A startup makes melanin glow: skin cancer diagnostics with Magnosco

When a skin lesion is suspected to exhibit malignant changes, it is usually promptly removed. However, not all cases require an excision of the affected tissue. The startup company Magnosco has developed a procedure that uses a laser to support the diagnosis and early detection of malignant melanoma.

In this interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, Inga Bergen explains how the method that Magnosco developed is used for early detection, describes the doctors and patients who can benefit from it and reveals the future plans of Magnosco GmbH.

Ms. Bergen, how does Magnosco’s method enable the early detection of skin cancer?

Inga Bergen: Our procedure uses laser spectroscopy and artificial intelligence. We use a laser beam to stimulate the melanin of the skin to glow and record its reflection. Via an algorithm, we use the resulting pattern to calculate the probability of tissue disease. This lets us calculate a score that indicates whether the tissue is benign or malignant. This is an easy-to-use procedure because you get a score at the end and don’t have to interpret an image you obtained through medical imaging techniques.

How was this device created?

Bergen: Our Company was established in 2014, which is also when we started to conduct clinical trials using a prototype. Last November, DermaFC was approved as a Class IIa medical device. We have developed the device in-house. We are a small 12-member team, which includes physicians, physicists, biologists, information scientists, and electrical engineers.

What is the intended use of the device?

Bergen: Our goal is to support the entire skin cancer diagnostics process chain. The device that we already use today is designed to allow a diagnosis instantly upon examining the patient. We also have another prototype of this device, which we currently use to conduct a study for an ex-vivo device where we look at excised tissue. At the moment, we focus on malignant melanoma, but also want to expand the procedure to include other types of skin cancer in the future.

Which doctor or which group of doctors can use this device?

Bergen: The DermaFC device can be used by all physicians who are qualified to perform skin cancer screenings. The device is especially interesting for dermatologists and general practitioners but is also suited for medical centers with a variety of qualified physicians. There are approximately six thousand dermatologists and nearly 34,000 physicians in Germany who offer skin cancer testing. 

What makes these procedures and the DermaFC device different from conventional methods and tests?

Bergen: Our DermaFC device provides a more accurate and faster diagnosis. It is able to check smaller skin lesions within one minute. Since this is not a complicated imaging technique, it is also easy for the physician to interpret. The exam can be performed by medical staff.

Which group of patients can benefit the most from this device?

Bergen: DermaFC is interesting for a variety of patients. One example is patients with many skin changes who also undergo many excisions. The physician here typically wants to make sure that he/she only removes the affected tissue. What’s more, all patients prefer to get an instant diagnosis without the need to wait another two weeks to get the results from the laboratory. This speeds up the entire process. All steps can be completed within a few short minutes. If the tissue doesn’t exhibit any malignant changes, the physician can decide not to remove it. The patient doesn’t need any follow-up care and there are no scars or stitches that have to be removed. The DermaFC device can also help to illustrate the physician’s recommendation. Some patients are scared and feel more confident if the doctor can explain his/her diagnosis with the help of a device. In most cases, a top-quality medical device and the diagnosis build patient trust.

Is it possible to embed the procedure into an app and apply it?

Bergen: I think it won’t be possible to completely embed this procedure into an app. Self-examination helps to encourage patients to immediately visit a doctor if they spot a suspicious lesion. However, it is extremely difficult for patients to make an accurate diagnosis on their own without a physician. I have worked in the digital health environment for many years and learned that patients need assistance when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. The person doesn’t necessarily have to be in the same room. Telemedicine technology can also help but patients ultimately need a physician for an expert assessment. That’s why we won’t provide any tools that patients can completely use all on their own. Our solutions are designed to always include physicians.

What other plans does Magnosco have for the future?

Bergen: We are currently active in Germany and are looking to acquire our first customers. We have decided to initially appeal to a small group of customers. Next year, our device will be ready to go into series production. And then we want to conquer the US market.