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Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences (ASET)

Cancer Transcriptome Analysis with RNA-Seq Using Quantum K-means Clustering Algorithm

Abrar-Ul-Haq, Talal Bonny

Published Feb 1, 2020• 11 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A quantified RNA transcriptome is of particular interest in biomedical research as it can be for cancer diagnosis. Quantum algorithms can give exponential performance gains over their classical counterparts. In this paper, we implement a quantum clustering technique to classify the cells into different cancer types. To verify our implementation, we test it using the standard ‘gene expression cancer RNA-Seq’ dataset. The experimental results show that our algorithm achieves high accuracy of 94.8% (on average) in classifying the different types of cancer.

DOI
10.1109/aset48392.2020.9118341

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A quantified RNA transcriptome is of particular interest in biomedical research as it can be for cancer diagnosis. Quantum algorithms can give exponential performance gains over their classical counterparts. In this paper, we implement a quantum clustering technique to classify the cells into different cancer types. To verify our implementation, we test it using the standard ‘gene expression cancer RNA-Seq’ dataset. The experimental results show that our algorithm achieves high accuracy of 94.8% (on average) in classifying the different types of cancer.
This study introduces a Hybrid Quantum K-Means Clustering Algorithm with automatic cluster detection for classifying cancerous and non-cancerous gene expression data. The method employs Quantum Multi-Feature Mapping for state encoding, Swap Test-based quantum distance estimation, and Quantum Gradient-Based Optimization to dynamically identify the optimal number of clusters by minimizing intra-cluster variance. Initial centroids are selected through a probability-proportional distance strategy, improving stability and accuracy. Applied to breast cancer datasets, the approach surpasses the existing quantum K-Means algorithm, achieving a Silhouette Score of 0.641 (compared to 0.601), a Calinski-Harabasz Index of 766.57 (compared to 617.65), and a Davies-Bouldin Index of 0.659 (compared to 0.704). These results indicate superior cluster compactness and separation. Although the proposed algorithm exhibits slightly higher time complexity O (N×Kmax×Mobs) due to iterative optimization, it significantly outperforms predefined-K quantum K-Means in clustering accuracy, error reduction, and practical feasibility. Its efficiency in handling high-dimensional data and resilience to quantum noise highlights its potential for real-world bioinformatics applications, particularly in cancer classification using gene expression profiles.
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Subtyping of lung cancer is crucial for individualized treatment and optimizing outcomes. Computational modeling allows data analysis over large scales, which helps in making precision classification in large datasets or high-dimensional datasets. Conventional machine learning methods perform well, but integration of multi-omic data (DNA, RNA, miRNA) is challenging in cancer subtyping because of high dimensionality and complex inter-omic relationships. To bypass this Quantum machine learning (QML) provides better ability to navigate high-dimensional biological data with many variables using quantum computational concepts that can identify fine patterns or small-scale patterns beyond the capability of classical approaches. Through the integration of quantum computing principles with the machine learning framework, the study highlights the improvement of computer technology. The framework shows how the system is optimized with the help of quantum principles, how it can improve accuracy, parallel processing and reducing latency. In this work, we have combined data on miRNA, RNA expression, and DNA methylation to create a complete workflow for classifying cancer. This method uses a wide variety of feature selection techniques, such as random forest-based selection, chi-square, mutual information(MI), and principal component analysis(PCA).In order to illustrate the notion of quantum advantage, we carefully compare the performance metrics of the Quantum Support Vector Classifier (QSVC) to the classical Support Vector Machine (SVM), using a ZZ feature map quantum kernel as our baseline for analysis. Using five-fold crossvalidation, we have also verified that the quantum has an advantage with consistently lower variance and higher accuracy.
Cancer is the leading cause of premature mortality. Globally, the prevalence of cancer is on the rise, and early-stage diagnosis is crucial for cancer recovery and survival. However, the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and heterogeneity within the tumor makes it hard to track how cancer changes over time and how resistance to treatment develops. Unfortunately, the cancer diagnosis precision remains inadequate, endangering precious human lives and necessitating costly procedures for accurate treatment. Machine learning (ML) has proven capable of discovering meaningful information and making predictions, particularly with large datasets. Moreover, quantum computers (QCs) inherently possess superposition and parallel computation, features not found in classical computing. Researchers have demonstrated that quantum neural networks (QNNs) achieve a significantly better effective dimension than classical NNs. In this context, this study investigates the application of classical and quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms to classify breast cancer images. Region-based segmentation is used to identify regions of interest and image processing algorithms are performed on segmented breast cancer images to extract meaningful features (e.g., perimeter, area, compactness). An user interface (UI) based software is created to swiftly distinguish benign and malignant instances during image analysis. Although QNNs perform poorly than the classical NNs, there is still a long way to go in developing feature maps and techniques for better performance. In contrast, the classical NNs have gone a long way with well-established algorithms and packages available to us. This research shows that with further development, QML has the potential to enhance cancer diagnosis accuracy and speed, ultimately improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
Quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms have demonstrated the power of quantum computing for solving complex problems and big data in certain tasks. In this study, we explore the capabilities of QML for the classification of real-world biological large datasets including ten different cancer types based on gene expression values. By comparing the classification results obtained from the quantum algorithm with those from classical approaches, we disclose that the QML algorithm overall achieves comparable and reliable results. Moreover, we identify novel biomarkers that can contribute to the understanding of cancer biology. Some of these biomarkers are consistent with DNA promoter methylation. Our findings highlight the potential of QML in cancer classification and biomarker discovery, paving the way for future advancements in other disease research and clinical applications.
Quantum machine learning offers a promising new paradigm for computational biology by leveraging quantum mechanical principles to enhance cancer classification, biomarker discovery, and bioinformatics diagnostics. In this study, we apply QML to identify subtype specific biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), the two predominant forms of non-small cell lung cancer. Our methodology involves a two-phase process: in Phase 1, differential expression analysis and methylation analysis between tumor and normal samples allows us to identify LUAD-specific and LUSC-specific genes, revealing potential prognostic biomarkers for cancer subtypes. Phase 2 focuses on developing a quantum classifier capable of distinguishing between LUAD and LUSC tumors, as well as between tumor and normal samples. This classifier not only enhances diagnostic precision but also demonstrates the quantum advantage in processing large-scale multiomic datasets. Our results consistently demonstrated that Sample3, representing the combined gene set, achieved the highest overall predictive performance in all metrics. These results demonstrate that QML provides an effective and scalable approach for biomarker discovery and subtype specific cancer classification. GO enrichment analysis highlighted the significant involvement of genes in synaptic signaling, ion channel regulation, and neuronal development. In the quantum phase, KEGG analysis further identified enrichment in cancer-associated pathways, including neurotrophin, MAPK, Ras, and PI3KAkt signaling, with key genes such as NGFR, NTRK2, and NTF3 suggesting a central role in neurotrophinmediated oncogenic processes. Our findings highlight the growing potential of quantum computing to advance precision oncology and next-generation biomedical analytics.