Laser-based imaging system, AI algorithm accurately identify brain tumors

Editor's Note

Researchers at NYU Langone Health combined advanced optical imaging with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to produce accurate, real-time intraoperative diagnosis of brain tumors in this study.

Compared with the accuracy of pathologists’ interpretation of conventional histologic images, the results for both methods were comparable. The AI-based diagnosis was 94.6% accurate, compared with 93.9% for pathologist based diagnosis.

The imaging technique reveals tumor infiltration in tissue by collecting scattered laser light, illuminating features not typically seen in standard histologic images. The microscopic images are then processed and analyzed with AI, allowing surgeons to see a predicted brain tumor diagnosis in under 2.5 minutes.

Using the same technology after the resection, surgeons are able to accurately detect and remove otherwise undetectable tumor.

This technology allows surgeons to see what would otherwise be invisible to improve speed and accuracy in the OR and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, the researchers say.