# Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma classification using 3D radiomics machine learning models for precision imaging in oncology

## TL;DR

This study uses 3D radiomics and machine learning to accurately classify subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma using CT scans, potentially improving diagnostic and treatment decisions.

## Contribution

The novel use of 3D radiomic features with machine learning models for non-invasive classification of NHL subtypes on contrast-enhanced CT scans.

## Key findings

- 3D radiomics combined with machine learning achieved high accuracy in differentiating NHL subtypes and non-lymphoma cases.
- The model reliably distinguished aggressive from indolent lymphoma subtypes, supporting future imaging-genomic models.
- Results show strong potential for clinical utility in precision oncology, though further multicenter validation is needed.

## Abstract

To apply quantitative imaging analysis for noninvasive classification of the most frequent subtypes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) as a basis for a clinical imaging genomic model to support therapeutic monitoring and clinical decision making.

In this single-center study, 201 treatment-naïve patients with biopsy-proven NHL (50 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL], 51 mantle cell lymphoma [MCL], 49 follicular lymphoma [FL], and 51 chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL]) and 39 treatment-naïve non-small cell lung cancer patients with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-confirmed healthy axillary lymph nodes (LNs) were retrospectively analyzed. Three-dimensional (3D) segmentation and radiomic analysis of pathologically enlarged nodes (n = 1,628) were performed on contrast-enhanced CT scans, including healthy LNs as references. Feature selection was performed using a random forest (RF) classifier. Multiclass Classifier was performed using a Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) classifier for lymphoma subtype classification.

Performance to classify lymphoma from non-lymphoma and lymphoma subtypes was as follows: lymphoma vs. non-lymphoma: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.999; MCL vs. other NHL: AUC = 0.997; DLBCL vs. other NHL: AUC = 0.971; CLL vs. other NHL: AUC = 0.956; FL vs. other NHL: AUC = 0.892.

Radiomics combined with multiclass machine learning enables highly accurate, non-invasive differentiation of the major NHL subtypes on routine contrast-enhanced CT. By reliably separating indolent from aggressive phenotypes, this approach lays the groundwork for imaging-genomic models that could streamline biopsy guidance, enhance therapeutic monitoring, and advance precision oncology in lymphoma care.Conducted as a single-centre, retrospective proof-of-concept with internal patient-level cross-validation, these results are promising and form the basis for a prospective multicentre study to confirm generalisability and clinical utility.

Accurate lymphoma classification is essential for predicting clinical behavior and guiding treatment. Imaging aids in disease staging, with quantitative analysis showing promise in predicting pathology and outcome. We explored machine learning on imaging features for lymphoma classification, thus enhancing clinical decisions.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12880-025-02006-3.