Knowledge transfer to enhance the performance of deep learning models for automated classification of B-cell neoplasms

Multi-parameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a cornerstone in clinical decision making for hematological disorders such as leukemia or lymphoma. MFC data analysis requires trained experts to manually gate cell populations of interest, which is time-consuming and subjective. Manual gating is often limited to a two-dimensional space. In recent years, deep learning models have been developed to analyze the data in high-dimensional space and are highly accurate. Such models have been used successfully in histology, cytopathology, image flow cytometry, and conventional MFC analysis. However, current AI models used for subtype classification based on MFC data are limited to the antibody (flow cytometry) panel they were trained on. Thus, a key challenge in deploying AI models into routine diagnostics is the robustness and adaptability of such models. In this study, we present a workflow to extend our previous model to four additional MFC panels. We employ knowledge transfer to adapt the model to smaller data sets. We trained models for each of the data sets by transferring the features learned from our base model. With our workflow, we could increase the models overall performance and more prominently, increase the learning rate for very small training sizes.