Accuracy and Efficiency of Deep-Learning-Based Automation of Dual Stain Cytology in Cervical Cancer Screening

Background With the advent of primary human papillomavirus testing followed by cytology for cervical cancer screening, visual interpretation of cytology slides remains the last subjective analysis step and suffers from low sensitivity and reproducibility. Methods We developed a cloud-based whole-slide imaging platform with a deep-learning classifier for p16/Ki-67 dual-stained (DS) slides trained on biopsy-based gold standards. We compared it with conventional Pap and manual DS in 3 epidemiological studies of cervical and anal precancers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and the University of Oklahoma comprising 4253 patients. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Results In independent validation at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, artificial intelligence (AI)-based DS had lower positivity than cytology (P<.001) and manual DS (P<.001) with equal sensitivity and substantially higher specificity compared with both Pap (P<.001) and manual DS (P<.001), respectively. Compared with Pap, AI-based DS reduced referral to colposcopy by one-third (41.9% vs 60.1%, P<.001). At a higher cutoff, AI-based DS had similar performance to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions cytology, indicating a risk high enough to allow for immediate treatment. The classifier was robust, showing comparable performance in 2 cytology systems and in anal cytology. Conclusions Automated DS evaluation removes the remaining subjective component from cervical cancer screening and delivers consistent quality for providers and patients. Moving from Pap to automated DS substantially reduces the number of colposcopies and also achieves excellent performance in a simulated fully vaccinated population. Through cloud-based implementation, this approach is globally accessible. Our results demonstrate that AI not only provides automation and objectivity but also delivers a substantial benefit for women by reduction of unnecessary colposcopies.

Automated summary

The development of a cloud-based whole-slide imaging platform with a deep-learning classifier has provided a solution to the subjective analysis of cytology slides, improving the consistency and quality of cervical cancer screening. Artificial intelligence-based DS evaluation reduces unnecessary colposcopies significantly compared to traditional Pap methods, showing promising results in improving the efficiency and accuracy of screening.