Differential diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma using Logic Learning Machine

BMC Bioinformatics 2015 [Link]

Parodi S, Filiberti R, Marroni P, Libener R, Ivaldi G, Mussap M, Ferrari E, Manneschi C, Montani E, Muselli M.

Abstract

Background

Tumour markers are standard tools for the differential diagnosis of cancer. However, the occurrence of nonspecific symptoms and different malignancies involving the same cancer site may lead to a high proportion of misclassifications.

Methods

Logic Learning Machine (LLM) is an innovative method of supervised data analysis capable of building classifiers described by a set of intelligible rules including simple conditions in their antecedent part. It is essentially an efficient implementation of the Switching Neural Network model and reaches excellent classification accuracy while keeping low the computational demand.

Results

LLM outperformed all other considered methods. Global accuracy was 77.5% for LLM, 72.8% for DT, 54.4% for KNN, and 63.9% for ANN, respectively. In more details, LLM correctly classified 79% of MPM, 66% of MTX and 89% of BD. The corresponding figures for DT were: MPM = 83%, MTX = 55% and BD = 84%; for KNN: MPM = 58%, MTX = 45%, BD = 62%; for ANN: MPM = 71%, MTX = 47%, BD = 76%.

Conclusions

LLM is a new flexible tool potentially useful for the differential diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.