Perspective chapter: Imaging of Biological Activity as a Novel Diagnostic Test for Early Melanoma Detection

Abstract

Clinical melanoma identification relies on subjective visual criteria like color, shape, and size. Current imaging technologies rely on similar parameters without insight into underlying biological changes, necessitating invasive diagnostic approaches. Diagnosing lesions that fall into the “grey area,” neither clearly melanoma nor benign/common nevi, presents a particular challenge. Stromal tissue remodeling, pivotal in the early stages of malignancy, is intricately linked to integrins, with αvβ3 integrin playing a prominent role and facilitating neoangiogenesis. For this reason, in vivo molecular skin fluorescent imaging (mSFI) is a promising solution, providing molecular insights at the point of care for improved patient management. This chapter delves into melanoma development and detection, focusing on the molecular processes in melanocytic lesion transition to malignancy. In vivo fluorescence imaging, such as mSFI, can help dermatologists make strategic biopsy decisions by revealing integrin expression in remodeled stroma, shedding light on oncogenic processes.