In vivo molecular skin fluorescence imaging for noninvasive assessment of atypical nevi and melanoma: A validation trial

Background: Current visual assessments and assistive technologies for melanoma detection primarily focus on detecting morphological changes, often requiring invasive biopsies for confirmation. Objective: To determine the efficacy of skin fluorescent imaging (SFI), a novel noninvasive technology for detection of αvβ3 integrin in the tumor microenvironment, for discrimination of benign from malignant melanocytic lesions. Methods: A prospective validation trial evaluated 240 clinically suspicious cutaneous pigmented lesions prior to biopsy in 6 academic and community dermatology clinics in California, Utah, and Oregon. Results: <.0001). Limitations: This was a single-arm trial. Conclusions: SFI demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for discriminating low-risk from high-risk lesions, representing a promising approach to enhance evaluation of clinically concerning pigmented lesions and reduce unnecessary biopsies.