Machine Learning Classification Algorithms to Predict aGvHD following Allo-HSCT: A Systematic Review

The acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is the most important cause of mortality in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Given that it occurs at the stage of severe tissue damage, its diagnosis is late. With the advancement of machine learning (ML), promising real-time models to predict aGvHD have emerged.

This article aims to synthesize the literature on ML classification algorithms for predicting aGvHD, highlighting algorithms and important predictor variables used.

A systemic review of ML classification algorithms used to predict aGvHD was performed using a search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, and IEEE Xplore databases undertaken up to April 2019 based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements. The studies with a focus on using the ML classification algorithms in the process of predicting of aGvHD were considered.

After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were selected for evaluation. The results of the current analysis showed that the algorithms used were Artificial Neural Network (79%), Support Vector Machine (50%), Naive Bayes (43%), k-Nearest Neighbors (29%), Regression (29%), and Decision Trees (14%), respectively. Also, many predictor variables have been used in these studies so that we have divided them into more abstract categories, including biomarkers, demographics, infections, clinical, genes, transplants, drugs, and other variables.

Each of these ML algorithms has a particular characteristic and different proposed predictors. Therefore, it seems these ML algorithms have a high potential for predicting aGvHD if the process of modeling is performed correctly.