Skin cancer: Newcastle University test predicts spread of melanoma

Source: BBC News, January 2022

Scientists have developed a test which reliably predicts the spread or return of the most deadly form of skin cancer.

The Newcastle University team made the breakthrough in understanding how skin cancer tumours grow.

The test, known as AMBLor, is applied to a standard biopsy of the primary melanoma when it is removed.

Professor Penny Lovat, who led the work, said it will provide reassurance to patients who are diagnosed with an early stage melanoma.

“Our test offers a personalised prognosis as it more accurately predicts if your skin cancer is unlikely to spread," she said.

“This test will aid clinicians to identify genuinely low-risk patients diagnosed with an early stage melanoma and to reduce the number of follow-up appointments for those identified as low risk, saving the NHS time and money."

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