Background: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a promising technique to\ncharacterize pathology and evaluate treatment response. However, analysis of DCE-MRI data is complex and benefits\nfrom concurrent analysis of multiple kinetic models and parameters. Few software tools are currently available that\nspecifically focuses on DCE-MRI analysis with multiple kinetic models. Here, we developed ROCKETSHIP, an open-source,\nflexible and modular software for DCE-MRI analysis. ROCKETSHIP incorporates analyses with multiple kinetic models,\nincluding data-driven nested model analysis.\nResults: ROCKETSHIP was implemented using the MATLAB programming language. Robustness of the software to provide\nreliable fits using multiple kinetic models is demonstrated using simulated data. Simulations also demonstrate the utility\nof the data-driven nested model analysis. Applicability of ROCKETSHIP for both preclinical and clinical studies is shown\nusing DCE-MRI studies of the human brain and a murine tumor model.\nConclusion: A DCE-MRI software suite was implemented and tested using simulations. Its applicability to both preclinical\nand clinical datasets is shown. ROCKETSHIP was designed to be easily accessible for the beginner, but flexible enough for\nchanges or additions to be made by the advanced user as well. The availability of a flexible analysis tool will aid future\nstudies using DCE-MRI.\nA public release of ROCKETSHIP is available at https://github.com/petmri/ROCKETSHIP.
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