Page 6 - Noninvasive Diagnostic Techniques for the Detection of Skin Cancers

Noninvasive Diagnostic Techniques
for the Detection of Skin Cancers

Structured Abstract
Background. Cancers of the skin are the most common forms of cancer. Timely diagnosis and
treatment are critical to reducing the rates of morbidity and mortality. Newer noninvasive
imaging technologies may assist with earlier detection.

Objective. To provide an objective description of noninvasive imaging modalities in diagnosing
cancerous tumors of the skin, to proffer an analytic framework for assessing the applications of
the imaging modalities, to summarize the state of ongoing research, and to delineate future
research needs.

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Methods. We searched the MEDLINE database for English-language literature published
between 1990 and March 2011 for selected noninvasive imaging technologies. We included all
publications types and study designs. We extracted data solely from relevant abstracts. Our
search also included grey literature (manufacturers’ Web sites, Food and Drug Administration’s
relevant databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov), and incorporated expert input from our key
informants. Devices were classified as in general clinical use, limited clinical use, or
investigational use, based on all available information.

Findings. We screened in 629 abstracts that were relevant to the noninvasive imaging
technologies of interest. Only 11 abstracts were on randomized controlled trials. Of the devices
in general clinical use, we found a total of 51 abstracts on photography and 433 on dermoscopy.
Of note, only one abstract reported clinical outcomes. None of the abstracts reported adverse
events. Photography is principally used in specialty and subspecialty settings (i.e., oncology) and
while widely used by dermatologists, dermoscopy is still not used in primary care. We did not
identify any consistent guidelines for the assessment of suspicious skin lesions. Devices in
limited clinical use are principally used in research settings. Available literature was limited for
these devices as well as those still considered investigational.

Summary. A review of the literature reveals predominant use of noninvasive devices by
dermatologists with limited diffusion of this technology in primary care. When compared with
the use of biopsy, future research is needed to evaluate the test accuracies, clinical impact, and
the potential adverse events associated with the use of noninvasive imaging technologies.

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