Automated ensemble method for pediatric brain tumor segmentation

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel ensemble deep learning approach combining ONet and modified UNet models, enhanced with innovative loss functions and data augmentation, to improve pediatric brain tumor segmentation accuracy in MRI images.

Contribution

The study introduces a new ensemble method for pediatric brain tumor segmentation using ONet and modified UNet, achieving higher accuracy on BraTS-PEDs 2023 data.

Findings

Lesion-wise Dice scores of 0.52, 0.72, 0.78 on validation data

Scores of 0.55, 0.70, 0.79 on final testing data

Ensemble approach outperforms individual models in tumor segmentation

Abstract

Brain tumors remain a critical global health challenge, necessitating advancements in diagnostic techniques and treatment methodologies. A tumor or its recurrence often needs to be identified in imaging studies and differentiated from normal brain tissue. In response to the growing need for age-specific segmentation models, particularly for pediatric patients, this study explores the deployment of deep learning techniques using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. By introducing a novel ensemble approach using ONet and modified versions of UNet, coupled with innovative loss functions, this study achieves a precise segmentation model for the BraTS-PEDs 2023 Challenge. Data augmentation, including both single and composite transformations, ensures model robustness and accuracy across different scanning protocols. The ensemble strategy, integrating the ONet and UNet models, shows greater effectiveness in capturing specific features and modeling diverse aspects of the MRI images which result in lesion wise Dice scores of 0.52, 0.72 and 0.78 on unseen validation data and scores of 0.55, 0.70, 0.79 on final testing data for the "enhancing tumor", "tumor core" and "whole tumor" labels respectively. Visual comparisons further confirm the superiority of the ensemble method in accurate tumor region coverage. The results indicate that this advanced ensemble approach, building upon the unique strengths of individual models, offers promising prospects for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and effective treatment planning and monitoring for brain tumors in pediatric brains.