Revolutionising Early Detection with 3D Imaging Technology

13 March 2025
Dr Uyen Koh and Caitlin Horsham

3 min read

The recent Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging & Diagnosis (ACEMID) Community & Consumer forum in February 2025 provided an opportunity to share the latest updates on the Melanoma Research Study with the community and discuss the future directions in skin cancer early detection, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

Revolutionising Early Detection with 3D Imaging Technology

While the early detection of melanoma is crucial for improving outcomes, the process of monitoring changes in moles and lesions can be time-consuming and prone to human error. This is where the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) comes in – offering a new approach that leverages 3D total body photography to enhance early melanoma detection and improve patient outcomes.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the latest updates on the ACEMID study, explore how it’s aiming to change the landscape of melanoma detection, and understand why it holds such promise for the future of skin cancer care.

What is the ACEMID Research Study?

The ACEMID study is an ambitious research initiative by University of Queensland, Monash University and University of Sydney that focuses on improving the early detection and diagnosis of melanoma through advanced imaging technologies. By utilising 3D total body photography, the study aims to track changes in the skin over time with exceptional precision, helping doctors detect melanoma in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Key Updates and Progress from the ACEMID Study

Here are some of the latest developments and early findings from the study:

ACEMID research sites across Eastern Australia — **ACEMID research sites**

To date, 15 sites have been activated across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with over 7,300 participants enrolled. We have now reached capacity at most of our metropolitan sites, with recruitment still ongoing at the non-metropolitan sites.
Just over half of the participants are female, and the average age is 56 years.
So far, we have diagnosed over 440 melanomas and over 900 keratinocyte (non-melanoma) skin cancers.
We have also collected almost 1000 saliva samples to look at specific genetic mutations that contribute to the development of melanoma.

We are currently testing the integration of our technology with telehealth. For instance, in Mt Isa, a remote Queensland town, where there are no local dermatologists, our dermatologist in Brisbane reviews the images and provides recommendations to the local staff. This setup allows us to evaluate telehealth pathways before implementing them in clinical practice.

The Future of Melanoma Detection: What’s Next for ACEMID?

We’re still in the early to mid-stages of data collection, and our primary focus right now is reaching our target of 15,000 participants. Once we hit that milestone, we can begin the exciting phase of analysis. We are also working on our next steps which include:

AI Integration for Better Detection: As part of the ACEMID study’s commitment to advancing melanoma detection, researchers are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into their imaging platform. These AI tools are trained to detect patterns in the skin that may be indicative of melanoma, further enhancing the technology’s ability to spot potential cases that might otherwise be missed.
Increased Precision in Risk Assessment: The data gathered from the ACEMID study will continue to refine risk assessments for melanoma. Researchers hope to develop algorithms that better predict which individuals are most likely to develop melanoma, allowing for more personalised monitoring and preventive care.

As the technology matures and more research becomes available, it’s expected that 3D total body photography will become more accessible and widely used in clinical practice.

Stay tuned for further updates from the ACEMID team as we continue to push the boundaries of melanoma detection and diagnosis, ultimately aiming to change the way this deadly cancer is diagnosed and treated. We are working with the Melanoma Institute of Australia and partners to help to inform a national, targeted melanoma screening program in Australia.

For more information visit acemid.org.au