Analytic calculations and synthetic shapes for validation of quantitative contour comparison software

Abstract

A high level of variability in reported values was observed in a recent survey of contour similarity measures (CSMs) calculation tools. Such variations in the output measurements prevent meaningful comparison between studies. The purpose of this study was to develop a dataset with analytically calculated gold standard values to facilitate standardization and ensure accuracy of CSM implementations. The dataset was generated in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. Both the dataset and the software used for its generation are made publicly available to encourage robust testing of CSM implementations for accuracy, improving consistency between different implementations.

Keywords

• Contouring
• Synthetic shapes
• Validation
• Radiotherapy