AI-assisted confocal imaging to guide removal of basal cell carcinoma
Intraoperative Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Artificial Intelligence for Optimized Surgical Excision of Basal Cell Carcinoma
This project tests whether an AI tool can analyze confocal microscope images during basal cell carcinoma surgery to give surgeons real-time guidance on which tissue to remove.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LMU Klinikum Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich, Bavaria) |
| Trial ID | NCT06600165 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this observational project, surgeons will collect ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images from tissue excised during routine basal cell carcinoma surgeries. An AI algorithm will be developed to classify image regions as tumor, inflammatory, or non-tumor tissue and to provide automated annotations in near real time. The goal is to integrate AI output into the intraoperative workflow to offer immediate feedback without altering standard surgical care. Collected AI predictions will be compared with standard histopathology and surgeon assessment to measure accuracy and potential workflow advantages.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a confirmed basal cell carcinoma who can give informed consent and are scheduled for surgical excision at LMU Munich are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without basal cell carcinoma, those unable to consent, or those treated outside the participating clinic are unlikely to receive benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technique could help surgeons remove cancer more precisely, reduce repeat surgeries, and shorten time spent on intraoperative tissue assessment.
How similar studies have performed: Confocal microscopy has demonstrated the ability to identify basal cell carcinoma features and early AI work in dermatopathology is promising, but real-time intraoperative AI guidance remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma Exclusion Criteria: * Patient unable to consent
Where this trial is running
Munich, Bavaria
- Clinic and Policlinic of Dermatology and Allergy, LMU Munich — Munich, Bavaria, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Maximilian Deußing, Dr.
- Email: maximilian.deussing@med.uni-muenchen.de
- Phone: +4989440056010
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.