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Release Date: 12-10-2006
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Instant Mole screening with MoleMate from Astron Clinica

How GP practices can take the front line in the war against melanoma

MoleMate, a non-invasive and pain-free melanoma screening device, will enable General Practitioners and skin specialists to scan and evaluate suspicious lesions within seconds and make instant clinical decisions on the spot. Developed by Cambridge, UK -based Astron Clinica, MoleMate utilises the clinically proven Hunter Scoring System, along with an easy-to-use decision support system, to provide clear guidelines on how to assess a suspect mole against a database of examples. MoleMate will make it possible for doctors to identify the best course of action for an unusual mole whether it be to refer, excise or provide reassurance - during the first consultation with a patient. MoleMate features a magnified dermoscopic view for those medical professionals familiar with dermoscopy and also the complete SIAscopy imaging suite: haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin.

Working with dermatologists in the UK for years, it became very clear that many innocent moles were being referred, causing a great deal of stress and worry to the patient, increased spending costs for the NHS through unnecessary excisions, and a reduction in the amount of time dermatologists had available for treating confirmed melanoma patients. We decided to develop a new system specifically for GP practices that would give them access to the same technology that many dermatologists were using to scan suspicious moles so that they can offer a screening service in situ. MoleMate is the answer, says Annie Brooking, CEO, Astron Clinica.

Melanoma, one of the most treatable of cancers if caught in time, kills over 1,700 people in the UK needlessly every year. Increasing awareness among the general public, driven by Cancer Researchs annual SunSmart campaign, has led to a significant increase in referrals of suspect moles to dermatologists.

MoleMate scans could significantly increase the number of melanomas referred early, providing Primary Care Trusts and GP practices with greater budget flexibility for the treatment of positive melanoma lesions. At the same time, MoleMate could provide an invaluable role in reassuring and advising patients on the best course of action following an instant scan, rather than having to wait for an appointment with a dermatology consultant or for the results of an excision.

"MoleMate is clear and simple to use, said Dr. Rob Howlett, a General Practitioner in Thaxted, Cambridge. It produces high quality images to aid in clinical diagnosis and also provides great reassurance to patients. My patients loved it!"

MoleMate consists of a hand held scanner and software that uses SIAscopy, Astron Clinicas patented skin imaging technology that scans and visualises haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin. The Hunter Scoring System, developed by Miss Jude Hunter in conjunction with GP practices and Cambridge University Teaching hospital, aids the detection of many types of suspicious lesions during the early stages of their development. MoleMate produces a patient report that includes the patients SIAscans together with data required for referral, or for the patient to take home.

SIAscopy, developed by Astron Clinica, is used by skin specialists and medical professionals including GPs. Astron Clinicas products quantify and manage skin health and skin conditions and assist specialists to identify a variety of skin cancers.

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Note to editors:

Astron Clinica, based in Cambridge UK, designs, develops and brings to market its skin imaging products that incorporates its proprietary skin imaging technology SIAscopy, further information available at www.astronclinica.com. SIAscopy uniquely enables medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry professionals to visualise up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin using both a proprietary hand held scanner and an off-the-shelf digital camera. Astron Clinicas customers include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, GPs and aesthetic medicine practitioners.

Media enquiries

Lucy Saunders
Mob: +44 777 55 66 074
Tel: +44 208 946 4499
Email: lucy.saunders@mahseer.co.uk

Astron Clinica, DERMETRICStm, SIA, SIAscopy, Powered by SIAscopy, SIAscanner, COSMETRICS, SIAscan, SIAscope, Beau Visage, Beauty Timeline and MediSpa are trade marks of Astron Clinica Limited.

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Instant Mole screening with MoleMate from Astron Clinica