Improving melanoma detection using a new biopsy technique
Official title: Precision Tumor Sampling of Melanoma Using Laser Microbiopsy
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10918893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to take skin samples from people with suspicious moles to help doctors better and more accurately detect melanoma, which could lead to earlier treatment and improved health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $203,610 |
| NIH project number | 1R61CA291212-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals with suspicious skin lesions that may indicate melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any suspicious skin lesions or those with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the detection of melanoma, a common skin cancer, by utilizing a novel laser microbiopsy technique. This method aims to obtain tumor samples with minimal invasiveness, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies that often occur with traditional methods. By combining genetic markers and histological analysis, the research seeks to improve the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis, potentially leading to earlier detection and better patient outcomes. The study will involve patients who have suspicious skin lesions that may require biopsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and improve early detection rates of melanoma, leading to better survival outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using genetic markers and histological analysis for melanoma diagnosis, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in detection methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parekh, Sapun H — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Parekh, Sapun H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.