508 - Skin Deep: Revolutionising Skin Cancer Diagnosis with DermR Health
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Dr Nathan Moore PhD FAIDH and Stefan Mazy , CEO of DermR Health Solutions, dive into innovative healthcare solutions, explicitly focusing on skin cancer diagnosis.
Through sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights, Stefan sheds light on the untapped potential of non-invasive diagnostic methods and their impact on skin cancer diagnoses.
The Genesis of DermR Health Solutions
Stefan’s journey into the healthcare industry began with a personal experience that struck close to home. About four and a half years ago, his mother developed a suspicious lesion on the side of her nose, which was initially dismissed. This lesion turned out to be an aggressive basal cell carcinoma (BCC), requiring multiple surgeries and resulting in long-term health complications. This painful journey inspired Stefan to explore alternatives to the traditional biopsy method for diagnosing skin cancer, leading to the inception of DermR Health Solutions and the development of the DermR Patch.
Innovative Approach to Skin Cancer Diagnosis
DermR Patch represents a significant departure from conventional diagnostic methods. Traditional biopsies involve surgically removing a piece of tissue and sending it to a pathologist for evaluation, a process that is not only invasive but also prone to human error. In contrast, DermR Patch allows for the non-invasive collection of tissue samples using microneedles. This sample is then sent to pathology for genetic sequencing, identifying any anomalies that may indicate skin cancer.
Stefan emphasised that at least 40% of all skin biopsies are actually benign, negative, and they could have been avoided. This underscores the inefficiency and potential overuse of invasive biopsies, highlighting the need for more precise and less invasive diagnostic tools.
Streamlining the Diagnostic Process
The current reliance on biopsies for skin cancer diagnostics places a considerable burden on healthcare systems. In Australia alone, nearly 600,000 avoidable skin biopsies were performed last year, costing the healthcare system over $400 million. DermR Patch aims to alleviate this burden by providing a preliminary triage tool that can determine the necessity of a biopsy.
Stefan explained that their solution is more automated over a biopsy. This approach not only reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies but also enables more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Automation in Pathology
One of the standout features of DermR Patch is its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing pathology workflows. The microsampling tool used in DermR Patch follows a process similar to a routine blood test. The collected samples undergo PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, akin to the protocols used for COVID-19 testing, ensuring that the infrastructure for widespread adoption is already in place.
“Human error is absolutely inevitable,” Stefan noted, highlighting the advantage of an automated process in reducing diagnostic errors. This ensures higher accuracy and reliability in diagnosing skin cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Advantages Beyond Diagnostics
While skin cancer detection is the primary focus, DermR Patch can potentially extend its benefits far beyond diagnostics. By allowing nurses and other healthcare practitioners to administer the patch, the tool effectively decentralises the diagnostic process, reducing the burden on doctors and healthcare facilities.
Stefan passionately conveyed, “We are working on something that can actually help people and change people's lives.” This decentralisation could free up valuable time for GPs, enabling them to focus on more critical healthcare issues, thus improving overall patient care.
Breaking New Grounds with Clinical Trials
Securing clinical validation without university or major organisational affiliation posed a significant challenge for DermR Health Solutions. Traditional clinical trials require ethics approval and collaboration with hospitals, making it difficult for unaffiliated startups to gain traction. However, participation in the Pilbara Challenge gave Stefan and his team a rare opportunity to conduct a full clinical trial over 12 months.
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This trial validated DermR Patch’s efficacy and demonstrated the team's ability to navigate and innovate within the constraints of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Transforming Healthcare Delivery
Integrating DermR Patch into the healthcare system can significantly transform how skin cancer is diagnosed and managed. By reducing the reliance on invasive biopsies, healthcare providers can offer more timely and less disruptive diagnoses, ultimately enhancing patient care. Furthermore, the broader application of the DermR Patch could help alleviate the anticipated strain on healthcare systems as the population ages and the incidence of skin cancer rises.
A Call for Collaboration and Innovation
Stefan's journey underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in the medical field. Despite the challenges, pursuing better diagnostic tools and patient outcomes drives the work at DermR Health Solutions. The success of DermR Patch signifies a promising future where medical technology can alleviate some of the most pressing issues in healthcare, such as resource allocation and clinical efficiency.
Stefan’s determination and innovative spirit serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when personal experience meets professional dedication. His story is a testament to the impact of innovative thinking and the unwavering commitment to improving patient care through technology.
A Brighter Future in Healthcare
The work of Stefan Mazy and DermR Health Solutions exemplifies the transformative potential of MedTech innovations. By providing a non-invasive, efficient, and accurate method for diagnosing skin cancer, DermR Patch is poised to revolutionise the healthcare sector. The journey from personal adversity to groundbreaking innovation highlights the importance of perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient care.
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DermR Health aims to prevent 1 billion skin biopsies by combining a world-first, non-invasive microneedle patch technology with genomics. Addressing the growing global challenges of inefficient skin cancer diagnosis, where 40% of biopsies are benign and could be avoided.
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