DermaPrime – AI for Early Melanoma Diagnosis

Innovative Application for Early Detection of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous skin cancers, which can appear on healthy skin or within existing moles, often in unusual forms and across a wide spectrum of colors. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, significantly increasing the patient's chances of a full recovery. Can a photo taken with a smartphone accelerate the detection of melanoma?

Prof. Joanna Jaworek-Korjakowska from the AGH Center for Artificial Intelligence in Krakow is working on an innovative technology based on artificial intelligence. By integrating state-of-the-art deep neural network models and 3D modeling, it aims to enable the detection and malignancy assessment of melanoma using a smartphone camera. A key element of the project is the creation of an algorithm that, unlike solutions currently available on the market, can also evaluate the depth of skin lesions, subsequently compare the model against a specialized database, and estimate the probability of the analyzed lesion being benign or malignant. In practice, the algorithm will be embedded into a dedicated mobile application, supporting users in making decisions about visiting a dermatologist when alarming skin changes appear. Utilizing this specialized application will help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies while simultaneously increasing the effectiveness of malignant lesion detection and preventive actions.

The promising research results opened the door for Prof. Jaworek-Korjakowska to the first edition of PRIME - a project by the Foundation for Polish Science supporting the commercialization of science, funded by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. Together with Filip Noworolnik (Business Leader) and Dariusz Pruchnik (Technology Transfer Manager), she is now developing commercialization competencies necessary to ensure that every one of us has access to a modern app supporting melanoma diagnostics right on our smartphones.

"The premise of the project is to build Poland's first database of skin lesion photographs tailored to the local population and skin tones, which is of key importance for the effectiveness of AI algorithms. The project also carries a social aspect - creating the first database of skin mole images in Poland, which will significantly increase diagnostic efficacy in our region," says Assoc. Prof. Joanna Jaworek-Korjakowska.

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PRIME is the only "tailor-made" acceleration program for the transfer of knowledge and technology for scientists and their research organizations in Poland, offering support for an individual commercialization path for innovative products. The program provides the opportunity to both develop competencies (e.g., training) and acquire practical skills (e.g., talks with potential recipients). For the authors of the best ideas, individualized support is provided to implement the chosen commercialization path. The PRIME project is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program. The project is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).