Deep Learning for Skin Melanocytic Tumors in Whole-Slide Images: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary Deep learning (DL) is expanding into the surgical pathology field and shows promising outcomes in diminishing subjective interpretations, especially in dermatopathology. We aim to show the efforts of implementing DL models for melanocytic tumors in whole slide images. Four electronic databases were systematically searched, and 28 studies were identified. Our analysis revealed four research trends: DL models vs. pathologists, diagnostic prediction, prognosis, and regions of interest. We also highlight relevant issues that must be considered to implement these models in real scenarios taking into account pathologists' and engineers' perspectives. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown promising performance as a support tool in clinical pathology workflows. In addition to the well-known interobserver variability between dermatopathologists, melanomas present a significant challenge in their histological interpretation. This study aims to analyze all previously published studies on whole-slide images of melanocytic tumors that rely on deep learning techniques for automatic image analysis. Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library were used to search for relevant studies for the systematic review, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Articles from 2015 to July 2022 were included, with an emphasis placed on the used artificial intelligence methods. Twenty-eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were grouped into four groups based on their clinical objectives, including pathologists versus deep learning models (n = 10), diagnostic prediction (n = 7); prognosis (n = 5), and histological features (n = 6). These were then analyzed to draw conclusions on the general parameters and conditions of AI in pathology, as well as the necessary factors for better performance in real scenarios.

Automated summary

Deep learning has shown promising outcomes in surgical pathology, particularly in dermatopathology, for melanocytic tumors in whole slide images. This study analyzes previously published studies on deep learning techniques for automatic image analysis of melanocytic tumors. The analysis reveals research trends in diagnostic prediction, prognosis, and regions of interest, and emphasizes the considerations for implementing these models in real scenarios. The rise of artificial intelligence as a support tool in clinical pathology workflows is also highlighted.