Enhancing Deep Learning Model Using Whale Optimization Algorithm on Brain Tumor MRI
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of brain cancer has emerged as a significant global health issue, with brain neoplasms, particularly gliomas, presenting considerable diagnostic and therapeutic obstacles. The timely and precise identification of such tumors is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This investigation explores the advancement of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for detecting brain tumors using MRI data, incorporating the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) for the automated tuning of hyperparameters. Moreover, two callbacks, ReduceLROnPlateau and early stopping, were utilized to augment training efficacy and model resilience. The proposed model exhibited exceptional performance across all tumor categories. Specifically, the precision, recall, and F1-scores for Glioma were recorded as 0.997, 0.980, and 0.988, respectively; for meningioma, as 0.983, 0.986, and 0.984; for no tumors, as 0.998, 0.998, and 0.998; and for pituitary, as 0.997, 0.997, and 0.997. The mean performance metrics attained were 0.994 for precision, 0.990 for recall, and 0.992 for F1-score. The overall accuracy of the model was determined to be 0.991. Notably, incorporating callbacks within the CNN architecture improved accuracy to 0.994. Furthermore, when synergized with the WOA, the CNN-WOA model achieved a maximum accuracy of 0.996. This advancement highlights the effectiveness of integrating adaptive learning methodologies with metaheuristic optimization techniques. The findings suggest that the model sustains high classification accuracy across diverse tumor types and exhibits stability and robustness throughout training. The amalgamation of callbacks and the Whale Optimization Algorithm significantly bolster CNN performance in classifying brain tumors. These advancements contribute to the development of more reliable diagnostic instruments in medical imaging
Downloads
References
A. Roberts, M. Hu, and M. Hajizadeh, “Income and Education Inequalities in Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer Incidence in Canada: Trends over Two Decades,” J Cancer Prev, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 110–117, June 2021, doi: 10.15430/JCP.2021.26.2.110.
N. A. Larimi et al., “An investigation of efficient nursing interventions in early diagnosis of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, vol. 10, no. 8, pp. 2964–2968, Aug. 2021, doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2148_20.
P. S. Chaitanya and S. K. Satpathy, “A Multilevel De-Noising Approach for Precision Edge-Based Fragmentation in MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation,” TS, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 1715–1722, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.18280/ts.400440.
R. Asad, S. U. Rehman, A. Imran, J. Li, A. Almuhaimeed, and A. Alzahrani, “Computer-Aided Early Melanoma Brain-Tumor Detection Using Deep-Learning Approach,” Biomedicines, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 184, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11010184.
M. Praveena and M. K. Rao, “Brain Tumor Detection using Integrated Learning Process Detection (ILPD),” IJACSA, vol. 13, no. 10, 2022, doi: 10.14569/IJACSA.2022.0131018.
Mrs. D. S. W. Dr. Selvarani Rangasamy, “Review On Deep Learning Approach For Brain Tumor Glioma Analysis,” ITII, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 395–408, Mar. 2021, doi: 10.17762/itii.v9i1.144.
K. Sailunaz, D. Bestepe, S. Alhajj, T. Özyer, J. Rokne, and R. Alhajj, “Brain tumor detection and segmentation: Interactive framework with a visual interface and feedback facility for dynamically improved accuracy and trust,” PLoS ONE, vol. 18, no. 4, p. e0284418, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284418.
M. A. Mahjoubi, S. Hamida, O. E. Gannour, B. Cherradi, A. E. Abbassi, and A. Raihani, “Improved Multiclass Brain Tumor Detection using Convolutional Neural Networks and Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” IJACSA, vol. 14, no. 3, 2023, doi: 10.14569/IJACSA.2023.0140346.
A. Raza et al., “A Hybrid Deep Learning-Based Approach for Brain Tumor Classification,” Electronics, vol. 11, no. 7, p. 1146, Apr. 2022, doi: 10.3390/electronics11071146.
B. Badjie and E. Deniz Ülker, “A Deep Transfer Learning Based Architecture for Brain Tumor Classification Using MR Images,” ITC, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 332–344, June 2022, doi: 10.5755/j01.itc.51.2.30835.
D. Rastogi, P. Johri, V. Tiwari, and A. A. Elngar, “Multi-class classification of brain tumour magnetic resonance images using multi-branch network with inception block and five-fold cross validation deep learning framework,” Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, vol. 88, p. 105602, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.bspc.2023.105602.
E. Albalawi et al., “Integrated approach of federated learning with transfer learning for classification and diagnosis of brain tumor,” BMC Med Imaging, vol. 24, no. 1, p. 110, May 2024, doi: 10.1186/s12880-024-01261-0.
M. M. E. Yurtsever, Y. Atay, B. Arslan, and S. Sagiroglu, “Development of brain tumor radiogenomic classification using GAN-based augmentation of MRI slices in the newly released gazi brains dataset,” BMC Med Inform Decis Mak, vol. 24, no. 1, p. 285, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1186/s12911-024-02699-6.
S. Saeedi, S. Rezayi, H. Keshavarz, and S. R. Niakan Kalhori, “MRI-based brain tumor detection using convolutional deep learning methods and chosen machine learning techniques,” BMC Med Inform Decis Mak, vol. 23, no. 1, p. 16, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1186/s12911-023-02114-6.
S. Sundari.M, Y. Divya, K. Durga, V. Sukhavasi, M. D. Sugnana Rao, and M. S. Rani, “A Stable Method For Brain Tumor Prediction In Magnetic Resonance Images Using Fine-tuned XceptionNet,” IJCDS, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 67–79, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.12785/ijcds/150106.
M. Rasool et al., “A Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Brain Tumour Classification,” Entropy, vol. 24, no. 6, p. 799, June 2022, doi: 10.3390/e24060799.
Y. Xu, L. Huang, L. Zhang, L. Qian, and X. Yang, “Diffusion-Based Radio Signal Augmentation for Automatic Modulation Classification,” Electronics, vol. 13, no. 11, p. 2063, May 2024, doi: 10.3390/electronics13112063.
C. Zhang, G. Sheng, J. Su, and L. Duan, “Color fundus photograph-based diabetic retinopathy grading via label relaxed collaborative learning on deep features and radiomics features,” Front. Cell Dev. Biol., vol. 12, p. 1513971, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1513971.
C. Shi, A. K. Chiu, and H. Xu, “Evaluating Designs for Hyperparameter Tuning in Deep Neural Networks,” The New England Journal of Statistics in Data Science, pp. 334–341, 2023, doi: 10.51387/23-NEJSDS26.
S. S. Sulaiman, I. Nadher, and S. M. Hameed, “Credit Card Fraud Detection Using Improved Deep Learning Models,” CMC, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 1049–1069, 2024, doi: 10.32604/cmc.2023.046051.
I. A. Dewi and M. A. Rizqullah, “Sentiment Analysis on Twitter Using Deep Belief Network Optimized with Particle Swarm Optimization,” E3S Web Conf., vol. 484, p. 02001, 2024, doi: 10.1051/e3sconf/202448402001.
L. P. Swaminatha Rao and S. Jaganathan, “Adaptive Bayesian contextual hyperband: A novel hyperparameter optimization approach,” IJ-AI, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 775, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.11591/ijai.v13.i1.pp775-785.
A. Sanmorino, L. Marnisah, and H. D. Kesuma, “Detection of DDoS Attacks using Fine-Tuned Multi-Layer Perceptron Models,” Eng. Technol. Appl. Sci. Res., vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 16444–16449, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.48084/etasr.8362.
J. A Ilemobayo et al., “Hyperparameter Tuning in Machine Learning: A Comprehensive Review,” J. Eng. Res. Rep., vol. 26, no. 6, pp. 388–395, June 2024, doi: 10.9734/jerr/2024/v26i61188.
H. Qu et al., “BD-StableNet: a deep stable learning model with an automatic lesion area detection function for predicting malignancy in BI-RADS category 3–4A lesions,” Phys. Med. Biol., vol. 69, no. 24, p. 245002, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad953e.
N. Bai and I. Joe, “Deep Learning Methods With the Improved Attention for Explainable Image Recognition,” IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 70559–70567, 2024, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3397323.
Dr. S. Singh, Dr. D. Pratap Singh, and Mr. K. Chandra, “Enhancing Transparency and Interpretability in Deep Learning Models: A Comprehensive Study on Explainable AI Techniques,” IJSREM, vol. 08, no. 02, pp. 1–13, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.55041/IJSREM28675.
F. Lin et al., “Postoperative One Year Prediction for Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Based on Deep Learning and Radiomics,” Oct. 08, 2024. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4848654/v1.
S. Huang et al., “Deep learning model to predict lupus nephritis renal flare based on dynamic multivariable time-series data,” BMJ Open, vol. 14, no. 3, p. e071821, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071821.
J. Cheng, “brain tumor dataset.” figshare, p. 879509079 Bytes, 2017. doi: 10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.1512427.V5.
Msoud Nickparvar, “Brain Tumor MRI Dataset.” Kaggle. doi: 10.34740/KAGGLE/DSV/2645886.
P. Hu, Y. Gao, Y. Zhang, and K. Sun, “Ultrasound image-based deep learning to differentiate tubal-ovarian abscess from ovarian endometriosis cyst,” Front. Physiol., vol. 14, p. 1101810, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1101810.
W. Sapitri, Y. N. Kunang, I. Z. Yadi, and M. Mahmud, “The Impact of Data Augmentation Techniques on the Recognition of Script Images in Deep Learning Models,” join, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 169–176, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.15575/join.v8i2.1073.
K. Meethongjan, V. T. Hoang, and T. Surinwarangkoon, “Data augmentation by combining feature selection and color features for image classification,” IJECE, vol. 12, no. 6, p. 6172, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.11591/ijece.v12i6.pp6172-6177.
X. Luo, Q. Nie, Y. Wang, and Z. Zhao, “Data augmentation techniques based on deep learning for Chinese paintings,” in Third International Conference on Computer Graphics, Image, and Virtualization (ICCGIV 2023), Y. Wang and A. J. Moshayedi, Eds., Nanjing, China: SPIE, Nov. 2023, p. 43. doi: 10.1117/12.3008104.
R. N. D. Sousa and R. N. D. Sousa, “Development of a Convolutional Neural Network Architecture for Classifying Foliar Diseases in Plants,” in Anais do XVI Encontro Unificado de Computação do Piauí (ENUCOMPI 2023), Brasil: Sociedade Brasileira de Computação, Oct. 2023, pp. 1–8. doi: 10.5753/enucompi.2023.26610.
A. Jokic, L. Djokic, M. Petrovic, and Z. Miljkovic, “Data augmentation methods for semantic segmentation-based mobile robot perception system,” Serb J Electr Eng, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 291–302, 2022, doi: 10.2298/SJEE2203291J.
A. Nabilah, R. Sigit, A. Fariza, and M. Madyono, “Human Bone Age Estimation of Carpal Bone X-Ray Using Residual Network with Batch Normalization Classification,” JOIV : Int. J. Inform. Visualization, vol. 7, no. 1, p. 105, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.30630/joiv.7.1.1024.
S. Nesteruk et al., “XtremeAugment: Getting More From Your Data Through Combination of Image Collection and Image Augmentation,” IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 24010–24028, 2022, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3154709.
R. Nair, S. Vishwakarma, M. Soni, T. Patel, and S. Joshi, “Detection of COVID-19 cases through X-ray images using hybrid deep neural network,” WJE, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 33–39, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1108/WJE-10-2020-0529.
H. R. Mohammed and Z. M., “Detection and Recognition of Moving Video Objects: Kalman Filtering with Deep Learning,” IJACSA, vol. 12, no. 1, 2021, doi: 10.14569/IJACSA.2021.0120118.
C.-Y. Yang and H.-M. Lee, “Effects of the Hyperparameters on CNNs for MDD Classification Using Resting-State EEG,” Electronics, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 186, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.3390/electronics13010186.
Y. Lecun, L. Bottou, Y. Bengio, and P. Haffner, “Gradient-based learning applied to document recognition,” Proc. IEEE, vol. 86, no. 11, pp. 2278–2324, Nov. 1998, doi: 10.1109/5.726791.
Y. Kim, “Convolutional Neural Networks for Sentence Classification,” in Proceedings of the 2014 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP), Doha, Qatar: Association for Computational Linguistics, 2014, pp. 1746–1751. doi: 10.3115/v1/D14-1181.
M.-E. Mickael et al., “Using Copy Number Variation Data and Neural Networks to Predict Cancer Metastasis Origin Achieves High Area under the Curve Value with a Trade-Off in Precision,” CIMB, vol. 46, no. 8, pp. 8301–8319, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.3390/cimb46080490.
P. Purwono, A. Ma’arif, W. Rahmaniar, H. I. K. Fathurrahman, A. Z. K. Frisky, and Q. M. U. Haq, “Understanding of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN): A Review,” IJRCS, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 739–748, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.31763/ijrcs.v2i4.888.
S.-Y. Hwang and J.-J. Kim, “A Universal Activation Function for Deep Learning,” Computers, Materials & Continua, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 3553–3569, 2023, doi: 10.32604/cmc.2023.037028.
A. Muis, E. M. Zamzami, and E. B. Nababan, “Convolutional Neural Network Activation Function Performance on Image Recognition of The Batak Script,” SinkrOn, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 182–195, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.33395/sinkron.v9i1.13192.
D. Florek and M. Miłosz, “Comparison of an effectiveness of artificial neural networks for various activation functions,” J. Comput. Sci. Inst., vol. 26, pp. 7–12, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.35784/jcsi.3069.
G. Madhu, S. Kautish, K. A. Alnowibet, H. M. Zawbaa, and A. W. Mohamed, “NIPUNA: A Novel Optimizer Activation Function for Deep Neural Networks,” Axioms, vol. 12, no. 3, p. 246, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.3390/axioms12030246.
Y. S. Kim, H. Pham, and I. H. Chang, “Deep-Learning Software Reliability Model Using SRGM as Activation Function,” Applied Sciences, vol. 13, no. 19, p. 10836, Sept. 2023, doi: 10.3390/app131910836.
N. Nimra, J. U. Rahman, and D. Lu, “Modified scaled exponential linear unit,” Math. Syst. Sci., vol. 2, no. 2, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.54517/mss.v2i2.2870.
H. Liang et al., “Artificial Neurons Based on a Threshold Switching Memristor with Ultralow Threshold Voltage,” ACS Appl. Electron. Mater., vol. 7, no. 7, pp. 3019–3029, Apr. 2025, doi: 10.1021/acsaelm.5c00188.
M Mesran, Sitti Rachmawati Yahya, Fifto Nugroho, and Agus Perdana Windarto, “Investigating the Impact of ReLU and Sigmoid Activation Functions on Animal Classification Using CNN Models,” J. RESTI (Rekayasa Sist. Teknol. Inf.), vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 111–118, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.29207/resti.v8i1.5367.
C. Gulcehre, K. Cho, R. Pascanu, and Y. Bengio, “Learned-Norm Pooling for Deep Feedforward and Recurrent Neural Networks,” in Machine Learning and Knowledge Discovery in Databases, vol. 8724, T. Calders, F. Esposito, E. Hüllermeier, and R. Meo, Eds., in Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 8724. , Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2014, pp. 530–546. doi: 10.1007/978-3-662-44848-9_34.
H. Afzaal et al., “Detection of a Potato Disease (Early Blight) Using Artificial Intelligence,” Remote Sensing, vol. 13, no. 3, p. 411, Jan. 2021, doi: 10.3390/rs13030411.
P. K. Yadav et al., “Citrus disease classification with convolution neural network generated features and machine learning classifiers on hyperspectral image data,” in Autonomous Air and Ground Sensing Systems for Agricultural Optimization and Phenotyping VIII, C. Bauer and J. A. Thomasson, Eds., Orlando, United States: SPIE, June 2023, p. 5. doi: 10.1117/12.2665768.
S. Mirjalili and A. Lewis, “The Whale Optimization Algorithm,” Advances in Engineering Software, vol. 95, pp. 51–67, May 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.advengsoft.2016.01.008.
O. N. Oyelade and A. E. Ezugwu, “Characterization of abnormalities in breast cancer images using nature‐inspired metaheuristic optimized convolutional neural networks model,” Concurrency and Computation, vol. 34, no. 4, p. e6629, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1002/cpe.6629.
A. Bahaa, A. Sayed, L. Elfangary, and H. Fahmy, “A novel hybrid optimization enabled robust CNN algorithm for an IoT network intrusion detection approach,” PLoS ONE, vol. 17, no. 12, p. e0278493, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278493.
R. M. Lewis and V. Torczon, “Pattern Search Algorithms for Bound Constrained Minimization,” SIAM J. Optim., vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 1082–1099, Jan. 1999, doi: 10.1137/S1052623496300507.
R. Murugan, T. Goel, S. Mirjalili, and D. K. Chakrabartty, “WOANet: Whale optimized deep neural network for the classification of COVID-19 from radiography images,” Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 1702–1718, Oct. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.bbe.2021.10.004.
N. M. Ashraf, R. R. Mostafa, R. H. Sakr, and M. Z. Rashad, “Optimizing hyperparameters of deep reinforcement learning for autonomous driving based on whale optimization algorithm,” PLoS ONE, vol. 16, no. 6, p. e0252754, June 2021, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252754.
A. Brodzicki, M. Piekarski, and J. Jaworek-Korjakowska, “The Whale Optimization Algorithm Approach for Deep Neural Networks,” Sensors, vol. 21, no. 23, p. 8003, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.3390/s21238003.
J. Kim, C. M. Park, S. Y. Kim, and A. Cho, “Convolutional neural network-based classification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias using colposcopic image segmentation for acetowhite epithelium,” Sci Rep, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 17228, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-21692-5.
H. Qi et al., “Rice seed vigor detection based on near-infrared hyperspectral imaging and deep transfer learning,” Front. Plant Sci., vol. 14, p. 1283921, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1283921.
F. M. Talaat, S. A. Gamel, R. M. El-Balka, M. Shehata, and H. ZainEldin, “Grad-CAM Enabled Breast Cancer Classification with a 3D Inception-ResNet V2: Empowering Radiologists with Explainable Insights,” Cancers, vol. 16, no. 21, p. 3668, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.3390/cancers16213668.
K. Nakajo et al., “Anatomical classification of pharyngeal and laryngeal endoscopic images using artificial intelligence,” Head & Neck, vol. 45, no. 6, pp. 1549–1557, June 2023, doi: 10.1002/hed.27370.
V. Jahmunah, E. Y. K. Ng, R.-S. Tan, S. L. Oh, and U. R. Acharya, “Explainable detection of myocardial infarction using deep learning models with Grad-CAM technique on ECG signals,” Computers in Biology and Medicine, vol. 146, p. 105550, July 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105550.
J. P. Cruz-Bastida, E. Pearson, and H. Al-Hallaq, “Toward understanding deep learning classification of anatomic sites: lessons from the development of a CBCT projection classifier,” J. Med. Imag., vol. 9, no. 04, July 2022, doi: 10.1117/1.JMI.9.4.045002.
R. R. Selvaraju, M. Cogswell, A. Das, R. Vedantam, D. Parikh, and D. Batra, “Grad-CAM: Visual Explanations from Deep Networks via Gradient-Based Localization,” in 2017 IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV), Venice: IEEE, Oct. 2017, pp. 618–626. doi: 10.1109/ICCV.2017.74.
M. Giavina-Bianchi, W. G. Vitor, V. Fornasiero De Paiva, A. L. Okita, R. M. Sousa, and B. Machado, “Explainability agreement between dermatologists and five visual explanations techniques in deep neural networks for melanoma AI classification,” Front. Med., vol. 10, p. 1241484, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1241484.
S. Bomrah et al., “A scoping review of machine learning for sepsis prediction- feature engineering strategies and model performance: a step towards explainability,” Crit Care, vol. 28, no. 1, p. 180, May 2024, doi: 10.1186/s13054-024-04948-6.
N. A. Brennan, W. Shamp, E. Maynes, X. Cheng, and M. A. Bullimore, “Influence of age and race on axial elongation in myopic children: A systematic review and meta-regression,” Optom Vis Sci, vol. 101, no. 8, pp. 497–507, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002176.
A. Bahaa, A. Sayed, L. Elfangary, and H. Fahmy, “A novel hybrid optimization enabled robust CNN algorithm for an IoT network intrusion detection approach,” PLoS ONE, vol. 17, no. 12, p. e0278493, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278493.
Copyright (c) 2025 Winarno Winarno, Agus Harjoko

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlikel 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).


.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)