Using advanced imaging techniques to improve skin cancer surgery
Multimodal confocal microscopy for surgical guidance of skin resections
This study is testing a new, quicker way to help doctors diagnose nonmelanoma skin cancer during surgery, making it easier for patients, especially those in rural areas, to get the care they need without long waits for results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method called 'optical Mohs' to enhance the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. By utilizing multimodal confocal microscopy combined with machine learning, the goal is to create a faster and more accessible diagnostic tool that can be used during surgery. This approach aims to reduce the need for complex and time-consuming frozen section histopathology, making it easier for patients in rural and underserved areas to receive effective care. The research seeks to automate the diagnosis process, potentially improving accuracy and efficiency in surgical settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly those in rural or underserved populations who may not have access to traditional Mohs surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma or other types of skin cancer that do not fall under the nonmelanoma category may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with quicker and more accessible skin cancer surgeries, leading to better outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of multimodal confocal microscopy has shown promise in producing accurate diagnostic images, the integration of machine learning for automated diagnosis is still being explored and has not yet been fully validated.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tunnell, James W — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Tunnell, James W
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.