In a groundbreaking advancement for dermatology, Enspectra Health has announced significant findings from its clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology. The pivotal research showcases the efficacy of its handheld cross-modal imaging system, known as VIO, which enables physicians to visualize key histologic features of skin without the need for invasive biopsies. This innovative technology combines reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and multiphoton microscopy (MPM), producing detailed histology-like images that hold promise for both medical and aesthetic dermatology.
The VISTA Trial, conducted at various dermatology centers across the United States, aimed to assess the system's ability to accurately visualize skin features that are typically only identifiable through traditional biopsy methods. Under the supervision of dermatopathologists, participants in the trial exhibited a striking 96.4% accuracy in identifying primary histologic features, alongside an impressive 98.5% accuracy for secondary attributes. This level of precision is noteworthy, especially considering the high levels of inter-reader agreement among physicians.
Dr. Sarah Arron, the lead author of the study, articulated the significance of these results by stating, "This study shows that physicians can reliably identify histologic features such as collagen, pigment, hyperkeratosis, atypia, and solar elastosis using VIO's cross-modal imaging. These features are critical for understanding skin health, and noninvasive visualization opens new possibilities for both medical and aesthetic applications."
The study enlisted 65 participants slated for routine skin biopsies, all of whom underwent cross-modal imaging prior to tissue collection. The demographics of the study population reflected a diverse array of Fitzpatrick skin types, including 13.8% Hispanic participants. This diversity enhances the applicability of the VIO system across varying skin tones.
"Our approach allowed us to image a variety of common skin lesions in multiple anatomical locations and Fitzpatrick skin types I–V," noted Dr. Michael Wang, the senior author and principal investigator of the study. The design of the trial notably showcased the system's competency in capturing crucial histologic features in various clinical situations.
The VIO system is currently backed by FDA clearance and is designed to acquire, store, retrieve, display, and transfer in-vivo images of a range of tissue characteristics, such as blood vessels, collagen, and pigment, among others. Notably, while the system provides critical insights to physicians with dermatology or pathology qualifications, it does not aim to replace biopsies but rather serve as a complementary tool in clinical decision-making.
In addition to its accuracy, the VISTA Trial revealed the user-friendliness of the VIO system, as medical assistants—after only a single day of training—successfully captured high-quality images of various lesion types. Physicians learned to interpret the images through a structured training protocol and achieved high accuracy after just five hours of instruction. Dr. Lilia Correa-Selm, a blinded reader in the trial and a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon, expressed her admiration for the clarity and intuitiveness of the VIO images.
"As a blinded reader, I was impressed by how clear and intuitive the VIO images were to interpret," Dr. Correa-Selm remarked. The cross-sectional images replicate traditional histology formats, allowing for easy recognition of key structural features in the skin.
Looking to the future, Enspectra Health has ambitious plans for further exploration of the VIO system in aesthetic and regenerative dermatology settings. The potential for using noninvasive imaging to monitor pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments, along with personalized aesthetic planning, indicates a significant advancement in the integration of technology within dermatological practices. The ongoing commitment to enhancing skin health through innovative solutions positions Enspectra Health at the forefront of skin condition evaluations and personalized care.
Funded by Enspectra Health, the research received support from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, emphasizing the study's legitimacy and potential impact on the healthcare landscape regarding skin health evaluation. The expansive implications of this technology extend far beyond just clinical applications, heralding a new era of informed and precise dermatological care.
About Enspectra Health
Enspectra Health is an innovative healthtech company focused on transforming the evaluation of various skin conditions through its advanced virtual biopsy technology. By merging reflectance confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, the company aims to revolutionize how physicians assess skin health. To learn more about their pioneering technology, please visit
www.enspectrahealth.com.