Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

MoleGazer Development Feasibility Study

The MoleGazer study aims to improve how doctors detect skin cancer (melanoma) by using artificial intelligence (AI). Melanoma often starts from existing moles, and currently, doctors rely on carefully checking many moles. Total body photography (TBP), which takes detailed pictures of your skin, helps monitor moles, but checking each mole by eye is slow. This study uses AI, similar to technology used by astrophysicists to map stars, to automatically compare your TBP images over time. This AI aims to quickly highlight new or changing moles that might need a closer look. The goal is to develop a tool that helps detect melanoma as early as possible, making the process more efficient for both patients and doctors.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

374

Start

13 Sep 2021

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Melanoma (Skin)Moles Multiple Benign

What is this study about?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be very serious if not caught early. Often, these cancers start in existing moles or appear as new moles. Doctors usually need to closely examine your skin and all your moles to spot any changes or new moles that might be concerning. This can be particularly tricky for people who have many moles.

Here's where a special technique called total body photography (TBP) comes in. TBP involves taking high-quality pictures of your entire skin surface. These photos act like a 'map' of your moles, allowing doctors to compare them over time to see if any have changed or if new ones have appeared. However, comparing hundreds or thousands of moles across many pictures is a very time-consuming and difficult job for doctors.

This is why the 'MoleGazer' study wants to create a smart computer program, using artificial intelligence (AI), to help. Think of it like mapping the night sky to find new stars; astrophysicists use AI to spot changes. We're applying similar AI methods to your skin photos. This program will automatically compare your old and new TBP pictures, quickly pointing out any moles that have changed or if new ones have emerged. The main aim is to develop a tool that can help doctors find possible skin cancers much earlier and more efficiently.

Key takeaways

Developing AI to help detect skin cancer (melanoma) earlier.
Uses special photos (Total Body Photography) to track moles over time.
AI helps doctors spot new or changing moles more easily.
Inspired by how astronomers find new objects in space.
Aims to make skin checks more efficient for patients and doctors.
You can take part if you're at high risk or already having these photos done.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 80. You can take part if you are happy to give your permission to be in the study and understand what's involved. We are particularly interested in two groups of people.

Group A includes people who are at a higher risk of developing melanoma. This might be because you have a lot of moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, or certain genetic conditions. If you're in this group, you'd need to be able to come for extra study visits. Group B is for anyone who has total body photography as part of their usual care, or plans to have it, and is willing to share those images for the study.

However, some people won't be able to join. For example, if you can't give your consent, have active cancer being treated, have trouble moving or holding certain positions for the photos, or don't understand English, then this study might not be suitable for you. Also, for Group A, if you can't attend visits every three months, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Are you able to give your informed consent to participate?
For Group A: are you at high risk for melanoma (e.g., many moles, family history)?
For Group A: can you attend study visits every three months?
For Group B: will you have total body photography as part of your standard care?
Do you understand English well enough to participate?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the MoleGazer study as part of Group A, you would need to attend appointments every three months. At each visit, you would have total body photography (TBP) taken, where high-quality images of your skin are captured. These pictures will then be used to help develop and test the MoleGazer AI program. Your doctor will also carry out a clinical assessment as usual. The aim is to collect a series of images over time to see how moles change. The total duration of your participation would depend on the study design, but generally involves these sequential visits.

If you are in Group B, your participation is simpler. You would share your total body photography images that are already taken as part of your standard medical care, or pictures that will be taken. You would not need to attend extra study visits beyond your normal appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help develop a new tool that makes it easier and quicker for doctors to spot skin cancer changes, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis for everyone in the future. As with any study, there are some things to consider. You might need to attend extra appointments for photographs, which takes time. There are no direct medical risks from having your photos taken. Your privacy is very important; your images will be handled with care to protect your personal information. You are free to change your mind and leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Churchill Hospital
Headington, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is total body photography (TBP)?

TBP involves taking detailed, high-quality photographs of your entire skin surface. It's like creating a map of your moles.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this study?

AI is a computer program that can 'learn' to identify changes in your moles by comparing different sets of photos, similar to how it's used in astronomy to spot new stars.

Will this AI replace my doctor?

No, the MoleGazer AI is a tool to help your doctor work more efficiently. It will highlight potential changes for your doctor to review, not replace their expert medical opinion.

Is my personal information and photos kept private?

Yes, your data and images will be handled confidentially and securely, following strict privacy guidelines to protect your identity.

Who is running this study?

This study, called MoleGazer, is being developed by researchers at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with astrophysicists.