ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- A new paper in the May 2007 British Journal of Dermatology reports the results of a study that found reflective confocal microscopy may be a feasible alternative to skin biopsy in the diagnosis of actinic keratoses against normal skin, as well as in the detection of subclinical forms of this disease.
The article, titled “Actinic keratoses: non-invasive diagnosis of field cancerisation,” reports that the study’s preliminary findings suggest that reflective confocal microscopy (RCM) “may be a useful non-invasive tool for detecting actinic keratoses (AKs)” and that RCM “may be a feasible alternative to clinical diagnosis alone and could aid in the differentiation of AKs against normal skin, as well as in the detection of subclinical disease.”
“In the context of ‘field cancerisation’,” the paper states, “repeated and multiple biopsies may not always be considered a practical approach. Therefore, evidence suggests that RCM may be a promising tool for the non- invasive evaluation, diagnosis and monitoring of AKs.”
For the in vivo RCM evaluation, a Vivascope(R) 1500, manufactured by Lucid Inc. of Rochester, NY (http://www.lucid-tech.com), was used to image AKs and the respective control skin sites.
“The VivaScope(R) 1500 potentially provides an alternative to routine skin biopsy in many clinical situations,” said Jay Eastman, chairman and CEO of Lucid, Inc. “With the publication of this new study, the potential effectiveness of Vivascope technology has been shown for the detection of actinic keratoses, a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma.
“Lucid VivaScope imagers are used in a number of leading US and European research hospitals. Publication of this new study is expected to further accelerate the growing acceptance of VivaScope technology by clinical institutions and private practices alike,” Eastman said.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the RCM-morphology of clinically diagnosed AKs in the study population and to correlate the findings with routine histopathology. Evaluation consisted of clinical examination, RCM and routine histology. RCM evaluation parameters included parakeratosis, architectural disarray and keratinocyte pleomorphism.
The article appears in the British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 156 s3, May 2007, pp 13-17, “Actinic keratoses: non-invasive diagnosis for field cancerisation.” On the Web, visit http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.07865.x.
Lucid Inc., based in Rochester, New York, USA, is a medical device and information company dedicated to creating innovative cellular imaging technology and using the Internet to securely deliver accurate, real-time VivaScope(R) cellular resolution images to medical professionals. When coupled with its digital VivaNet(TM) system, the company’s ability to image in-vivo (living) tissue will aid medical practitioners and pathologists in skin cancer screening with clarity, speed and patient comfort.
For more information about Lucid Inc., visit http://www.Lucid-tech.com. Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Jay Eastman, Ph.D. http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=62055
Lucid, Inc.
CONTACT: Don Goncalves, +1-781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, for Lucid,Inc.
