Use of Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Revolutionizing skin cancer detection through machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Recent studies show that Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer particularly melanoma globally, with an average of 28,000 newly-diagnosed cases every year. The incidence is two to three times the data in the US, Canada, and the UK. But could this 3D scanning technology provide an efficient way to monitor patients in the future?

Australia’s 3D imaging – world’s first largest clinical trial using full-body scanners to detect melanoma

A recent skin cancer breakthrough will be available for Australians. They could be diagnosed earlier using the 3D body scanner. The device was launched in September 2021 by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation – Australian Center of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis. Professor H. Peter Soyer of the University of Queensland shared that the technology aims to help researchers identify moles and skin spots using full-body mapping.

Clinical Trial of Artificial Intelligence Scanners

The Australian Center of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis will distribute 15 Vectra 3D full-body scanners in different hospitals and other medical facilities across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Some 15,000 individuals will be invited to participate in the clinical trials wherein they will undergo a total body scan and be monitored over time. 

Afterward, the researchers will use the images captured by sophisticated 3D imaging systems to create patient avatars. Medical researchers can access the project database of up to 100,000 avatars or patient photos. Moreover, a telemedicine network would allow dermatologists and medical professionals to help patients in rural and remote areas. Considered the largest melanoma trial, it also aims to develop an integrated and extensive skin cancer intervention. 

Images from the scanners will use artificial intelligence to create an algorithm to revolutionize skin cancer diagnosis. The system will be able to take pictures in milliseconds. In addition, through the algorithms developed by artificial intelligence, the system will analyze the images and produce a full-body skin spot map. Professor Soyer said that this would change the way they monitor patients in the future. 

Professor Pablo Fernandez-Peñas from the University of Sydney said, in an interview with 7News Australia, that two of these machines are installed in Westmead Hospital (Sydney). Likewise, Professor Fernandez-Peñas explained that consistent photography among the clinical trial participants would help detect and monitor new lesions. The detailed photography coupled with artificial intelligence will enable efficient and cost-effective diagnosis and reduction of melanoma cases. 

However, the current COVID-19 situation limits them from bringing patients inside the hospital. Testing will commence as soon as restriction eases and everybody is vaccinated, Professor Fernandez-Peñas said. 

Basic Facts and Figures 

 Here are some facts about the rising skin cancer cases in Australia:

• The incidence of skin cancer (melanoma) in Australia is 12 times the global average.
• Every year, skin cancers in Australia account for almost 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers. The most common cause is exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.
• More than 1,700 people die of melanoma each year.
• Better screening and early detection programs could reduce the incidence of skin cancer and its burden to patients, families, and the overall healthcare systems in Australia. 

For more information, you may download the Fact Sheet from Australia’s Cancer Council.

Although Australia is the first to launch full-body imaging research, there are other tools for skin cancer detection that use artificial intelligence models:

1. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Researchers in the US, Germany, and France trained a CNN to identify skin cancer through 100,000 images of malignant melanoma and benign moles. CNN is an artificial neural network that works like the brain of a child. With each training, the CNN improved its capacity to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. 
2. Google’s Derm Assist, a new app developed by Google that harnesses the diagnostic power of artificial intelligence. Once launched, the intelligent assistant is installed into a smartphone to diagnose common skin conditions. 
3. SkinVision. A regulated medical device that helps an individual self-examine their skin. It uses an app that merges the artificial intelligence models with the expertise of dermatologists and other skin health practitioners.
4. Miiskin is a mole mapping app that analyzes skin. Dermatologists identify moles as part of full-body skin check-ups. It uses a digital dermoscopy to determine suspicious body spots that their own eyes may not see. 
5. Molescope. Like Miiskin, is a smartphone attachment for dermoscopy. Molescope produces a high-resolution and detailed image of the skin through magnification and specialized lights. 

Australian Center of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis Vision: A World Without Melanoma

Despite ongoing campaigns against sun safety, melanoma rates are increasing in Australia. Based on previous studies, melanoma is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. It can also spread to other organs if not detected early. On account of this, early diagnosis is the key to survival. 

Kerry Strydom, chief executive officer of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, said that the foundation supported the best research and innovation to create the new center for melanoma imaging and diagnosis. Melanoma is an alarming problem that needs disruptive solutions. According to Mr. Strydom, the country’s leading cancer research foundation is proud to develop this cutting-edge technology through this pioneering program.

The project brings together three leading universities in Australia, namely the University of Queensland (UQ), the University of Sydney, and Melbourne’s Monash University. Moreover, they will establish the Australian Center of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID). ACEMID envisions a world without melanoma. Because of this, the center continues to build a $10 million research capacity to reduce the impact of the disease.   

Residents of Queensland can sign up here to participate in the ongoing clinical trial using the 3D full-body imaging system located at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The clinical trial will roll out in five other regions across Queensland.