World-first melanoma study to boost early detection

The study is using the total-body 3D imaging of up to 15,000 Australians with skin cancer, along with other patient information, to create the largest melanoma database worldwide.

The data will then be used to develop next-generation diagnostic and prognostic algorithms for the early detection of skin cancer, said research lead A/Prof Victoria Mar, head of The Alfred’s Victorian Melanoma Service.

“The 3D imaging, undertaken by our Vectra machine, is an advanced system that allows us to easily capture and monitor pigmented skin legions over time,” A/Prof Mar said.

“This technology allows us to not only track legions or potential legions with absolute precision, but also means we can use the data to ‘train’ new algorithms to detect melanoma earlier in patients across the country and predict which melanomas are more likely to become life-threatening.”

The Alfred is the first Victorian hospital to introduce the technology, which will play in integral role in the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre in 2024.

“This machine is a terrific example of how we’re integrating and leveraging technology to ensure cancer patients at The Alfred receive the most cutting-edge care available,” A/Prof Mar said.

The $3.2 million melanoma cohort study, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, now has almost 4000 participants registered and is a partnership between The University of Queensland, University of Sydney and Monash University.

“The study means we’ll be enabling medical teams across Australia to commence vital patient treatment sooner, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes,” A/Prof Mar said.

The Vectra machine was funded as part of the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID), funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).