Noninvasive Screening of Basal Cell Carcinomas Showcased in New Research

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey have published a new study highlighting the potential of noninvasive screening for basal cell carcinomas using vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT). According to the study, approximately 80 to 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers treated in the US are basal cell carcinomas, with around 5.4 million cases per year.

The research, published in the journal Onco, employed VOCT to compare the structure and physical properties of small and large nodular basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) with histopathology. The study found that VOCT measurements can distinguish between BCCs and normal skin, with the technique potentially serving as a noninvasive screening tool for general practitioners in areas where dermatologists are scarce.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 5.4 million nonmelanoma skin cancers are treated each year in the US, with 80 to 90% being basal cell carcinomas.
  • VOCT has shown promise as a noninvasive screening tool for basal cell carcinomas, allowing for the identification of nodular BCCs without invasive procedures.
  • The study highlights the potential for noninvasive screening to augment visual inspection and dermoscopy in clinical settings, particularly in areas where dermatologists are in short supply.
  • The ability to remotely operate VOCT makes it a valuable asset for noninvasive screening.
  • Researchers from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey, including Frederick H. Silver, Tanmay Deshmukh, Gayathri Kollipara, and Aanal Patel, contributed to the study.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 5.4 million nonmelanoma skin cancers are treated each year in the US (NewsRx).
  • Basal cell carcinomas account for 80 to 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NewsRx).
  • VOCT noninvasive screening has shown an accuracy rate of distinguishing BCCs from normal skin (Onco).
  • The study involved the comparison of VOCT measurements with histopathology (Onco).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey Researchers Report Research in Basal Cell Cancer (Noninvasive Screening of Basal Cell Carcinomas: A Comparison of the Structure and Physical Properties of Large and Small Nodular Lesions ...). Health & Medicine Week. July 11, 2025; p 6481.
  • Onco. Noninvasive Screening of Basal Cell Carcinomas: A Comparison of the Structure and Physical Properties of Large and Small Nodular Lesions Using Vibrational OCT and Histopathology. MDPI AG, 2025,5(2):23.