By Allison Sit
A research project that seeks to develop deep learning algorithms that will predict which actinic keratoses (AKs) are likely to progress to squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) has earned a $2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. The project by Enspectra Health was funded through the Small Business Innovation Research Program. Enspectra’s technology combines reflectance confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, which provides high resolution images of skin cells without needing a biopsy.
Enspectra will use the grant money to build a database of digital histopathology on patients with AKs before topical therapy is applied. The researchers will follow these patients to determine which lesions were not responsive to treatment and were likely to progress to SCC. Enspectra will then train a deep learning algorithm based on the images.
“This grant will accelerate our vision to noninvasively detect and monitor skin conditions earlier to advance care for the millions of patients with skin conditions,” said Gabriel Sanchez, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Enspectra Health.
The Melanoma Research Alliance announced its 2023 Dermatology Fellowship Award recipients:
- Two Homeodomain-Dependent Gene Regulatory Networks Rewiring Melanoma Heterogeneity and Enhancing Tumorigenesis Factors
Pietro Berico, PhD, New York University Grossman School of Medicine - The Role of APOE Isoforms in the Hereditary Basis of Rare Melanomas
Neil Neumann, MD, PhD, The Rockefeller University - Epigenetics and Acral Melanoma Prognostic Model for Skin of Color Patients
Simon F. Roy, MD, Yale University - Micronuclear Rupture and DNA Damage in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma Prognosis
Xiao Zhang, PhD, The University of California, Los Angeles
The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) is the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research. The fellowship program seeks to build a pipeline of scientists and clinicians who specialize in melanoma.
“We are making transformative advances in the treatment of advanced melanoma,” says MRA Chief Science Officer Joan Levy, PhD. “However, with over 100,000 new cases of invasive melanoma expected this year, it’s clear we need to continue to advance precision prevention and the early detection of disease, when melanoma is most curable.”
The American Skin Association’s SPOTS project was selected as a “Top Project” in North America by the International Awards for Social Responsibility in Dermatology. SPOTS (Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students) is a project of Dr. Sofia Chaudhry of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and Dr. Laurin Council and Dr. Lynn Cornelius of Washington University School of Medicine. The program, led by medical students, uses innovative approaches to teaching skin cancer prevention and detection, including engaging children in activities and sharing personal stories. The program also has a focus on reaching students who have darker skin tones. More than 40 medical schools have incorporated the SPOTS program.
“ASA is proud to announce SPOTS’ well-deserved recognition as it continues its dual-purpose mission of educating medical students to be better health care providers, along with its community outreach and focus on skin of color,” said ASA Chairman Howard P. Milstein.
The awards are a project of the World Congress of Dermatology, the International League of Dermatological Societies and L’Oreal.
