Professor Pablo Fernandez-Peñas
University of Sydney, NSW
$573,585
2026-2029
Background:
Each year in Australia, almost 19,000 people are diagnosed with invasive melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. Melanoma is difficult to diagnose early because many moles do not show clear visual signs that distinguish harmless ones from those that may become cancerous. As a result, large numbers of moles are surgically removed unnecessarily, even when they turn out to be benign.
For people living in rural and remote areas, access to specialist care can be limited. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, added travel, anxiety, and unnecessary medical procedures. There is a clear need for simpler, more accessible ways to identify which moles truly require urgent attention.
About the Project:
Prof Fernandez-Peñas’ group aims to develop a scar-free method for assessing moles using a gentle tape-based biopsy that collects skin cells without cutting the skin. The samples are analysed to identify proteins that may indicate whether a mole is likely to develop into melanoma. Early research has shown promising results, with the method correctly classifying melanoma in 80% of cases in a pilot study. The test does not require needles or anaesthetic, leaves no scars, and can be repeated over time on the same mole. It can be used in primary care or at home, with samples sent to specialised centres for analysis.
Impact:
The project outcomes will reduce unnecessary mole removals by helping doctors identify which moles are most likely to develop into melanoma. It supports earlier and more accurate detection, improving patient outcomes. The simple, non-invasive test increases access to melanoma assessment, particularly for people in rural and remote communities. Overall, it has the potential to make skin cancer care more equitable, less invasive, and more efficient.
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