Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (lung NENs) are categorised by morphology, defining a classification sometimes unable to reflect ultimate clinical outcome. Subjectivity and poor reproducibility characterise diagnosis and prognosis assessment of all NENs. Here, we propose a machine learning framework for tumour prognosis assessment based on a quantitative, automated and repeatable evaluation of the spatial distribution of cells immunohistochemically positive for the proliferation marker Ki-67, performed on the entire extent of high-resolution whole slide images. Combining features from the fields of graph theory, fractality analysis, stochastic geometry and information theory, we describe the topology of replicating cells and predict prognosis in a histology-independent way. We demonstrate how our approach outperforms the well-recognised prognostic role of Ki-67 Labelling Index on a multi-centre dataset comprising the most controversial lung NENs. Moreover, we show that our system identifies arrangement patterns in the cells positive for Ki-67 that appear independently of tumour subtyping. Strikingly, the subset of these features whose presence is also independent of the value of the Labelling Index and the density of Ki-67-positive cells prove to be especially relevant in discerning prognostic classes. These findings disclose a possible path for the future of grading and classification of NENs.

Automated Analysis of Proliferating Cells Spatial Organisation Predicts Prognosis in Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Fontanini Gabriella;Alì Greta;
2021-01-01

Abstract

Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (lung NENs) are categorised by morphology, defining a classification sometimes unable to reflect ultimate clinical outcome. Subjectivity and poor reproducibility characterise diagnosis and prognosis assessment of all NENs. Here, we propose a machine learning framework for tumour prognosis assessment based on a quantitative, automated and repeatable evaluation of the spatial distribution of cells immunohistochemically positive for the proliferation marker Ki-67, performed on the entire extent of high-resolution whole slide images. Combining features from the fields of graph theory, fractality analysis, stochastic geometry and information theory, we describe the topology of replicating cells and predict prognosis in a histology-independent way. We demonstrate how our approach outperforms the well-recognised prognostic role of Ki-67 Labelling Index on a multi-centre dataset comprising the most controversial lung NENs. Moreover, we show that our system identifies arrangement patterns in the cells positive for Ki-67 that appear independently of tumour subtyping. Strikingly, the subset of these features whose presence is also independent of the value of the Labelling Index and the density of Ki-67-positive cells prove to be especially relevant in discerning prognostic classes. These findings disclose a possible path for the future of grading and classification of NENs.
2021
Matteo, Bulloni; Giada, Sandrini; Irene, Stacchiotti; Massimo, Barberis; Fiorella, Calabrese; Lina, Carvalho; Fontanini, Gabriella; Alì, Greta; Francesco, Fortarezza; Paul, Hofman; Veronique, Hofman; Izidor, Kern; Eugenio, Maiorano; Roberta, Maragliano; Deborah, Marchiori; Jasna, Metovic; Mauro, Papotti; Federica, Pezzuto; Eleonora, Pisa; Myriam, Remmelink; Gabriella, Serio; Andrea, Marzullo; Senia Maria Rosaria, Trabucco; Antonio, Pennella; Angela De, Palma; Giuseppe, Marulli; Ambrogio, Fassina; Valeria, Maffeis; Gabriella, Nesi; Salma, Naheed; Federico, Rea; Christian, H Ottensmeier; Fausto, Sessa; Silvia, Uccella; Giuseppe, Pelosi; Linda, Pattini
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/1113680
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