Radiomics: from qualitative to quantitative imaging

Br J Radiol. 2020 Apr;93(1108):20190948. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20190948. Epub 2020 Feb 26.

Abstract

Historically, medical imaging has been a qualitative or semi-quantitative modality. It is difficult to quantify what can be seen in an image, and to turn it into valuable predictive outcomes. As a result of advances in both computational hardware and machine learning algorithms, computers are making great strides in obtaining quantitative information from imaging and correlating it with outcomes. Radiomics, in its two forms "handcrafted and deep," is an emerging field that translates medical images into quantitative data to yield biological information and enable radiologic phenotypic profiling for diagnosis, theragnosis, decision support, and monitoring. Handcrafted radiomics is a multistage process in which features based on shape, pixel intensities, and texture are extracted from radiographs. Within this review, we describe the steps: starting with quantitative imaging data, how it can be extracted, how to correlate it with clinical and biological outcomes, resulting in models that can be used to make predictions, such as survival, or for detection and classification used in diagnostics. The application of deep learning, the second arm of radiomics, and its place in the radiomics workflow is discussed, along with its advantages and disadvantages. To better illustrate the technologies being used, we provide real-world clinical applications of radiomics in oncology, showcasing research on the applications of radiomics, as well as covering its limitations and its future direction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Deep Learning / trends*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Diagnostic Imaging / trends*
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / trends*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Radiography / methods
  • Technology, Radiologic / methods
  • Technology, Radiologic / trends*
  • Workflow