The battle against skin cancer in Australia has taken a promising turn with the development of a groundbreaking microneedle device that could revolutionise early detection and treatment. For the first time, patient trials have validated a new method for diagnosing skin cancer, potentially rendering invasive skin biopsies obsolete.
Traditionally, the diagnosis of skin cancer has relied on skin biopsies, a procedure that requires a doctor or dermatologist to remove a sample of skin tissue. This process can be both painful and costly, and what’s more, up to 40% of these biopsies return non-cancerous results, leading to unnecessary stress and medical procedures for patients.
Enter Stefan Mazy from DermR Health, who has dedicated the last four years to developing a less invasive, more efficient alternative. Mazy’s microneedle patch represents a significant leap forward in skin cancer diagnostics. ‘The current method of collecting a sample is quite invasive, with stitches and anaesthetic involved, and a large amount of tissue needs to be removed,’ Mazy explained. His microneedle patch, however, requires only a microscopic sample.
The device, resembling a pen, is gently pressed against the skin to collect a tiny sample, which is then sent off for genomic analysis. This highly sensitive approach requires just a few cells to deliver objective results. ‘It is all digital, fully automated and delivers objective results,’ Mazy said, highlighting the ease and precision of the new method.
If cancerous cells are detected, the lesion can be treated or surgically removed. If the lesion is benign, patients can avoid further invasive procedures. This not only spares patients from unnecessary pain and scarring but also has the potential to alleviate the healthcare system’s burden.
A recent trial conducted in Western Australia’s Pilbara region has already delivered outstanding results. The microneedle patch’s ability to detect elevated cancer-associated genes was on par with traditional biopsy methods, offering a compelling alternative to the status quo.
The next phase of human trials is set to be conducted in partnership with MoleMap, a skin cancer clinic network. MoleMap CEO Michelle Aquilina expressed optimism about the device, noting that it offers patients greater reassurance and comfort while reducing the need for unnecessary excisions and the scarring associated with benign lesions.
The DermR patch is on track for Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval by 2027. Initially, it will be administered by medical professionals, but Mazy has ambitious plans to make it available as an at-home kit. ‘So hopefully one day in the future, it’d be as simple as taking a COVID test at home,’ he envisioned.
This innovation could be a game-changer for Australians, who are all too familiar with the risks of sun exposure and skin cancer. Early detection is crucial in the fight against skin cancer, and this microneedle device could be the key to catching it in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.
This new technology could be a significant step forward in skin cancer detection. What do you think about this innovative approach? Could it shape the future of how we diagnose and treat skin cancer? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your insights in the comments below!
Also read: The skin cancer treatment revolution
