Laser Microbiopsy for Melanoma Detection
Precision Tumor Sampling of Melanoma Using Laser Microbiopsy
This project is developing a new, less invasive way to collect tiny skin samples using a laser, aiming to find melanoma earlier and more accurately.
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 ID | NIH-11164511 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Right now, finding melanoma often means doctors have to take many skin samples, called biopsies, from moles that turn out to be harmless. This can be uncomfortable and lead to unnecessary procedures. This project aims to create a new, less invasive way to collect tiny, precise samples from suspicious moles using a special laser. These small samples would then be carefully examined for specific genetic signs and tissue changes that could help doctors tell the difference between dangerous melanoma and benign moles. Our goal is to make melanoma detection more accurate and less burdensome for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with suspicious moles who might otherwise undergo traditional, more invasive biopsies could be ideal candidates for this technology once it is developed and tested.
Not a fit: Patients without suspicious moles or those whose melanoma is already confirmed through traditional methods may not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new laser biopsy method could lead to earlier and more accurate melanoma detection, reducing the number of unnecessary invasive biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: While combining genetic and tissue analysis is known to be effective for diagnosis, this project is developing a new, minimally-invasive laser technology to collect the necessary samples.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- 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
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 below.