A Repository-Integrated Quantitative Imaging Data Analysis Pipeline for Enabling Multi-Centre Clinical Biomarker Studies

Motivation: Robust evaluation of novel quantitative imaging biomarkers in multi-centre imaging trials requires harmonised workflow for storage, quality control and analysis of imaging data to facilitate clinical translation. Goal(s): To establish a standardised, repository-integrated framework for quantitative MR data analysis to aid reproducibility. Approach: A software container for quantitative MR data analysis was created using Docker, integrated with the XNAT imaging repository and demonstrated using example data. Results: Repository-integrated software was used to generate quantitative maps of T1, ADC and hypoxia, as well as DCE and IVIM modelling parameters in primary and nodal tumours from a patient with head-and-neck cancer. Impact: Quantitative MR biomarker translation can be accelerated by standardisation of analysis protocols across multi-centre trials. Integration of containerised, user-configurable data analysis software within imaging repositories will improve repeatability and lower the barrier for entry to clinical trial involvement.