Using electrical impedance to identify skin cancers
Official title: Electrical impedance dermography as a biomarker for basal and squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11034025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to help doctors spot common skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, using a special device that measures the skin's electrical properties, making it easier and cheaper for patients to get early and accurate diagnoses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,939 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA289101-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with suspicious skin lesions that may be basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with confirmed diagnoses of advanced skin cancers requiring surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method called electrical impedance dermography (EID) to help diagnose basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are common types of skin cancer. The approach utilizes a machine-learning enhanced device to measure electrical properties of the skin, potentially distinguishing between superficial and invasive cancer types. By providing a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic tool, this research aims to improve early detection and treatment decisions for patients with skin lesions. Patients will be evaluated based on their skin conditions to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of skin cancers, reducing the need for invasive biopsies and improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of electrical impedance in dermatology is emerging, this specific application with machine learning is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossman, Douglas — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Grossman, Douglas
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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.