Development of a non-invasive molecular diagnosis tool for skin-cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a non-invasive diagnosis tool based on tape-stripping and DNA methylation analysis for early skin cancer detection and stratification
IRAS ID
314575
Contact name
Cristiana Banila
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Mitra Bio
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the UK. Dermatology services receive more urgent referrals for suspected cancer than any other specialty. Yearly, there are 1 million specialist referrals but only 6% are skin cancer, leading to a significant proportion of patients undergoing invasive skin biopsies for non-relevant lesions. To date, it has been challenging to stratify patients appropriately. We are investigating patient stratification based on epigenetic profiling of the skin. Epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation, are chemical marks on the DNA that affect gene expression. DNA methylation is tissue specific and influenced by the environment. Past research has indicated that these are the best signatures for early cancer detection, however so far, invasive skin biopsies are needed for skin epigenetic analysis. To accomplish this, we are using non-invasive skin collection using tape stripping, to investigate differences in methylation profiles of skin lesions (suspicions of a malignant lesion) compared to healthy skin. We are performing methylation sequencing on non-invasive skin samples to understand the profiles of each individual participating in the study. Data collected from this study will contribute to the development of a machine learning algorithm that aims to differentiate malignant lesions from healthy skin.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0516
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion