3D QMelanoma – Targeted early detection of melanoma utilising a 3D teledermatology network

 

Projects tackling key health challenges including skin cancer are the first to be funded under a flagship initiative by The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine.

Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean of Research, Professor Melissa Brown, said the Faculty is committed to progressing worthy world-class research by providing operational support over five years to deliver health outcomes.

“Our Health Outcomes Programs, or HOPs, represent a strategic approach to Faculty research, in collaboration with our hospital and health partners,” Professor Brown said.

“These are very specific and targeted programs of research that address an identified health problem and will produce a specific and visible benefit.”

The 3D QMelanoma program focuses on harnessing technology to address the problem of high melanoma incidence and mortality.

The research team will recruit high risk participants to test targeted screening using 3D total body photography and mobile teledermoscopy in the context of the Australian health care system.

The primary aim of the 3D QMelanoma project is to improve early detection of melanoma in high risk Queenslanders. The team has access to the largest skin cancer study in Australia, QSkin, and will recruit high risk participants to conduct a nested feasibility study of an innovative targeted screening program incorporating 3D total body photography.  This world-first targeted screening program will assess clinical outcomes, health service outcomes and consumer behaviour outcomes.

Results will be used to drive evidence-based changes to clinical practice.

The project will be led by Professor H. Peter Soyer of UQ’s Diamantina Institute and Professor David Whiteman, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and includes collaborators from QUTQIMR Berghofer and UQ’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Business.

Professor Brown said both teams should be congratulated for working collaboratively to create change and translate research into tangible health outcomes.

“These projects were selected following a competitive application process engaging interstate reviewers in late 2016, and we look forward to seeing them make a difference to health care in the years ahead.”

This project will also run in collaboration with The Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Centre.

Media:  Bernadette O’Connor, Bernadette.oconnor@uq.edu.au, 0431 533 209.