Using the GoogLeNet deep-learning model to distinguish between benign and malignant breast masses based on conventional ultrasound: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide, and early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Conventional ultrasound (CUS) is a widely used screening method for breast cancer; however, the subjective nature of interpreting the results can lead to diagnostic errors. The current study sought to estimate the effectiveness of using a GoogLeNet deep-learning convolutional neural network (CNN) model to identify benign and malignant breast masses based on CUS.

Methods: A literature search was conducted of the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and other databases to retrieve studies related to GoogLeNet deep-learning CUS-based models published before July 15, 2023. The diagnostic performance of the GoogLeNet models was evaluated using several metrics, including pooled sensitivity (PSEN), pooled specificity (PSPE), the positive likelihood ratio (PLR), the negative likelihood ratio (NLR), the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC). The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Scale (QUADAS). The eligibility of the included literature were independently searched and assessed by two authors.

Results: All of the 12 studies that used pathological findings as the gold standard were included in the meta-analysis. The overall average estimation of sensitivity and specificity was 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80-0.89] and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78-0.92), respectively. The PLR and NLR were 6.2 (95% CI: 3.9-9.9) and 0.17 (95% CI: 0.12-0.23), respectively. The DOR was 37.06 (95% CI: 20.78-66.10). The AUC was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.94). No obvious publication bias was detected.

Conclusions: The GoogLeNet deep-learning model, which uses a CNN, achieved good diagnostic results in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast masses in CUS-based images.