The use of artificial intelligence tools in cancer detection compared to the traditional diagnostic imaging methods: An overview of the systematic reviews

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In comparison to conventional medical imaging diagnostic modalities, the aim of this overview article is to analyze the accuracy of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in the identification and diagnosis of malignant tumors in adult patients. DATA SOURCES: The acronym PIRDs was used and a comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Embase, Scielo, EBSCOhost, and grey literature through Proquest, Google Scholar, and JSTOR for systematic reviews of AI as a diagnostic model and/or detection tool for any cancer type in adult patients, compared to the traditional diagnostic radiographic imaging model. There were no limits on publishing status, publication time, or language. For study selection and risk of bias evaluation, pairs of reviewers worked separately. RESULTS: In total, 382 records were retrieved in the databases, 364 after removing duplicates, 32 satisfied the full-text reading criterion, and 09 papers were considered for qualitative synthesis. Although there was heterogeneity in terms of methodological aspects, patient differences, and techniques used, the studies found that several AI approaches are promising in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy in the detection and diagnosis of malignant tumors. When compared to other machine learning algorithms, the Super Vector Machine method performed better in cancer detection and diagnosis. Computer-assisted detection (CAD) has shown promising in terms of aiding cancer detection, when compared to the traditional method of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The detection and diagnosis of malignant tumors with the help of AI seems to be feasible and accurate with the use of different technologies, such as CAD systems, deep and machine learning algorithms and radiomic analysis when compared with the traditional model, although these technologies are not capable of to replace the professional radiologist in the analysis of medical images. Although there are limitations regarding the generalization for all types of cancer, these AI tools might aid professionals, serving as an auxiliary and teaching tool, especially for less trained professionals. Therefore, further longitudinal studies with a longer follow-up duration are required for a better understanding of the clinical application of these artificial intelligence systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration. Prospero registration number: CRD42022307403.