Artificial Intelligence Patient App for RDEB SCCs

Running, not enrolling

Conditions studied: Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica

In brief

In this study, an artificial intelligence model to detect squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) on photos of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) skin is developed. The ultimate goal is to integrate this model into an app for patients and physicians, to help detect SCCs in RDEB early. SCCs which rapidly metastasize are the main cause of death in adults with RDEB. The earlier an SCC is recognized, the easier it can be removed and the better the outcome. AI leverages computer science to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence and has recently been used to identify skin cancers based on images. We are currently developing an AI approach for early detection of SCC and distinction of malignancy from chronic wounds and other RDEB skin findings. The aim is to create a web application for patients with RDEB to upload images of their skin and get an output as to SCC present/ no SCC. This will be especially valuable for patients with difficult access to medical expertise and those who are hesitant to allow full skin examination at each visit, often because of fear of biopsies. Thus, this project will directly benefit patients by allowing early recognition of SCCs and will empower patients and their families by providing a home use tool. So far, the study team has mainly used professional images (photographs taken in hospital settings by physicians, nurses, and clinical photographers) of both SCCs in RDEB and images of RDEB skin without SCC to develop and train the AI model. The images that are expected in a real-life setting will mostly be pictures taken by patients or family members with their phones or digital cameras. These images have different properties regarding resolution, focus, lighting, and backgrounds. Incorporating such images will be crucial in the upcoming phases of model development-testing and validation-for the web application be a success for patients.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT05843994
Run by
Northwestern University
People needed
20
Starts
2023-01-30
Expected to finish
2028-11-30
Last updated by the study team
2026-02-03

Who can join

Age: 12 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

You may not qualify if…

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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