Detecting skin cancer typically requires a dermatologist with a keen eye and a good deal of experience to identify the cancerous nature of skin lesions.
A new device developed by the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine has just received Health Canada approval to help in early detection of skin cancer. The Aura, commercialized by local spin-off firm Verisante, does not require a dermatologist to operate and can be used by a clinical technician to provide an initial analysis. The Aura not only promises to help spot cancerous lesions early, it may help shorten waiting times and get more patients to receive screenings. Verisante is also reporting that it is shortly expecting European clearance of the Aura.
More about the Aura from the press release:
Verisante Aura™ is indicated for use for the evaluation of skin lesions that may be clinically suspicious for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and/or basal cell carcinoma when a medical professional chooses to obtain additional information to rule out one of the above conditions before making a final decision to biopsy. Aura™ is a non-invasive optical system designed as a tool to aid medical professionals in the assessment of suspect skin lesions for diagnosis as either skin cancer or a benign disorder in less than two seconds.
Verisante Aura™ is a non-invasive device that uses Raman spectroscopy to biochemically analyze the skin, providing immediate and accurate results. The device will help to automate the current process of diagnosis, allowing rapid scanning of the 20 to 40 skin lesions on at-risk individuals, improving patient outcomes and comfort.
Press releases: Health Canada Approval For Verisante Aura™ Marks Milestone In Skin Cancer Detection; Verisante Issues Update on Regulatory Milestones
Product page: Verisante Aura …