– ABOUT
Melanoma Population Screening
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young Australians.
While population-wide screening is economically unfeasible, targeted screening for high-risk individuals offers promise. Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo, from the Dermatology Research Centre at the UQ Diamantina Institute, has recently received a NHMRC grant to develop personalised melanoma risk scores. Collaborating with QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Monash University, and The University of Sydney, this project aims to improve early detection and patient outcomes.
The research involves the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Flagship Centre program, with 10,000 Australians undergoing total body imaging and genomic sampling. Supported by cross-NCRIS capabilities including the National Imaging Facility and the Australian Research Data Commons, the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) will integrate genetic and UV damage data to develop comprehensive risk assessments. Personalised risk scores will be provided to 4,000 individuals, with follow- up on psychological and behavioural impacts.
The 2022 Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Summit highlighted the importance of industry and clinical collaborations for successful risk score implementation. If successful, this initiative could lead to a sustainable, effective screening program, enhancing melanoma prevention and detection in Australia.
BIOPLATORMS PARTNERSHIP
Bioplatforms Australia’s partnership supports access to national state-of-the-art omics facilities, enabling researchers to generate and analyse biological data in pursuit of scientific understanding.