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Frontiers in Physics

Classification of knee osteoarthritis based on quantum-to-classical transfer learning

Yumin Dong, Xuanxuan Che, Yanying Fu, Hengrui Liu, Yang Zhang, Yong Tu

Published Jul 17, 2023• 13 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum machine learning takes advantage of features such as quantum computing superposition and entanglement to enable better performance of machine learning models. In this paper, we first propose an improved hybrid quantum convolutional neural network (HQCNN) model. The HQCNN model was used to pre-train brain tumor dataset (MRI) images. Next, the quantum classical transfer learning (QCTL) approach is used to fine-tune and extract features based on pre-trained weights. A hybrid quantum convolutional network structure was used to test the osteoarthritis of the knee dataset (OAI) and to quantitatively evaluate standard metrics to verify the robustness of the classifier. The final experimental results show that the QCTL method can effectively classify knee osteoarthritis with a classification accuracy of 98.36%. The quantum-to-classical transfer learning method improves classification accuracy by 1.08%. How to use different coding techniques in HQCNN models applied to medical image analysis is also a future research direction.

DOI
10.3389/fphy.2023.1212373

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Quantum machine learning takes advantage of features such as quantum computing superposition and entanglement to enable better performance of machine learning models. In this paper, we first propose an improved hybrid quantum convolutional neural network (HQCNN) model. The HQCNN model was used to pre-train brain tumor dataset (MRI) images. Next, the quantum classical transfer learning (QCTL) approach is used to fine-tune and extract features based on pre-trained weights. A hybrid quantum convolutional network structure was used to test the osteoarthritis of the knee dataset (OAI) and to quantitatively evaluate standard metrics to verify the robustness of the classifier. The final experimental results show that the QCTL method can effectively classify knee osteoarthritis with a classification accuracy of 98.36%. The quantum-to-classical transfer learning method improves classification accuracy by 1.08%. How to use different coding techniques in HQCNN models applied to medical image analysis is also a future research direction.
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Deep learning techniques have significantly enhanced medical image classification for disease diagnosis. However, traditional deep learning models face several challenges, such as dependence on large annotated datasets, complex architectural layers, and millions of trainable parameters, which can increase computational load and cause overfitting. Although quantum computing offers potential for parallel processing and improved feature representation, its practical use is limited by the current capabilities of Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) hardware. To overcome these issues, Hybrid Quantum–Classical Convolutional Neural Networks (HQCNNs) have been developed, using quantum properties like superposition and entanglement to improve feature extraction and classification of medical images. This review offers a thorough analysis of 50 peer-reviewed studies published from 2021 to 2026 and introduces a taxonomy of HQCNN architectures. It classifies existing approaches into three categories: Quantum-to-Classical, Classical-to-Quantum, and Hybrid Quantum Transfer Learning. The studies reviewed encompass a diverse range of medical imaging applications, including binary and multi-class disease classification using X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, dermoscopic, retinal, and mammographic images. Additionally, the review compares HQCNNs with their classical CNN counterparts, exploring how factors like quantum circuit design, dataset size, class imbalance, task complexity, evaluation protocols, and hardware limitations influence classification performance. It concludes with an analysis of the key limitations of current HQCNN models, discusses challenges in deploying NISQ devices practically, and proposes future research directions to bridge the gap between experimental HQCNN frameworks and reliable clinical diagnostic systems.
The efficiency of quantum computing has recently been extended to machine learning, which has made a significant impact on quantum machine learning. The hybrid structure of quantum and classical ones has developed into the most successful application mode currently due to noisy intermediate scale quantum limitations. In this paper, an improved hybrid quantum-classic convolutional neural network (HQC-CNN) with fast training speed, lightweight, and high performance is proposed. Its convolution layer realizes feature mapping through parameterized quantum circuit, while other layers keep classic operation and finally complete the task of four classifications of brain tumors. The experiment in this paper is based on kaggle brain tumor magnetic resonance imaging public dataset. The final experimental results show that HQC-CNN can effectively classify meningioma, glioma, pituitary, and no tumor with a classification accuracy of 97.8%. When compared to numerous well-known landmark models, HQC-CNN has obvious advantages.
This research presents a new hybrid model that combines the capabilities of a pre-trained ResNet-50 with a Quantum Neural Network (QNN) to enhance the classification of MRI brain images for tumor recognition. Combining conventional deep learning and quantum computing, this technique competes with traditional models regarding accuracy, speed, and computational effectiveness. The ResNet-50 architecture is the foundation for feature extraction, using its demonstrated ability to handle challenging MRI image data. ResNet-50's linear layer weights are converted into angular parameters to take advantage of the potential of quantum computing, allowing the quantum layer to function within a six-angle depth framework. This unique integration allows the model to efficiently execute binary classification and multi-class tumor detection. The hybrid model outperforms conventional models, providing quicker processing speeds and higher classification accuracy, especially when dealing with high-dimensional and noisy data. The model optimizes 512-dimensional data using four qubits, allowing for improved feature representation and better insights into complicated medical imaging patterns. The quantum layer's resistance to noise enhances the model's accuracy, establishing a new standard for medical diagnostic tools. This novel integration of classical and quantum approaches offers a significant advance in MRI-based tumor identification, providing higher performance and opening the path for next-generation medical imaging systems.
Quantum machines enhance the capabilities of classical counterparts across various domains, notably in addressing real-world challenges.The classification of brain MR images for tumor detection is a crucial diagnostic process in the analysis of brain images.Traditional approaches, such as classical machine learning techniques and conventional deep learning structures like convolutional neural networks, are frequently employed for image classification.However, as the network size increases, training these models becomes increasingly arduous.Quantum algorithms offer advantages by optimizing the performance of classical algorithms through the incorporation of the intrinsic properties of quantum bits.In this paper, we proposed a hybrid classical and quantum convolutional neural network for Alzheimer's disease (AD) classification.The proposed model was further validated on the brain tumor classification task.The fundamental concept involves encoding data into quantum states, facilitating quicker information extraction, and subsequently utilizing this information to discern the data class.The proposed model results underscore the reliability and robustness and demonstrated by optimal performance accuracies across various datasets, the proposed model substantiates its efficacy in detecting and classifying AD disease and brain tumors.
Quantum machine learning has emerged as a promising approach for medical image analysis, particularly in settings where compact models and expressive feature representations are desired. This paper presents a hybrid classical--quantum diagnostic framework that integrates dataset-specific preprocessing, transfer learning, and quantum convolutional neural networks (QCNNs) for multi-class medical image classification. This approach is evaluated on three distinct tasks: kidney disease diagnosis from computed tomography images, cervical cell classification from pap smear images, and brain tumor classification from magnetic resonance imaging. For each dataset, a pretrained encoder is used to extract latent features, which are then embedded into quantum states through angle or amplitude encoding and processed by a QCNN. Experimental results show strong and stable convergence across all datasets. The proposed hybrid models achieve 99% test accuracy on kidney CT classification, 97% on cervical cell classification, and 99% on brain tumor classification. In comparative evaluations for precision, recall, and F1, the hybrid QCNN models consistently outperform classical CNN baselines using the same pretrained encoders and similar hyperparameter settings, while requiring fewer trainable parameters. These results demonstrate the potential of quantum-enhanced architectures for robust and efficient medical diagnostics.