Multiconvolutional Transfer Learning for 3D Brain Tumor Magnetic Resonance Images

Abstract

The difficulty or cost of obtaining data or labels in applications like medical imaging has progressed less quickly. If deep learning techniques can be implemented reliably, automated workflows and more sophisticated analysis may be possible in previously unexplored areas of medical imaging. In addition, numerous characteristics of medical images, such as their high resolution, three-dimensional nature, and anatomical detail across multiple size scales, can increase the complexity of their analysis. This study employs multiconvolutional transfer learning (MCTL) for applying deep learning to small medical imaging datasets in an effort to address these issues. Multiconvolutional transfer learning is a model based on transfer learning that enables deep learning with small datasets. In order to learn new features on a smaller target dataset, an initial baseline is used in the transfer learning process. In this study, 3D MRI images of brain tumors are classified using a convolutional autoencoder method. In order to use unenhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for clinical diagnosis, expensive and invasive contrast-enhancing procedures must be performed. MCTL has been shown to increase accuracy by 1.5%, indicating that small targets are more easily detected with MCTL. This research can be applied to a wide range of medical imaging and diagnostic procedures, including improving the accuracy of brain tumor severity diagnosis through the use of MRI.