We believe our greatest investment in technology is in the training of the Doctor who uses the technology. Our Doctors are comprehensively trained and continue to participate in our monthly education update meetings. Furthermore, we apply software designed by Dr Peter Lye to analyse each Doctor's performance subjecting them to a system of clinical accountability unequalled in other Skin Cancer Clinics, and follow-up through clinical coaching methodology. These test for capabilities in regards to diagnostic use of examination lamps, epiluminescence microscopy and computerised scanning technologies; as well as therapeutic use of surgical instrumentalities.

What is the SolarScan system?

The SolarScan system is a form of computerised scanning used to monitor pigmented lesions such as moles. It is uniquely Australian and developed by Polartechnics, CSIRO and the Sydney Melanoma Unit. Future development aims at producing the world's first accurately diagnosing software using algorithm analysis of previously captured images. Chatswood Skin Caner Physicians were the first Skin Cancer Clinic to use the SolarScan.


What is the MoleMax system?

The MoleMax system is another form of computerised scanning used to monitor pigmented lesions such as moles. It was developed by the University of Vienna Medical School. Chatswood Skin Cancer Physicians were the first Skin Cancer Clinic to use the MoleMax in Australia.
 

What is Epiluminesence Microscopy?

Epiluminesence Microscopy is a hand-held powered instrument. It is also referred to as a skin surface microscope and allows the Doctor to quickly and accurately examine suspicious skin lesions. It is a very useful aid to diagnosis and can help determine whether further histological examination is necessary.


What is Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy (also known as cryocautery or cryosurgery) is a method of skin treatment that involves destroying abnormal tissue by freezing it. An instrument probe is placed close to the skin lesion to be frozen and liquid nitrogen is sprayed through it. It only usually takes seconds to treat the tissue adequately.


Clinical Research Profile

MASCRI (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Institute) is the research arm of the Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU). Both Dr Peter Lye and Dr Adrian Quek are Clinicians at the SMU and assist in research trials including C-VAX (CancerVax) and MSLT (Multicentre Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial). This allows much of the latest research in this area to be made available to all the Doctors at the Chatswood Skin Cancer Physicians.


C-Vax Melanoma Vaccine Trial

John Wayne Cancer Institute (USA) has developed C-VAX, which is a polyvalent melanoma vaccine containing three irradiated melanoma cell lines. This is a research study for patients with malignant melanoma with spread to regional lymph nodes near the original site of melanoma or from an unknown site. All the known tumours have been surgically removed so that the patient is clinically free of any evidence of melanoma at this time, but there is a chance of the melanoma coming back. The purpose of the study is to determine whether BCG, a germ found in tuberculosis, in combination with melanoma vaccine (C-VAX) is more effective than BCG and a placebo in (1) stimulation of an immune response against melanoma (2) improving overall survival (3) causing a delay in recurrence following surgery.


Multicentre Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial

This is a multicentre clinical study for the surgical treatment of melanoma. It examines wide excision plus intraoperative lymphatic mapping with selective lymphadenectomy versus wide excision of the primary melanoma in the treatment of patients with melanoma.