cancer surgery. The newest one in line: SEF High Potential Award.