Multimodal deep learning for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma staging using CT and laryngoscopy
摘要
To develop and validate a multimodal deep learning model integrating clinical data, contrast-enhanced CT, and laryngoscopic images for differentiating early-stage (I–II) from advanced-stage (III–IV) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
Materials and methodsThis retrospective multicenter study included 450 patients with pathologically confirmed LSCC from two Chinese medical centers. All patients had contrast-enhanced CT, white-light laryngoscopy, and clinical records. They were divided into training (n = 235), internal validation (n = 101), and external validation (n = 114) cohorts. Three single-modality models (CT-based deep learning [CT-DL], laryngoscopy-based multiple instance learning [L-MIL], and a clinical logistic regression model [CL]) and their combinations were compared. A feature-level fusion strategy was applied, and the final integrated multimodal model (CL + CT + L) was built using a stochastic gradient descent (SGD) classifier. Performance was evaluated by AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA), with prognostic value assessed by Kaplan–Meier and concordance index (C-index).
ResultsA total of 450 patients were included (median age, 62 years [range, 31–88]; 365 men). The integrated multimodal model achieved AUCs of 0.902 (0.833–0.954) in the internal cohort and 0.888 (0.826–0.944) in the external cohort, outperforming all single- and dual-modality models (p < 0.05). Calibration and DCA confirmed strong consistency and clinical utility. The model categorized patients into distinct risk groups, which exhibited notable differences in progression-free survival (C-index = 0.584, p = 0.036).
ConclusionThe integrated multimodal model showed high accuracy and generalizability for preoperative LSCC staging and may aid individualized treatment planning.
Key Points