Lumo Imaging LLC, a prominent innovator in dermatology imaging, has recently been awarded a grant of $252,388 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This substantial financial support is set to aid the company in its objective of improving total body photography (TBP) techniques, with a focus on enhancing early detection and management of skin cancer.

The funding will be applied to the development of a state-of-the-art system to longitudinally track the locations and changes in morphology of pigmented skin lesions (PSLs). This groundbreaking tool will be built on the established Lumo Scanner, a high-resolution TBP system already well-received for its efficacy in capturing detailed images of the entire body surface.

Skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma, are the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the United States. An early-stage detection tool like the proposed system could have far-reaching implications for patient outcomes and could significantly reduce the cost of treatment.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its ability to standardize lesion location references, maintain comprehensive lesion history, detect evolving lesions, and assist clinicians in early-stage skin cancer detection. The system is designed to monitor patients' lesions over time, documenting any changes and new lesions, irrespective of changes in patients' weight and pose between scanning sessions.

When paired with the capabilities developed under this NIH grant, the Lumo Scanner will enable healthcare providers to perform highly accurate scans, freeing up more time for dermatologists to concentrate on diagnostic decisions. Additionally, the device promises to facilitate teledermatology, particularly beneficial in regions with limited access to dermatology specialists.

In addition to its potential applications in skin cancer detection, the device could also help diagnose and monitor treatment efficacy for inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

This significant NIH grant, operative from July 2022 through March 2024, stands as a testament to Lumo Imaging LLC's dedication to advancing the field of dermatology imaging and contributing to better public health outcomes through early and precise detection of skin conditions.