Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several studies have been published comparing deep learning (DL)/machine learning (ML) to radiologists in differentiating PCNSLs from GBMs with equivocal results. We aimed to perform this meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ML/DL versus radiologists in classifying PCNSL versus GBM using MRI. METHODOLOGY: The study was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Data was extracted and interpreted by two researchers with 12- and 23-years’ experience, respectively, and QUADAS-2 tool was used for quality and risk-bias assessment. We constructed contingency tables to derive sensitivity, specificity accuracy, summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve, and the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Our search identified 11 studies, of which 8 satisfied our inclusion criteria and restricted the analysis in each study to reporting the model showing highest accuracy, with a total sample size of 1159 patients. The random effects model showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.89 [95% CI:0.84e0.92] for ML and 0.82 [95% CI:0.76e0.87] for radiologists. Pooled specificity was 0.88 [95% CI: 0.84e0.91] for ML and 0.90 [95% CI: 0.81e0.95] for radiologists. Pooled accuracy was 0.88 [95% CI: 0.86e0.90] for ML and 0.86 [95% CI: 0.78e0.91] for radiologists. Pooled AUC of ML was 0.94 [95% CI:0.92e0.96]and for radiologists, it was 0.90 [95% CI: 0.84 e0.93]. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-based ML/DL techniques can complement radiologists to improve the accuracy of classifying GBMs from PCNSL, possibly reduce the need for a biopsy, and avoid any unwanted neurosurgical resection of a PCNSL.