Timothy E Sawyer MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Richard Robb PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Robert L. Foote MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Val John Lowe MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shigeru Yokoyama PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Timothy Stack MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

This is a software-based image quantification system for tailoring cancer treatment to individuals.

Software was designed to connect voxels of similar intensity value, from MRI, MRSI, PET, SPECT, or other imaging sources, to form 3D "isonumeric contours." Series of contours, with each contour representing a separate tight intensity value range, are displayed to reveal a tumor's 3D molecular or physiologic profile (analagous to display of a series of lines connecting like elevation points in topography). Contour parameters were then considered for relevance to quantifying change. A software-based model for applying change to clinical practice was designed.

Many isonumeric contour profile parameters can be measured, such as volumes and surface areas, shape characteristics, distances of contours from each other, median or peak intensity values within contours, numbers of intra-tumor (subvolumetric) "elevations" (analogous to conventional topography elevations), elevation height (intensity value difference between the contour forming the elevation base and the elevation's peak intensity value), etc. Pre- and post-treatment contour profiles can be compared. Treatment-induced changes can be detected and represented as numbers, graphs, or equations. Changes can be compared to a change database for which diagnosis or treatment outcome is known. The chance of a certain diagnosis or outcome can be quantified. Rules engine-based diagnoses or treatment recommendations can be made.

The isonumeric contour format can facilitate change quantification, in a way that preserves spatial integrity. This format and approach have the potential to improve diagnostic imaging accuracy, serve as an in vivo assay for inter-cycle response-based chemotherapy delivery adjustments, facilitate response-based radiation therapy dose adjustments, facilitate response-based subvolumetric radiation therapy targeting and dosing adjustments during intra-tumoral dose-painting, help differentiate between cancer and benign tissue for diagnosis and targeting, simplify simultaneous anatomic and functional image display, aid drug development, and enhance and objectify many other oncologic applications.

T.E.S.: Timothy E. Sawyer, M.D., is President and CEO of ImQuant, Inc., which is building this software.

This is a software-based image quantification system for tailoring cancer treatment to individuals.

Software was designed to connect voxels of similar intensity value, from MRI, MRSI, PET, SPECT, or other imaging sources, to form 3D "isonumeric contours." Series of contours, with each contour representing a separate tight intensity value range, are displayed to reveal a tumor's 3D molecular or physiologic profile (analagous to display of a series of lines connecting like elevation points in topography). Contour parameters were then considered for relevance to quantifying change. A software-based model for applying change to clinical practice was designed.

Many isonumeric contour profile parameters can be measured, such as volumes and surface areas, shape characteristics, distances of contours from each other, median or peak intensity values within contours, numbers of intra-tumor (subvolumetric) "elevations" (analogous to conventional topography elevations), elevation height (intensity value difference between the contour forming the elevation base and the elevation's peak intensity value), etc. Pre- and post-treatment contour profiles can be compared. Treatment-induced changes can be detected and represented as numbers, graphs, or equations. Changes can be compared to a change database for which diagnosis or treatment outcome is known. The chance of a certain diagnosis or outcome can be quantified. Rules engine-based diagnoses or treatment recommendations can be made.

The isonumeric contour format can facilitate change quantification, in a way that preserves spatial integrity. This format and approach have the potential to improve diagnostic imaging accuracy, serve as an in vivo assay for inter-cycle response-based chemotherapy delivery adjustments, facilitate response-based radiation therapy dose adjustments, facilitate response-based subvolumetric radiation therapy targeting and dosing adjustments during intra-tumoral dose-painting, help differentiate between cancer and benign tissue for diagnosis and targeting, simplify simultaneous anatomic and functional image display, aid drug development, and enhance and objectify many other oncologic applications.

T.E.S.: Timothy E. Sawyer, M.D., is President and CEO of ImQuant, Inc., which is building this software.

Sawyer, T, Robb, R, Foote, R, Lowe, V, Yokoyama, S, Stack, T, System for Quantifying Treatment-induced Image Change, and for Integrating Quantified Change into Cancer Treatment-related Decision-making and Diagnosis.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4411108.html