Paris, 4-5/04/2024.
Dr. Josep Malvehy, from the Dermatology Department at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, gave two presentations during the EADO 2024 Conference in Paris.
The focus of the presentation was on how melanoma screening is expected to evolve by 2034, taking into account advances in technology, epidemiological trends, and clinical practices. His vision for the future of melanoma screening emphasized the integration of novel technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and imaging, into routine dermatological care.
Dr. Malvehy opened the session by reviewing the current challenges in melanoma screening. He highlighted disparities in early detection across different regions, as well as the limitations in access to dermatologists and diagnostic techniques such as dermoscopy, digital monitoring, and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). These limitations contribute to late diagnoses and increased healthcare costs in Europe. He emphasized the need for systemic changes and better access to early detection technologies to reduce melanoma mortality rates.
In looking ahead to 2034, Dr. Malvehy outlined the pivotal role of AI in transforming melanoma screening. He pointed to ongoing projects like iToBoS, which aim to combine multimodal data—including clinical images, genomics, and biosensor data—into an integrated system for improved melanoma diagnosis and monitoring. This technology-driven approach, which mirrors the objectives of the iToBoS project, will likely be central to screening in the coming decades, offering personalized diagnostic pathways for patients based on their risk profiles.
Dr. Malvehy also explored the potential of total body photography (TBP) and AI to redefine melanoma screening by providing automated, continuous monitoring of high-risk individuals. By integrating data from TBP and AI algorithms, dermatologists will be able to detect subtle changes in skin lesions earlier and more accurately, enhancing both patient care and outcomes. He explained that this approach will allow for the preemptive detection of lesions before they become malignant, reducing the need for invasive procedures and ultimately lowering the incidence of advanced-stage melanoma.
Ethical and practical challenges were also addressed. Dr. Malvehy emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI tools are implemented with transparency and that clinicians remain central in the diagnostic process. He called for further validation of these technologies, along with continuous training for healthcare providers, to ensure that the benefits of AI are fully realized in clinical practice.
In conclusion, Dr. Malvehy expressed optimism about the future of melanoma screening, asserting that technological advancements—especially AI and imaging tools—will revolutionize how melanoma is detected and managed. By integrating projects like iToBoS and refining AI-driven solutions, the next decade promises to bring a significant reduction in melanoma mortality and morbidity.
Find out more at 20th EADO Congress 2024 (eado2024.com).