Improving detection of Uveal Melanoma with AI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancing eye cancer diagnostics and early detection via the application of artificial intelligence to clinical images of primary and metastatic uveal melanoma
IRAS ID
336007
Contact name
Sarah Coupland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer that originates from the middle layer of the eye. In around 50% of patients, the tumour cells spread (metastasise) via the bloodstream to the liver. At this stage, the tumour is incurable.
Tumour spread is determined mainly by specific genetic changes that occur in the uveal melanoma cells; loss of one copy of chromosome 3 (monosomy 3) being one of the main determinants. Patients with this genetic alteration associated with an increased metastatic risk undergo regular 6-monthly liver scans for at least 5 years, with the aim of picking-up liver ‘spots’ early, that may be more amenable to therapy and thus improving patient survival.
The Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre (LOOC) is one of England’s three specialist centres treating uveal melanoma patients and patients with suspicious ‘freckles’ (naevi) in the eye, picked-up on screening. The differentiation between naevi and a small uveal melanoma can be difficult on retinal imaging alone, and sometimes requires a surgical biopsy. Similarly, to identify patients with a high metastatic risk a surgical biopsy is necessary for genetic testing.
To try to overcome these difficulties, LOOC has worked closely with the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group (LOORG) building a unique Biobank, which includes clinical (retinal, liver and pathology slide) images and genetic testing results of surgical biopsies from consented patients.
Using this precious resource, LOOC and LOORG will work together with experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare, to apply their methods to clinical images to improve diagnosis of: a) small uveal melanoma versus suspicious ‘freckles’; b) high versus low metastatic risk tumours; and c) earlier detection of metastatic spread to the liver.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0150
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion