Machine learning has taken a significant step in advancing the early detection of mutations in gliomas, primary brain tumors. Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL Krems) recently conducted a study showcasing the effectiveness of machine learning methods in diagnosing mutations in gliomas quickly and accurately.
The study utilized data from physio-metabolic magnetic resonance images to identify mutations in a metabolic gene using machine learning technology. Mutations in this specific gene play a crucial role in determining the course of the disease, underlining the importance of early detection for effective treatment strategies. However, inconsistent standards in obtaining physio-metabolic magnetic resonance images currently hinder the routine clinical application of this method.
Gliomas are the most prevalent primary brain tumors, with treatment options significantly improving through personalized therapies. These advanced treatments rely on individual tumor data, which is challenging to obtain for gliomas due to their location in the brain. While imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide this essential data, the analysis process is complex, time-consuming, and demanding. The Central Institute for Medical Radiology Diagnostics at St. Pölten University Hospital has been at the forefront of developing machine and deep learning methods to automate these analyses and integrate them into clinical practice successfully.
One of the key mutations identified by the study is in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene, where patients with the mutated form have more favorable clinical outcomes compared to those with the wild-type version. Prof. Andreas Stadlbauer, a medical physicist at the Central Institute, highlights the significance of early knowledge about this mutation status for tailoring individualized treatments. By leveraging physio-metabolic MRI without the need for tissue samples, differences in energy metabolism between mutated and wild-type tumors can be easily measured.
The study’s machine learning algorithms achieved a precision of 91.7% and an accuracy of 87.5% in distinguishing between tumors with the wild-type gene and those with the mutated form. Comparisons with analyses of traditional clinical MRI data demonstrated the superiority of using physio-metabolic MRI data for more accurate results. However, challenges arise when analyzing external data due to variations in data collection methods across different hospitals, indicating the need for standardization in this evolving technology.
Despite these standardization issues, machine learning-based evaluation of physio-metabolic MRI data remains a promising approach for preoperatively determining the IDH mutation status in glioma patients. This innovative method not only streamlines the diagnostic process but also paves the way for personalized treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the battle against gliomas.
