Multiphoton microscopy of the dermoepidermal junction and automated identification of dysplastic tissues with deep learning

Mikko J. Huttunen, Radu Hristu, Adrian Dumitru, Iustin Floroiu, Mariana Costache, Stefan G. Stanciu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Histopathological image analysis performed by a trained expert is currently regarded as the gold-standard for the diagnostics of many pathologies, including cancers. However, such approaches are laborious, time consuming and contain a risk for bias or human error. There is thus a clear need for faster, less intrusive and more accurate diagnostic solutions, requiring also minimal human intervention. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) can alleviate some of the drawbacks specific to traditional histopathology by exploiting various endogenous optical signals to provide virtual biopsies that reflect the architecture and composition of tissues, both in-vivo or ex-vivo. Here we show that MPM imaging of the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) in unstained fixed tissues provides useful cues for a histopathologist to identify the onset of non-melanoma skin cancers. Furthermore, we show that MPM images collected on the DEJ, besides being easy to interpret by a trained specialist, can be automatically classified into healthy and dysplastic classes with high precision using a Deep Learning method and existing pre-trained convolutional neural networks. Our results suggest that deep learning enhanced MPM for in-vivo skin cancer screening could facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention, enabling thus more optimal therapeutic approaches.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)186-199
Number of pages14
JournalBiomedical Optics Express
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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