medical image analysis

SimpleITK provides a simplified interface to ITK in a variety of languages. A user can either download pre-built binaries, if they are available for the desired platform and language, or SimpleITK can be built from the source code. Currently, Python binaries are available on Microsoft Windows, GNU Linux and Mac OS X. C# and Java binaries are available for Windows. We are also working towards supporting R packaging.

Elastix is a toolbox for rigid and nonrigid registration of (medical) images.

Elastix is based on the ITK library, and provides additional algorithms for image registration. 

The software can be run as a single-line command, making it easy to include in larger scripts or workflows. The user needs to edit a configuration file that contains all relevant parameters for registration: transformation model, metric used to comapre images, optimization algorithm, mutliscale pyramidal representation of images...

Nowadays elastix is accompanied by SimpleElastix, making it available in other languages like C++, Python, Java, R, Ruby, C# and Lua.

CaPTk is a software platform for analysis of radiographic cancer images, currently focusing on brain, breast, and lung cancer. CaPTk integrates advanced, validated tools performing various aspects of medical image analysis, that have been developed in the context of active clinical research studies and collaborations toward addressing real clinical needs. With emphasis given in its use as a very lightweight and efficient viewer, and with no prerequisites for substantial computational background, CaPTk aims to facilitate the swift translation of advanced computational algorithms into routine clinical quantification, analysis, decision making, and reporting workflow. Its long-term goal is providing widely used technology that leverages the value of advanced imaging analytics in cancer prediction, diagnosis and prognosis, as well as in better understanding the biological mechanisms of cancer development.

NiftyNet is a TensorFlow-based open-source convolutional neural networks (CNNs) platform for research in medical image analysis and image-guided therapy. NiftyNet’s modular structure is designed for sharing networks and pre-trained models. Using this modular structure you can:

• Get started with established pre-trained networks using built-in tools;
• Adapt existing networks to your imaging data;
• Quickly build new solutions to your own image analysis problems.

Free-D (http://free-d.versailles.inra.fr/) is a 3D reconstruction and modeling software. It is multiplatform, free (but not open source) tool for academic research and teaching.

Here is how to proceed, using Free-D:

1. Segmentation:

* load (a collection of) individual 3d stacks

* (optional for serial sections) perform a 2D registration to align image slices

* segment/reconstruct 3D contours using snakes

* segment 3D spots

2. Construct average cell:

* normalize the contours to compute a average cell, by registering/warping 3D contours/surfaces

3. Quantification:

* project each individual cell to the average one

* build density maps to analyze (cartography)

A few notes for current software version (till 10/2016):

* input file format: tiff (not able to import bioformats)

* currently results are saved in customized format, but there is an exportor to convert this format into fiji readable one

* import already generated contours is on the software's TODO list