Toward an Expert Level of Lung Cancer Detection and Classification Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Chao Zhang, Xing Sun, Kang Dang, Ke Li, Xiao wei Guo, Jia Chang, Zong qiao Yu, Fei yue Huang, Yun sheng Wu, Zhu Liang, Zai yi Liu, Xue gong Zhang, Xing lin Gao, Shao hong Huang, Jie Qin, Wei neng Feng, Tao Zhou, Yan bin Zhang, Wei jun Fang, Ming fang ZhaoXue ning Yang, Qing Zhou, Yi long Wu*, Wen zhao Zhong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is essential for pulmonary nodule detection in diagnosing lung cancer. As deep learning algorithms have recently been regarded as a promising technique in medical fields, we attempt to integrate a well-trained deep learning algorithm to detect and classify pulmonary nodules derived from clinical CT images. Materials and Methods: Open-source data sets and multicenter data sets have been used in this study. A three-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed to detect pulmonary nodules and classify them into malignant or benign diseases based on pathologically and laboratory proven results. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of this well-trained model were found to be 84.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.5%–88.3%) and 83.0% (95% CI, 79.5%–86.5%), respectively. Subgroup analysis of smaller nodules (<10 mm) have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity, similar to that of larger nodules (10–30 mm). Additional model validation was implemented by comparing manual assessments done by different ranks of doctors with those performed by three-dimensional CNN. The results show that the performance of the CNN model was superior to manual assessment. Conclusion: Under the companion diagnostics, the three-dimensional CNN with a deep learning algorithm may assist radiologists in the future by providing accurate and timely information for diagnosing pulmonary nodules in regular clinical practices. Implications for Practice: The three-dimensional convolutional neural network described in this article demonstrated both high sensitivity and high specificity in classifying pulmonary nodules regardless of diameters as well as superiority compared with manual assessment. Although it still warrants further improvement and validation in larger screening cohorts, its clinical application could definitely facilitate and assist doctors in clinical practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1159-1165
Number of pages7
JournalOncologist
Volume24
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Convolutional neural network
  • Diagnostics
  • Lung cancer
  • Pulmonary nodule

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