Artificial Intelligence Patient App for RDEB SCCs (NCT05843994)
Developing a Novel Artificial Intelligence Patient App to Recognize Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCCs) in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB): Image Collection
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
In this study, an artificial intelligence model to detect squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) on photos of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) skin is developed. The ultimate goal is to integrate this model into an app for patients and physicians, to help detect SCCs in RDEB early. SCCs which rapidly metastasize are the main cause of death in adults with RDEB. The earlier an SCC is recognized, the easier it can be removed and the better the outcome. AI leverages computer science to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence and has recently been used to identify skin cancers based on images. We are currently developing an AI approach for early detection of SCC and distinction of malignancy from chronic wounds and other RDEB skin findings. The aim is to create a web application for patients with RDEB to upload images of their skin and get an output as to SCC present/ no SCC. This will be especially valuable for patients with difficult access to medical expertise and those who are hesitant to allow full skin examination at each visit, often because of fear of biopsies. Thus, this project will directly benefit patients by allowing early recognition of SCCs and will empower patients and their families by providing a home use tool. So far, the study team has mainly used professional images (photographs taken in hospital settings by physicians, nurses, and clinical photographers) of both SCCs in RDEB and images of RDEB skin without SCC to develop and train the AI model. The images that are expected in a real-life setting will mostly be pictures taken by patients or family members with their phones or digital cameras. These images have different properties regarding resolution, focus, lighting, and backgrounds. Incorporating such images will be crucial in the upcoming phases of model development-testing and validation-for the web application be a success for patients.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children's Hospital — Chicago, Illinois
Age range: 12 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- online survey (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children's Hospital — Chicago, Illinois
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (855) 692-6482
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica
- Self-Assembled Skin Substitute for the Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa — Toronto, Ontario
- A Natural History Study of Corneal Abrasions in Patients With Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB) — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Characteristics of Patients With Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa — Stanford, California
Explore by condition: All Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.