Dorset scientists developing new portable tests for skin cancer
A three year study's been launched at Poole Hospital
Last updated 29th Nov 2024
Scientists are developing a portable sensor which would be capable of detecting skin cancers from chemicals released by the skin.
The team from Bournemouth University (BU) and University Hospitals Dorset has launched a three-year study at Poole Hospital to examine how to create the rapid sensor, which would not need specialist training to use.
A BU spokesman explained skin cancer sites are known to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - organic chemicals which easily evaporate.
He said: "The study aims to identify the VOCs which are specific to skin cancers and develop a rapid, portable device which can detect them."
Richard Paul, professor of bioanalytical chemistry at the university, who is leading the study, said: "People with suspected skin cancer usually present at their GP surgery, where a doctor is tasked with making a visual assessment before deciding whether to refer the patient for specialist assessment.
"Skin cancers can be difficult to diagnose, and as such the rates of unnecessary referrals for specialist assessment are high.
"Our research towards the development of a rapid sensor, specific to skin cancers and deployable in a point of care, device is an exciting prospect, which would enable rapid detection of skin cancer in primary care, enhancing patient triage and improving patient outcomes."
The project follows a pilot study which developed a custom extraction device to capture the VOCs released from skin cancer sites.
The spokesman said: "The trial developed a non-invasive approach for VOC collection from skin cancer patients which can be used during routine appointments and revealed the potential VOC biomarkers associated with skin cancers."
Prof Paul added: "Our latest funding will allow us to validate this approach over a major three-year clinical study on skin cancer patients, and to undertake work to develop new portable skin cancer detection technology for use in primary care.
"Our vision is a user-friendly, rapid sensor capable of detecting skin cancers which does not require specialist training to use.
"Such a device could be confidently used by a range of medical professionals in primary care, including nurses, and would enhance the detection of skin cancers."