Commercialisation of novel image processing and display software for breast screening

This project aims to translate cutting-edge research software for detecting breast tumours on
MRI scans into a commercial product.
Previous Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) development was supported by EPSRC and the
current, fully functional, prototype software incorporates a number of novel and patented
features.
Biotronics3D creates high quality software for healthcare professionals. It wishes to
incorporate the ICR prototype into 3DnetMedical, its flagship product. 3DnetMedical provides
a state-of-the-art integrated radiology platform, with all the image visualisation features and
integrated workflow demanded by clinicians. These features are currently missing from the
ICR software and ICR is unable to provide them.

We wish to repeat this same successful model for the current project. MRIW has a sister
product, MARIBSview, which is specifically targeted at DCE-MRI of the breast. Whilst MRIW
is a tool for detailed modelling during the assessment of previously diagnosed cancers,
MARIBSview is aimed at the rapid processing of data for patient screening. It was initially
developed to analyse data from the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Breast Screening
(MARIBS) 22-centre UK trial. The results of this significant trial have been widely commented
on in the scientific literature, with more than 260 citations of the key Lancet publication [3].
Novel algorithms created during the initial development of the associated software have led
to three families of patents (details below). We now wish to commercialise this intellectual
property (IP) in conjunction with Biotronics3D, together with other novel software that has
been created in the context of EPSRC grant EP/E035736/1 and the CRUK-EPSRC joint
grant C1060/A10334. This novel technology will introduce significant new visualisation tools,
such as “dual-phase volume rendering” and motion detection, which are not available in rival
products, together with methods for estimating the MRI breast “density” (i.e., the ratio of fatty
to non-fatty tissue). This MRI measure has been shown [4] to correlate with x-ray
mammographic density, which is linked to risk of developing breast cancer.
The new product would form the DCE-MRI breast-screening element (tentatively scheduled
for release under the product name “MRI CAD”) of 3DnetMedical [2], a family of advanced
processing applications. Biotronics3D is pioneering a new “zero-footprint”, cloud-computing
approach to medical image analysis software, which significantly reduces the financial hurdle
for clinics wishing to acquire these advanced capabilities. The suite was premiered at the
2010 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, which attracts an
attendance of around 50,000 participants (news report at http://goo.gl/WKXhb).
Given the already highly-developed nature of the product, the “timeframe to impact” of the
new breast-screening element of the package should be less than 12 months from the end of
the project. Evidence in support of this assessment comes from the considerable interest
that has already been shown in 3DnetMedical since its launch in late November 2010,
although it is still too early to have any quantitative data on sales figures.
Aims and objectives
The top-level objective of the project is straightforward: the commercialisation of a defined
set of pre-existing MRI analysis software. This entails the following steps:
1. Update of market analysis for MRI breast screening software
Delivery Month 3 of project
a. Documentation of features of competing products and analysis of the commercial
advantages of the new product
A detailed market report [5] was prepared for the ICR in November 2006. This
analysed the features of all competitive software in the area of DCE-MRI. Prior to the
development and launch of the new product, this report needs to be updated to take
account of the latest developments by competitors.b. Compilation of a list of potential customers
c. Development of detailed business plan and marketing strategy
Element a will be undertaken by placing a subcontract with a market research
organisation such as UK Bioscience Consultants Ltd., whilst we envisage b and c
being done by Biotronics3D with significant input from both the market research
organisation and the mentoring service provided by this project.
2. Development of modified software
Delivery Month 12 of project, but with major milestone December 2011 (Month 8) for
demonstration at RSNA 2011 conference
a. Re-implement ICR codebase in C++ / Microsoft Silverlight.
From the outset, the ICR team sought to design MARIBSview as software that could
be commercialised. It has been written rigorously, to a high technical standard. The
original code was developed in a language IDL that is highly appropriate for rapid
prototyping in an experimental system, but less suitable for enterprise-level
applications. The re-engineering that we propose here parallels that performed
already for MRIW, and so ICR and Biotronics3D have both a good understanding of
the technical hurdles and a proven ability to meet the relevant milestones.
(9 months)
b. Integration of data I/O with Biotronics3D standard methods. (1 month)
c. Replacement of existing viewer with Biotronics3D “zero-footprint” web interface.
(1 month)
d. Development of dedicated display protocols (often called “hanging protocols”) for
wider radiologist acceptance (1 month).
e. Creation of technical folder to be used for market clearance
Steps a-e will be undertaken by a programmer with appropriate experience of both
DCE-MRI and C++ / Microsoft Silverlight. The individual will be employed by ICR, but
work a significant fraction of the time at Biotronics3D.
References
[1] http://www.javelin-ventures.com/index.asp?pgid=9
[2] http://www.3Dnetmedical.com
[3] Leach MO et al. Lancet. 2005 May 21-27;365(9473):1769-78
[4] Thompson DJ et al. Breast Cancer Research 2009, 11:R80 (doi:10.1186/bcr2447)
[5] Cox, VF 2006 Market Report on Computer Aided Detection and Diagnosis Technologies
relating to ICR Breast MR/CAD portfolio, UK Bioscience Consultants Ltd, unpublished report
commissioned by ICR