Newcastle Skin Check has been involved with melanoma and skin cancer research since 2012 and we are committed to continuing with this into the future. Through this research our goal is to improve patient diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
We have recently completed recruiting for a pilot study “MEL-SELF” (in association with Melanoma Institute Australia and Sydney University) which has approval to convert to a full study by the end of this year. This study involves patients with a history of previous melanoma, performing their own skin checks in between visits to the doctor. They may take images of suspicious lesions using a smart phone and upload these images to a tele-dermatologist for assessment. The aim of this study is to determine if patients can detect new melanomas sooner than their routine doctor review. This research will contribute to the growing field of telemedicine.
Our next group of studies involves new and exciting technologies from Australia and around the world. We are in the process of recruiting patients who have an abnormal pigmented lesion which needs biopsy. Prior to the biopsy;
Study 1
Involves testing a device called “Dermasensor” (USA) which shines a light through the lesion and measures the light coming back to determine whether it is benign or malignant.
Study 2
Involves applying a special piece of sticky tape “Dermatech” (USA) on the lesion and having the DNA of the cells on the tape analysed.
Study 3
Is a blood test (Australia) looking for micro-RNA particles, which are proteins produced by melanoma cells to determine whether a patient has melanoma.
Study 4
Is applying “Artificial Intelligence” (Canada) to the images we take of abnormal moles to determine risk of melanoma.
Study 5
Involves a laser “Spectra-Scope” (Korea / USA) which creates a microscopic plume of smoke that is analysed to determine whether the lesion is benign, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.
Other studies in association with leading researchers and research facilities in Sydney and Melbourne are currently awaiting Ethics Committee approval, and we hope to start recruiting for these by the end of this year. To help coordinate these extra research projects, Lucy Watt has joined us as a dedicated research assistant, and our nursing staff have been fully trained in the use of these new technologies.
The future of skin cancer diagnosis looks very promising. With the use of these new technologies, doctors can now be assisted by artificial intelligence “AI”. Other benefits for the patient may be that they will no longer have to undergo a biopsy for a tissue diagnosis. And, melanoma may be detected earlier than ever before.”
- Dr Anthony Azzi