Phenomics Australia’s Histopathology & Slide Scanning Node is working with the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging & Diagnosis (ACEMID) Pathology team to drive new advances in the early detection and diagnosis of melanoma.
Every year, more than 18,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma. According to ACEMID Project Leader Professor H. Peter Soyer (The University of Queensland), identifying early changes in skin across such a large population is a monumental challenge, but it is achievable.
“In the near future, we hope to see targeted melanoma screening join the ranks of Australia’s other national health screening programs, informed by the latest research data”, Professor Soyer said.
A National Effort Against Melanoma
Melanoma remains one of Australia’s most serious cancers. Addressing it requires collaboration across imaging, genomics, pathology, and clinical care, supported by innovative data-management strategies to connect and prepare data for high-impact research.
The ACEMID project, a joint initiative of The University of Queensland, Monash University, and the University of Sydney, is funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
Phenomics Australia Role: Scanning & Storing Digital Histology Slides
The Phenomics Australia Pathology Node has been engaged to scan and securely store digital histology slides of skin biopsies from ACEMID in a project funded by ACRF and NHMRC. We expect to digitise 20–40 slides per month over the next 2–3 years, including all melanoma samples and a subset of naevi (moles). Eventually, these digital slides will be integrated with whole-body imaging data on a dedicated project server.
As part of the first stage, our team successfully converted 396 ACEMID histology images, originally scanned at Monash University using an Aperio Slide Scanner in .svs format, into .mrxs format and uploaded them to our secure online platform, SlideCenter. This system allows pathologists to remotely view and interrogate high-resolution histological images
Feedback from the ACEMID team has been very positive:
“The SlideCenter interface is fantastic. I found viewing and searching to be a breeze. The image quality is superb.”
– Dr Peter Ferguson
Project Leaders
- Professor H. Peter Soyer – Chair in Dermatology, Director of the Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland
- Dr Peter Ferguson – Staff Specialist, Tissue Pathology & Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW
- Professor Victoria Mar – Director, Victorian Melanoma Service
- Professor Pablo Fernandez Penas – Professor of Dermatology, The University of Sydney, Joint Head, Specialty of Dermatology, Head of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Lead, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group, WIMR, NSW Lead, ACRF ACEMID, Principal Investigator, WARC
Looking Ahead
“We are excited to continue supporting ACEMID with high-throughput slide scanning and secure digital access, ensuring their pathologists and researchers have the tools they need to advance Australia’s fight against melanoma.” Ms Tina Cardamone, service manager of Phenomics Australia histopathology and slide scanning node, said.
Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Slide Scanning Service helps researchers across Australia in analysing histology images and data on genetically modified or treated experimental animals. This service offers the latest in high-quality capabilities, including: Quality-controlled mouse necropsies and tissue preparation, pathological analysis and scoring of tissues, digital slide scanner capable of producing high-quality images, high-resolution light microscopy with electronic image capture, and specialised staining.
Staff providing this service have extensive histology, diagnostic and electronic imaging experience. Consultant Medical and Veterinary Pathologists are available to provide expert advice.
The Histopathology and Slide Scanning Service is based at the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Melbourne.
