# Multi-Cohort Framework with Cohort-Aware Attention and Adversarial Mutual-Information Minimization for Whole Slide Image Classification

Source: [Multi-Cohort Framework with Cohort-Aware Attention and Adversarial Mutual-Information Minimization for Whole Slide Image Classification](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa74e01e209131cea64639>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-26T03:20:26.911Z

Authors: Sharon Peled, Yosef E. Maruvka, Moti Freiman

Published: 2024-09-17T12:18:00.000Z

## Abstract

Whole Slide Images (WSIs) are critical for various clinical applications, including histopathological analysis. However, current deep learning approaches in this field predominantly focus on individual tumor types, limiting model generalization and scalability. This relatively narrow focus ultimately stems from the inherent heterogeneity in histopathology and the diverse morphological and molecular characteristics of different tumors. To this end, we propose a novel approach for multi-cohort WSI analysis, designed to leverage the diversity of different tumor types. We introduce a Cohort-Aware Attention module, enabling the capture of both shared and tumor-specific pathological patterns, enhancing cross-tumor generalization. Furthermore, we construct an adversarial cohort regularization mechanism to minimize cohort-specific biases through mutual information minimization. Additionally, we develop a hierarchical sample balancing strategy to mitigate cohort imbalances and promote unbiased learning. Together, these form a cohesive framework for unbiased multi-cohort WSI analysis. Extensive experiments on a uniquely constructed multi-cancer dataset demonstrate significant improvements in generalization, providing a scalable solution for WSI classification across diverse cancer types. Our code for the experiments is publicly available at \<link\>.

## Recorded benchmark results

A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage.

## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.11119>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.11119.pdf>)
