Researchers from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National Healthcare Group (NHG) have jointly pioneered an innovative imaging technique combining Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) with artificial intelligence (AI) that could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer worldwide.
This advanced technique uses photoacoustic imaging (PAI), enhanced by an automated segmentation algorithm, to provide real-time, high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) images of skin tumours. By accurately mapping tumour boundaries, the technology helps doctors plan surgeries with greater precision, reducing the risk of repeat procedures and improving patient outcomes. Details of the technology and its early testing have been published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
Revolutionising Skin Cancer Care in Singapore
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer globally, with rising numbers reported in Singapore, particularly among the nation's ageing population. Existing diagnostic methods, such as biopsy and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), can be uncomfortable and prolonged, often requiring multiple procedures to confirm the extent of the tumour and ensure complete removal.
To address these challenges, through a first-in-human clinical study, scientists from A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*STAR SRL) and NHG's National Skin Centre (NSC) have developed a new approach that combines an advanced segmentation algorithm with PAI. By automatically identifying the precise shape and size of skin tumours, the AI-powered system reduces the need for manual interpretation and speeds up the diagnostic process.
This advanced imaging technology captures detailed 3D views of tumours, including measurements of width, depth and volume, while reaching deeper layers of skin than conventional tools. By providing clearer insights into tumour boundaries, the system supports more accurate surgical planning, helping to minimise repeat surgeries and improve recovery experiences for patients.
Promising Early Results and Future Potential
The technology is currently being tested at NSC, where eight patients have participated in a pilot study. In these cases, MSOT was used to scan tumours before surgery, with early findings closely matching results from the diagnostic methods currently used to confirm skin cancer.
“Early results have been very promising, showing strong alignment with existing diagnostic methods. We are now focused on bringing this technology closer to real-world clinical use to benefit skin cancer patients," said Prof Malini Olivo, Distinguished Principal Scientist who, with Assoc Prof Dinish U. S, Principal Investigator at A*STAR SRL are co-authors of the study.
While the current study focuses on basal cell carcinoma (BCC), researchers believe the technology could also be adapted to detect other types of skin cancer seen in Singapore and the region.
“NHG has always been exploring ways to transform and impact care for our patients. We are very excited that our National Skin Centre is the first in the region to use reflectance confocal microscopy for diagnosis of skin cancer in place of biopsy. With this, we aim to individualise surgery for our patients, reducing mortality and morbidity for them," said Prof Steven Thng, Deputy Director and Senior Consultant, National Skin Centre, NHG, and co-author of the study.
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| Ng Yixin Senior Executive, Corporate Communications National Skin Centre, National Healthcare Group
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About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.
About A*STAR Skin Research Labs
The A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*STAR SRL) is an institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) conducting high-impact, interdisciplinary skin research that translates to innovations and improved skin health, for economic and societal impact. A*STAR SRL's core capabilities include wound care innovation, atopic dermatitis, skin ageing, and microbiome research.
The institute collaborates with the public sector, medical community, and industry, and contributes actively to the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS)—a collaboration between A*STAR, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the National Healthcare Group that brings together biologists, engineers, and clinicians to tackle clinically important questions in skin research.
About National Healthcare Group
The National Healthcare Group (NHG) is a leader in public healthcare in Singapore recognised for delivering high value patient care. Our clinical services are provided through an integrated system of primary care polyclinics, acute care tertiary hospitals, community hospitals, national specialty centres, and community-based ambulatory care centres. Together, we provide comprehensive, holistic, and innovative healthcare to address the needs of our patients and the population we serve. As a learning organisation, we are establishing ourselves as an academic health system to drive clinical excellence, raise research intensity and grow our academic partnerships to continually improve the way we deliver care to our patients.
As the Regional Health Manager for 1.5 million residents in Central and North Singapore, NHG collaborates with private general practices, public and community health and social care providers to keep residents well and healthy.
With more than 20,000 healthcare professionals in NHG, we are committed towards building healthier and resilient communities, and Adding Years of Healthy Life to the people we serve.
More information is available at www.nhg.com.sg.
About National Skin Centre
The National Skin Centre (NSC) is an outpatient specialist dermatological centre with a team of dermatologists who have the experience and expertise to treat a wide variety of skin conditions. The Centre also aims to facilitate subspecialisation and be the national focus for the treatment, research, and training on all aspects of skin disease. As a subsidiary of the National Healthcare Group, NSC shares the vision of Adding Years of Healthy Life to the Singapore population. With a comprehensive range of subspecialty services and serving about 70 percent of dermatology outpatient attendance among public healthcare institutions in Singapore, NSC is firmly established as a reputable dermatology centre locally and in the region.
NSC also collaborates with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to operate the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), which focuses on conducting high impact, inter-disciplinary skin research designed to translate into improved health outcomes and quality of life.