Frequently Asked Questions

What is ContourAId?

ContourAId is an AI-powered software platform in development for radiation oncology workflows. The platform aims to assist with organ and target volume contouring from medical imaging, quality control, and workflow optimization. ContourAId is designed as a clinical decision support tool to complement clinician expertise.

How does ContourAId aim to support clinical workflows?

ContourAId is designed to support various aspects of treatment planning:

• AI-Assisted Contouring: Automated segmentation tools intended to assist clinicians
• Quality Assurance: Built-in quality checks to support review processes
• Workflow Integration: Designed to integrate with existing systems and processes
• Standardization: Tools to support consistent approaches across cases

Note: Actual performance and time savings will vary based on institutional practices, case complexity, and user experience. All claims are subject to clinical validation.

What is the development and validation status?

ContourAId is currently in active development and research validation. The platform is built on published research methodologies and is undergoing testing and validation studies. The system is not yet cleared for clinical use by regulatory authorities. Institutions interested in research collaboration should contact us regarding appropriate research agreements and IRB approval requirements.

Which applications is ContourAId being developed for?

Our development focus currently includes applications in radiation oncology treatment planning. Specific anatomical sites and cancer types supported will depend on validation outcomes and regulatory clearances. We are working with clinical partners to determine priority areas based on clinical need and technical feasibility.

How does ContourAId integrate with existing systems?

ContourAId is being designed to support standard medical imaging formats (DICOM) and to interface with treatment planning systems commonly used in radiation oncology. Specific integration capabilities and compatibility will be determined through pilot programs and technical assessments with partner institutions.

What about AI accuracy and reliability?

The accuracy of AI-assisted contouring tools can vary significantly based on image quality, anatomical complexity, and specific clinical scenarios. ContourAId is designed so that all AI-generated outputs require review and approval by qualified clinicians. The system is intended to assist, not replace, clinical judgment. Specific performance metrics will be made available as validation studies are completed and published.

Clinical users maintain full responsibility for all treatment planning decisions.

What about data privacy and security?

Data protection and patient privacy are fundamental priorities in our development process:

• Compliance Framework: System architecture designed with HIPAA, GDPR, and healthcare data protection regulations in mind
• Deployment Options: On-premise deployment options to maintain data within institutional control
• Security Measures: Industry-standard encryption and security protocols
• Data Handling: Clear policies regarding data storage, processing, and retention

Specific security certifications and compliance documentation will be provided as part of institutional agreements.

What are the pricing and licensing options?

Pricing structure and licensing terms are being developed and will vary based on deployment model, institution size, and specific use cases. We anticipate offering flexible options tailored to different organizational needs. Contact us to discuss potential pilot programs or early partnership opportunities.

What training and support will be provided?

We plan to provide comprehensive training and support resources for partner institutions, including documentation, training sessions, and technical assistance. Specific training requirements and support structures will be defined based on the deployment model and institutional needs.

Can ContourAId handle different imaging protocols?

The system is being developed with the goal of handling various imaging protocols and scanner types. However, performance can vary based on image quality, acquisition parameters, and specific clinical scenarios. Validation across different imaging protocols is an ongoing process, and specific capabilities will be documented as testing progresses.

What happens if the AI produces unexpected results?

ContourAId is designed as a decision support tool with multiple safeguards:

• All AI-generated outputs require clinician review and approval
• Quality indicators to flag potential issues
• User ability to edit or override any AI suggestions
• Audit trail for all system interactions

Important: Final clinical decisions and treatment responsibility remain solely with the treating physician and clinical team. The system is not intended for autonomous operation.

What is the regulatory status?

ContourAId is currently in the development and research phase. The system is not yet cleared or approved by regulatory authorities (FDA, CE, or others) for clinical use. Any use of the system must be conducted under appropriate research protocols, institutional review board approval, and research agreements. We are working toward regulatory submissions, but clearance timeline and specific intended use statements are subject to ongoing development and validation activities.

How can institutions get involved?

We welcome collaboration with radiation oncology centers interested in:

• Research partnerships and validation studies
• Early access programs under research agreements
• Providing clinical feedback on development priorities
• Pilot testing in research settings

Contact us to discuss potential collaboration opportunities and requirements.

Who is behind ContourAId?

ContourAId is being developed by a team with expertise in radiation oncology, medical physics, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. We are supported by the University of Bern Innovation Office and work in collaboration with clinical partners. More information about our team and partners will be made available as the project progresses.