Validation of a quantifier-based fuzzy classification system for breast cancer patients on external independent cohorts

Recent studies in breast cancer domains have identified seven distinct clinical phenotypes (groups) using immunohistochemical analysis and a variety of unsupervised learning techniques. Consensus among the clustering algorithms has been used to categorise patients into these specific groups, but often at the expenses of not classifying all patients. It is known that fuzzy methodologies can provide linguistic based classification rules to ease those from consensus clustering. The objective of this study is to present the validation of a recently developed extension of a fuzzy quantification subsethood-based algorithm on three sets of newly available breast cancer data. Results show that our algorithm is able to reproduce the seven biological classes previously identified, preserving their characterisation in terms of marker distributions and therefore their clinical meaning. Moreover, because our algorithm constitutes the fundamental basis of the newly developed Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), our findings demonstrate that this new medical decision making tool can help moving towards a more tailored care in breast cancer

Cancer subtype identification pipeline: a classifusion approach

Classification of cancer patients into treatment groups is essential for appropriate diagnosis to increase survival. Previously, a series of papers, largely published in the breast cancer domain have leveraged Computational Intelligence (CI) developments and tools, resulting in ground breaking advances such as the classification of cancer into newly identified classes - leading to improved treatment options. However, the current literature on the use of CI to achieve this is fragmented, making further advances challenging. This paper captures developments in this area so far, with the goal to establish a clear, step-by-step pipeline for cancer subtype identification. Based on establishing the pipeline, the paper identifies key potential advances in CI at the individual steps, thus establishing a roadmap for future research. As such, it is the aim of the paper to engage the CI community to address the research challenges and leverage the strong potential of CI in this important area. Finally, we present a small set of recent findings on the Nottingham Tenovus Primary Breast Carcinoma Series enabling the classification of a higher number of patients into one of the identified breast cancer groups, and introduce Classifusion: a combination of results of multiple classifiers

Validation of a quantifier-based fuzzy classification system for breast cancer patients on external independent cohorts

Recent studies in breast cancer domains have identified seven distinct clinical phenotypes (groups) using immunohistochemical analysis and a variety of unsupervised learning techniques. Consensus among the clustering algorithms has been used to categorise patients into these specific groups, but often at the expenses of not classifying all patients. It is known that fuzzy methodologies can provide linguistic based classification rules to ease those from consensus clustering. The objective of this study is to present the validation of a recently developed extension of a fuzzy quantification subsethood-based algorithm on three sets of newly available breast cancer data. Results show that our algorithm is able to reproduce the seven biological classes previously identified, preserving their characterisation in terms of marker distributions and therefore their clinical meaning. Moreover, because our algorithm constitutes the fundamental basis of the newly developed Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), our findings demonstrate that this new medical decision making tool can help moving towards a more tailored care in breast cancer. © 2016 IEEE

Logic programming and artificial neural networks in breast cancer detection

About 90% of breast cancers do not cause or are capable of producing death if detected at an early stage and treated properly. Indeed, it is still not known a specific cause for the illness. It may be not only a beginning, but also a set of associations that will determine the onset of the disease. Undeniably, there are some factors that seem to be associated with the boosted risk of the malady. Pondering the present study, different breast cancer risk assessment models where considered. It is our intention to develop a hybrid decision support system under a formal framework based on Logic Programming for knowledge representation and reasoning, complemented with an approach to computing centered on Artificial Neural Networks, to evaluate the risk of developing breast cancer and the respective Degree-of-Confidence that one has on such a happening.This work has been supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope UID/CEC/00319/2013

Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Cancer Detection and Classification: Review Study

Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. Although cancer includes different types of diseases, they all start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Without treatment, cancer can cause serious health problems and even loss of life. Early detection of cancer may reduce mortality and morbidity. This paper presents a review of the detection methods for lung, breast, and brain cancers. These methods used for diagnosis include artificial intelligence techniques, such as support vector machine neural network, artificial neural network, fuzzy logic, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, with medical imaging like X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scan images. Imaging techniques are the most important approach for precise diagnosis of human cancer. We investigated all these techniques to identify a method that can provide superior accuracy and determine the best medical images for use in each type of cancer

Nottingham prognostic index plus (NPI+) predicts risk of distant metastases in primary breast cancer

The Nottingham prognostic index plus (NPI+) is based on the assessment of biological class combined with established clinicopathologic prognostic variables providing improved patient outcome stratification for breast cancer superior to the traditional NPI. This study aimed to determine prognostic capability of the NPI+ in predicting risk of development of distant disease. A well-characterised series of 1073 primary early-stage BC cases treated in Nottingham and 251 cases from Budapest were immunohistochemically assessed for cytokeratin (Ck)5/6, Ck18, EGFR, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, HER2, HER3, HER4, Mucin 1 and p53 expression. NPI+ biological class and prognostic scores were assigned using individual algorithms for each biological class incorporating clinicopathologic parameters and investigated in terms of prediction of distant metastases-free survival (MFS). The NPI+ identified distinct prognostic groups (PG) within each molecular class which were predictive of MFS providing improved patient outcome stratification superior to the traditional NPI. NPI+ PGs, between series, were comparable in predicting patient outcome between series in luminal A, basal p53 altered and HER2+/ER+ (p > 0.01) tumours. The low-risk groups were similarly validated in luminal B, luminal N, basal p53 normal tumours (p > 0.01). Due to small patient numbers the remaining PGs could not be validated. NPI+ was additionally able to predict a higher risk of metastases at certain distant sites. This study may indicate the NPI+ as a useful tool in predicting the risk of metastases. The NPI+ provides accurate risk stratification allowing improved individualised clinical decision making for breast cancer