Optimization of CNN Architectures for Accurate Brain Tumor Classification: A Comparative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30595/jrst.v9i2.26398Keywords:
Classification, Deep Learning, Image Processing, Identification, Medical ScienceAbstract
Automatic classification of brain tumors from MRI images is crucial for supporting early diagnosis and improving treatment planning. However, manual diagnostic processes remain limited by subjectivity and resource constraints. This study aims to optimize brain tumor classification by conducting a comparative analysis of six Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures: VGG16, VGG19, MobileNet, InceptionV3, AlexNet, and Xception. The MRI datasets were sourced from open repositories and processed through normalization, noise reduction, segmentation, and data augmentation. All CNN models were implemented using transfer learning and trained under consistent parameters. Model performance was evaluated based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score. The results revealed that the Xception and InceptionV3 architectures achieved the highest classification performance, with validation accuracies of 97.9% and 96.1%, respectively. MobileNet also performed competitively at 95.6%, offering notable computational efficiency. In contrast, VGG19 and AlexNet yielded lower validation accuracies and exhibited signs of overfitting. These findings highlight the effectiveness of modern CNN architectures that incorporate depthwise separable convolutions and residual connections in extracting complex features from brain MRI images. Therefore, models such as Xception and MobileNet are strong candidates for implementation in computer-aided diagnosis systems in resource-constrained clinical environments.
References
Abdelaziz Ismael, Sarah Ali, Ammar Mohammed, and Hesham Hefny. 2020. “An Enhanced Deep Learning Approach for Brain Cancer MRI Images Classification Using Residual Networks.” Artificial Intelligence in Medicine 102:101779. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artmed.2019.101779.
Agarwal, Shruti, Dhyanendra Jain, Shubh Gupta, Saijal Sawhney, and Yash Mittal. 2023. “Brain Tumor Detection and Classification Using Deep Learning.” Proceedings - IEEE 2023 5th International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communication Control and Networking, ICAC3N 2023 635–40. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAC3N60023.2023.10541584.
Ali, Redha, Russell C. Hardie, Barath Narayanan Narayanan, and Temesguen M. Kebede. 2022. “IMNets: Deep Learning Using an Incremental Modular Network Synthesis Approach for Medical Imaging Applications.” Applied Sciences (Switzerland) 12(11). doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115500.
Alshuhail, Asma, Arastu Thakur, R. Chandramma, T. R. Mahesh, Ahlam Almusharraf, V. Vinoth Kumar, and Surbhi Bhatia Khan. 2024. “Refining Neural Network Algorithms for Accurate Brain Tumor Classification in MRI Imagery.” BMC Medical Imaging 24(1):1–20. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12880-024-01285-6.
Amin, Javaria, Muhammad Sharif, Anandakumar Haldorai, Mussarat Yasmin, and Ramesh Sundar Nayak. 2022. “Brain Tumor Detection and Classification Using Machine Learning: A Comprehensive Survey.” Complex and Intelligent Systems 8(4):3161–83. doi: http://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-021-00563-y.
Ardalan, Zaniar, and Vignesh Subbian. 2022. “Transfer Learning Approaches for Neuroimaging Analysis: A Scoping Review.” Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence 5(February):1–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2022.780405.
Babu Vimala, Baiju, Saravanan Srinivasan, Sandeep Kumar Mathivanan, Mahalakshmi, Prabhu Jayagopal, and Gemmachis Teshite Dalu. 2023. “Detection and Classification of Brain Tumor Using Hybrid Deep Learning Models.” Scientific Reports 13(1):1–17. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50505-6.
Benabid, Amina, Jing Yuan, Mohammed A. M. Elhassan, and Douaa Benabid. 2024. “CFNet: Cross-Scale Fusion Network for Medical Image Segmentation.” Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences 36(7):102123. doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksuci.2024.102123.
Bintang, Khairunnisa Setia, Rima Novirianthy, and Hidayaturrahmi Hidayaturrahmi. 2024. “Imaging Profile of Intracranial Tumors at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital Banda Aceh.” Indonesian Journal of Cancer 18(2):184–90. doi: https://doi.org/10.33371/ijoc.v18i2.1139.
Buchade, Anisa C., and MVV Prasad Kantipudi. 2024. “Recent Trends on Brain Tumor Detection Using Hybrid Deep Learning Methods.” Revue d’Intelligence Artificielle 38(1):103–13. doi: https://doi.org/10.18280/ria.380111.
Gayathri, T., and K. Sundeep Kumar. 2024. “Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification Using Cnn Pre-Trained Vgg-16 Model in Mri Images.” IIUM Engineering Journal 25(2):196–211. doi: https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumej.v25i2.2963.
Ghosh, Hritwik, Irfan Sadiq Rahat, J. V. R. Ravindra, J. Balajee, Mohammad Aman Ullah Khan, and J. Somasekar. 2024. “Convolutional Neural Networks in Malaria Diagnosis: A Study on Cell Image Classification.” EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology 10:1–11. doi: https://doi.org/10.4108/eetpht.10.5551.
Hastomo, Widi, Adhitio Satyo Bayangkari Karno, Ellya Sestri, Vany Terisia, Diana Yusuf, Shevty Arbekti Arman, and Dodi Arif. 2024. “Classification of Brain Image Tumor Using EfficientNet B1-B2 Deep Learning.” Semesta Teknika 27(1):46–54. doi:https://doi.org/10.18196/st.v27i1.19691.
Huda, Nurul, and Ku Ruhana Ku-Mahamud. 2025. “CNN-Based Image Segmentation Approach in Brain Tumor Classification : A Review †.” Engineering Proceedings 84(66):1–11.
Huda, Nurul, and Ika Safitri. 2024. “Reinforcement Learning and Meta-Learning Perspectives Frameworks for Future Medical Imaging.” 8(2):271–79.
Irianto, Suhendro Y., Sri Karnila, and Dona Yuliawati. 2024. “Study of Manhattan and Region Growing Methods for Brain Tumor Detection.” Journal of Advances in Information Technology 15(2):183–94. doi: https://doi.org/10.12720/jait.15.2.183-194.
Jain, Jayneet, Mihika Kubadia, Monika Mangla, and Prachi Tawde. 2023. “Comparison of Transfer Learning Techniques to Classify Brain Tumours Using MRI Images †.” Engineering Proceedings 59(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023059144.
Kaba, Şerife, Huseyin Haci, Ali Isin, Ahmet Ilhan, and Cenk Conkbayir. 2023. “The Application of Deep Learning for the Segmentation and Classification of Coronary Arteries.” Diagnostics 13(13). doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13132274.
Kesav, O. Homa, and G. K. Rajini. 2024. “Enhancing Brain Tumor Detection and Classification with Reduced Complexity Spatial Fusion Convolutional Neural Networks.” International Journal of Intelligent Engineering and Systems 17(1):263–77. doi: https://doi.org/10.22266/ijies2024.0229.25.
Kumaar, M. Akshay, Duraimurugan Samiayya, Venkatesan Rajinikanth, P. M. Durai Raj Vincent, and Seifedine Kadry. 2024. “Brain Tumor Classification Using a Pre-Trained Auxiliary Classifying Style-Based Generative Adversarial Network.” International Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Artificial Intelligence 8(6):101–11. doi: https://doi.org/10.9781/ijimai.2023.02.008.
Malakouti, Seyed Matin, Mohammad Bagher Menhaj, and Amir Abolfazl Suratgar. 2024. “Machine Learning and Transfer Learning Techniques for Accurate Brain Tumor Classification.” Clinical EHealth 7:106–19. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceh.2024.08.001.
Malik, Mubasher H., Hamid Ghous, Tahir Rashid, Bibi Maryum, Zhang Hao, and Qasim Umer. 2024. “Feature Extraction-Based Liver Tumor Classification Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods of Computed Tomography Images.” Cogent Engineering 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2024.2338994.
Mathivanan, Sandeep Kumar, Sridevi Sonaimuthu, Sankar Murugesan, Hariharan Rajadurai, Basu Dev Shivahare, and Mohd Asif Shah. 2024. “Employing Deep Learning and Transfer Learning for Accurate Brain Tumor Detection.” Scientific Reports 14(1):1–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57970-7.
Musa, Muhammad Nazeer, Muhammad Bashar Sanusi, Phillip Odion, and Saifullahi Sadi Shitu. 2024. “MRI-Based Brain Tumor Classification Using ResNet-50 and Optimized Softmax Regression.” Jurnal Infotel 598–614.
N.Huda, S.Y. Prayogi, M.A. Ahmad, A. Y. Dew. 2022. “Klasifikasi Malaria Menggunakan Citra Sel Darah Merah Dengan Algoritma Convolutional Neural Network.” Journal of Information System 7(1):166–77.
Niño, Stephanie Batista, Jorge Bernardino, and Inês Domingues. 2024. “Algorithms for Liver Segmentation in Computed Tomography Scans: A Historical Perspective.” Sensors 24(6):1–19. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061752.
Oksuz, Ilkay, James R. Clough, Bram Ruijsink, Esther Puyol Anton, Aurelien Bustin, Gastao Cruz, Claudia Prieto, Andrew P. King, and Julia A. Schnabel. 2020. “Deep Learning-Based Detection and Correction of Cardiac MR Motion Artefacts during Reconstruction for High-Quality Segmentation.” IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging 39(12):4001–10. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/TMI.2020.3008930.
Oladimeji, Oladosu Oyebisi, and Ayodeji Olusegun J. Ibitoye. 2023. “Brain Tumor Classification Using ResNet50-Convolutional Block Attention Module.” Applied Computing and Informatics. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/ACI-09-2023-0022.
Potadar, Mahesh P., Raghunath S. Holambe, and Rajan H. Chile. 2024. “Design and Development of a Deep Learning Model for Brain Abnormality Detection Using MRI.” Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Imaging and Visualization 12(1):1–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/21681163.2023.2250878.
Raza, Saqlain, Nasim Gul, Haider Ali Khattak, Arisha Rehan, Muhammad Imran Farid, Anum Kamal, Dr Jai Singh Rajput, Sajid Mukhtiar, and Aziz Ullah. 2024. “Brain Tumor Detection and Classification Using Deep Feature Fusion and Stacking Concepts.” Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology 31(01):1339–56. doi: https://doi.org/10.53555/jptcp.v31i1.4179.
Sarkar, Alok, Md Maniruzzaman, Mohammad Ashik Alahe, and Mohiuddin Ahmad. 2023. “An Effective and Novel Approach for Brain Tumor Classification Using AlexNet CNN Feature Extractor and Multiple Eminent Machine Learning Classifiers in MRIs.” Journal of Sensors 2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1224619.
Shedbalkar, Jayashree, and Kappargaon Prabhushetty. 2024. “Deep Transfer Learning Model for Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification Using UNet and Chopped VGGNet.” Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 33(3):1405–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v33.i3.pp1405-1415.
Shewale, Mitali V., and Rohin D. Daruwala. 2023. “High Performance Deep Learning Architecture for Early Detection and Classification of Plant Leaf Disease.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 14(June):100675. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100675.
Shreeharsha, J. 2024. “Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification Using Binomial Thresholding-Based Bidirectional-Long-Short Term Memory.” International Journal of Intelligent Engineering and Systems 17(3):149–58. doi:https://doi.org/10.22266/ijies2024.0630.13.
Sowjanya, K., K. Rasool Reddy, and M. Raveena. 2023. “A New Distinctive Methodology for the Classification of Brain MR Images Using Histogram Based Local Feature Descriptors.” International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems 13(1):1301–15. doi:https://doi.org/10.12785/ijcds/1301106.
Srinivasan, Saravanan, Divya Francis, Sandeep Kumar Mathivanan, Hariharan Rajadurai, Basu Dev Shivahare, and Mohd Asif Shah. 2024. “A Hybrid Deep CNN Model for Brain Tumor Image Multi-Classification.” BMC Medical Imaging 24(1):1–21. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12880-024-01195-7.
Venkatesh, Y. Nagaraju, T. S. Sahana, S. Swetha, and Siddhanth U. Hegde. 2020. “Transfer Learning Based Convolutional Neural Network Model for Classification of Mango Leaves Infected by Anthracnose.” 2020 IEEE International Conference for Innovation in Technology, INOCON 2020. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/INOCON50539.2020.9298269.
Yebasse, Milkisa, Kyung Joo Cheoi, and Jaepil Ko. 2023. “Malaria Disease Cell Classification With Highlighting Small Infected Regions.” IEEE Access 11(January):15945–53. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3245025.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Huda, Herman Yuliansyah, Maulany Citra Pandini

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 License 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)
JRST (Jurnal Riset Sains dan Teknologi) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

