# Fusion-Based Brain Tumor Classification Using Deep Learning and Explainable AI, and Rule-Based Reasoning

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.06891 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.06891/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 0 of its 4 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 9 Aug 2025.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [A Deep Learning Framework for Real-Time Image Processing in Medical Diagnostics: Enhancing Accuracy and Speed in Clinical Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.16611/) (2025)
- [Robust Pre-Training of Medical Vision-and-Language Models with Domain-Invariant Multi-Modal Masked Reconstruction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.17689/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Accurate and interpretable classification of brain tumors from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment planning. This study presents an ensemble-based deep learning framework that combines MobileNetV2 and DenseNet121 convolutional neural networks (CNNs) using a soft voting strategy to classify three common brain tumor types: glioma, meningioma, and pituitary adenoma. The models were trained and evaluated on the Figshare dataset using a stratified 5-fold cross-validation protocol. To enhance transparency and clinical trust, the framework integrates an Explainable AI (XAI) module employing Grad-CAM++ for class-specific saliency visualization, alongside a symbolic Clinical Decision Rule Overlay (CDRO) that maps predictions to established radiological heuristics. The ensemble classifier achieved superior performance compared to individual CNNs, with an accuracy of 91.7%, precision of 91.9%, recall of 91.7%, and F1-score of 91.6%. Grad-CAM++ visualizations revealed strong spatial alignment between model attention and expert-annotated tumor regions, supported by Dice coefficients up to 0.88 and IoU scores up to 0.78. Clinical rule activation further validated model predictions in cases with distinct morphological features. A human-centered interpretability assessment involving five board-certified radiologists yielded high Likert-scale scores for both explanation usefulness (mean = 4.4) and heatmap-region correspondence (mean = 4.0), reinforcing the framework's clinical relevance. Overall, the proposed approach offers a robust, interpretable, and generalizable solution for automated brain tumor classification, advancing the integration of deep learning into clinical neurodiagnostics.