MelaFind, a non-invasive, multispectral computer vision system developed by MELA Sciences, has been shown to improve melanoma detection in a recent study. The study, involving 179 dermatologists, was published online on Feb. 20 in the Archives of Dermatology.
Before obtaining the MelaFind output, the average sensitivity – or ability to detect disease – of the dermatologists in the study was 69 percent; after obtaining the MelaFind output, the dermatologists’ average sensitivity increased to 94 percent. The percentage of dermatologists detecting all of the present melanomas during the study rose from 13 percent to 70 percent with the aid of MelaFind. Specificity, or the ability to correctly rule out disease when it isn’t present, also increased on MelaFind negative lesions during the study, resulting in a 17 percent reduction of biopsies of the histologically benign lesions.
MelaFind recently received approval from the FDA. The device uses light from visible to near-infrared wavelengths to evaluate skin lesions up to 2.5 mm beneath the skin’s surface. MelaFind analyzes the three-dimensional morphologic disorganization under the surface of the legion, providing an easy-to-interpret and unambiguous output that dermatologists can incorporate into their biopsy decision-making processes.
MELA Sciences is performing a controlled launch of MelaFind in the northeastern U.S. and in several key cities in Germany. MELA Sciences will work with the participating dermatology practices to train and assist them as they incorporate MelaFind. This approach will serve as the basis for a more widespread distribution of MelaFind in the future.
MELA Sciences is a medical device company that focuses on the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive dermatological tools to aid in the detection of melanoma. MelaFind is the company’s flagship product. In addition to its FDA approval for use in the United States, MelaFind has also received the CE Mark and has been approved for use in the European Union.
For further information about the company, visit www.melasciences.com
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