Utilization of artificial intelligence for tumor segmentation in head and neck cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PET with PET/CT imaging techniques - Summary - MDSpire

Utilization of artificial intelligence for tumor segmentation in head and neck cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PET with PET/CT imaging techniques

  • By

  • Hamed Hajimokhtari

  • Tina Soleymanpourshamsi

  • Leila Rostamian

  • Ailar Yousefbeigi

  • Soheil Jafari

  • Asal Rezaeiyazdi

  • Mohammadjavad Askari

  • Maryam Khalilian

  • Parsa Vafaei

  • Mahla Esfahaniani

  • Gianrico Spagnuolo

  • Shirin Shahnaseri

  • Parisa Soltani

  • October 27, 2025

  • 0 min

Share

Objective:

To systematically assess the current literature on PET-only and PET/CT-based AI segmentation of head and neck cancers, highlighting the potential improvements in segmentation accuracy.

Key Findings:
  • PET/CT fusion imaging enhances tumor segmentation accuracy compared to PET alone, which is crucial for treatment planning.
  • Deep learning models, particularly CNNs and attention-based architectures, improve tumor delineation, leading to better patient outcomes.
  • Federated learning frameworks enhance the generalizability of segmentation algorithms, addressing data privacy issues.
Interpretation:

The integration of AI in PET/CT imaging significantly improves the precision of tumor segmentation, which is crucial for effective treatment planning and ultimately enhances patient outcomes in head and neck cancers.

Limitations:
  • Variability in methodologies, datasets, and evaluation criteria across studies complicates comparisons, potentially skewing results.
  • Few comprehensive reviews exist that focus specifically on PET and PET/CT modalities, limiting the understanding of their comparative effectiveness.
Conclusion:

AI-driven segmentation techniques, particularly in PET/CT imaging, show promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for head and neck cancers, emphasizing the need for further research in clinical applications.

Original Source(s)

Related Content