Classification using the cumulative log-odds in the quantitative pathologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
BACKGROUND
This study develops a method that discriminates between normal and cancerous tissue sections (i.e., populations of cells) using a statistical model applied to high-dimensional quantitative measurements made on a sample of cells.


METHODS
We use a cumulative log-odds model to create a score for a tissue section using the information from the cells within that tissue section. Then, a threshold is determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The method was tested using data from cervical adenocarcinomas, adenocarcinoma in situ, and normal columnar tissue.


RESULTS
Using 120 potential features, we analyzed the data for staining-independent features. Twenty-two features were statistically significant. We then calculated the log-odds and created a score, followed by ROC curve analysis. The operating point which maximizes the sum of the specificity and sensitivity achieved a sensitivity of 100% with a specificity of 85%.


CONCLUSIONS
The cumulative log-odds performs well in classifying tissue sections using high-dimensional data measured at the cellular level, like that of quantitative pathology. This methodology potentially has applications in pathology, radiology, and optical technologies.
Swartz
Richard J
RJ
Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd - Unit 243, Houston, TX 77098, USA.
West
Loyd A
LA
Boiko
Iouri
I
Malpica
Anais
A
Guillaud
Martial
M
Macaulay
Calum
C
Follen
Michele
M
Atkinson
E Neely
EN
Cox
Dennis D
DD
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016015:Logistic Models; D011786:Quality Control; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm