pathml

# PathML

## Overview

PathML is a comprehensive Python toolkit for computational pathology workflows, designed to facilitate machine learning and image analysis for whole-slide pathology images. The framework provides modular, composable tools for loading diverse slide formats, preprocessing images, constructing spatial graphs, training deep learning models, and analyzing multiparametric imaging data from technologies like CODEX and multiplex immunofluorescence.

## When to Use This Skill

Apply this skill for:
- Loading and processing whole-slide images (WSI) in various proprietary formats
- Preprocessing H&E stained tissue images with stain normalization
- Nucleus detection, segmentation, and classification workflows
- Building cell and tissue graphs for spatial analysis
- Training or deploying machine learning models (HoVer-Net, HACTNet) on pathology data
- Analyzing multiparametric imaging (CODEX, Vectra, MERFISH) for spatial proteomics
- Quantifying marker expression from multiplex immunofluorescence
- Managing large-scale pathology datasets with HDF5 storage
- Tile-based analysis and stitching operations

## Core Capabilities

PathML provides six major capability areas documented in detail within reference files:

### 1. Image Loading & Formats

Load whole-slide images from 160+ proprietary formats including Aperio SVS, Hamamatsu NDPI, Leica SCN, Zeiss ZVI, DICOM, and OME-TIFF. PathML automatically handles vendor-specific formats and provides unified interfaces for accessing image pyramids, metadata, and regions of interest.

**See:** `references/image_loading.md` for supported formats, loading strategies, and working with different slide types.

### 2. Preprocessing Pipelines

Build modular preprocessing pipelines by composing transforms for image manipulation, quality control, stain normalization, tissue detection, and mask operations. PathML's Pipeline architecture enables reproducible, scalable preprocessing across large datasets.

**Key transforms:**
- `