Cancer Relapse Prediction Model Using Histological Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack an effective tool to accurately predict the risk of relapse in cancer patients, particularly for breast cancer, which is crucial for personalized treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for training a prediction model using whole histological slide images and clinical information, which involves detecting cells and segmenting tissues, extracting features, and training a model to provide a risk score for relapse prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a prediction model is trained using whole histological slide images and clinical information, then the accuracy of relapse risk prediction is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelapse risk prediction accuracyVSAvoidprediction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex prediction task into distinct components: cell detection module, tissue segmentation module, feature extraction module, and prediction model module. Each module processes specific aspects of the histological images and clinical data independently, then integrates results to produce the final relapse risk prediction. This segmentation manages complexity while maintaining high prediction accuracy through specialized processing at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediate processing layers between raw data input and final prediction output. These intermediaries include detected cells, segmented tissues, and extracted features (morphological, textural, color) that bridge the gap between complex input data and the prediction model. These intermediaries simplify the processing pipeline while preserving critical information for accurate relapse risk assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple features are extracted from cells and tissues in histological images, then the prediction model performance is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction model performanceVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of histological images before main prediction analysis. Cell detection and tissue segmentation are executed in advance to identify regions of interest and extract relevant features (morphological, textural, color) beforehand. This preliminary action prepares data in an optimized format, reducing the computational burden during the actual prediction phase and enabling comprehensive feature analysis without excessive processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts multiple types of features (morphological, textural, color) from cells and tissues, going beyond minimal requirements. This excessive feature extraction ensures comprehensive characterization of histological samples, improving prediction model reliability. The system processes more features than strictly necessary but filters and prioritizes them efficiently in the prediction model to maintain acceptable processing times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12308126B1Device and method for predicting a relapse of a cancer for a patient
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 ECOLE NAT SUPERIEURE DES MINES DE PARIS
  • US12308126B1 patent drawing
  • US12308126B1 patent drawing
  • US12308126B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a device for training a prediction model configured to predict a risk of relapse of a patient afflicted with cancer from a whole histological slide image including a representation of at least one portion of a cancerous tissue of the subject and a method and a device for predicting a risk of relapse of the patient afflicted with cancer using said trained prediction model. Further, a device for predicting a response to cancer treatment of the patient using the trained prediction model.