System and method for linking VOIs across timepoints for analysis of disease progression or response to therapy

1. A method for linking volumes of interest (VOIs) across timepoints and across modalities, comprising:

loading a first image dataset comprising image data acquired at a first timepoint using a first imaging modality selected from one of: computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound;

loading a second image dataset comprising image data acquired at a second timepoint using a second imaging modality selected from one of: computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound, wherein the first imaging modality is different from the second imaging modality;

registering the first image dataset and the second image dataset with each other;

displaying the first image dataset and the second image dataset on a computer screen at the same time;

receiving a manually drawn boundary to demarcate a VOI in the first image dataset;

automatically copying the VOI from the first image dataset to a corresponding area in the second image dataset, wherein the corresponding area is obtained by applying a transformation using a result of the registration; and

linking the VOI in the first image dataset the VOI copied to the second image dataset,

wherein the method is performed using a processor.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first image dataset and the second image dataset each comprise one of a CT image series and MR image series, a PET image series and SPECT image series, a combination of a CT and PET image series, a combination of an MR and PET image series, a combination of a CT and SPECT image series, a combination of an MR and SPECT image series and an ultrasound image series.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the image series in the first image dataset and the second image dataset comprise data from one of a pre-therapy, ongoing therapy and post-therapy study.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the VOI is one of a lesion, tumor and cancerous region.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

quantifying the VOIs.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:

detecting a change in the VOIs.

7. A system for linking volumes of interest (VOIs) across timepoints and across modalities, comprising:

a memory device for storing a program;

a processor in communication with the memory device, the processor operative with the program to:

load a first image dataset comprising image data acquired at a first timepoint using a first imaging modality selected from one of: computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound;

load a second image dataset comprising image data acquired at a second timepoint using a second imaging modality selected from one of: computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound, wherein the first imaging modality is different from the second imaging modality;

register the first image dataset and the second image dataset with each other;

display the first image dataset and the second image dataset on a computer screen at the same time;

receive and display a boundary that was manually drawn to demarcate a VOI in the first image dataset;

automatically copy the VOI from the first image dataset to a corresponding area in the second image dataset, wherein the corresponding area is obtained by applying a transformation using a result of the registration; and

link the VOI in the first image dataset with the VOI copied to the second image dataset.