They've developed a new technology that can detect melanoma cells in blood samples. Their research might reduce testing costs and more accurately show the number of cancer cells found. MU researcher, Dr. John Viator, helped develop a photo-acoustic melanoma detector and Ellis-Fischel Hospital's Dr. Paul Dale is the laser systems co-creator.

"The laser light will be absorbed by the melanoma cell," said Viator. "The melanoma cell will create this laser induced ultrasonic pulse that is detected by an acoustic sensor."

Listening for those pulses may be the key to successful early cancer detection and follow up testing.

"The preliminary research indicates that we can identify very small numbers of circulating tumor cells in the blood, smaller than anyone has been able to do up until now," said Dale. "So this is very novel and new technology."

Researchers also say using this laser to detect melanoma could have other benefits. This laser detection requires only a blood sample, so it may become a more affordable form of diagnostic testing.

"It's analysis of a blood sample versus a $4,000 imaging like MRI or CT (scan)," Viator said. "I think we have created a device that will really help cancer patients."

Right now the laser technology is being used in clinical tests. Viator hopes to expand this research to other types of cancer, and to have the testing kits in hospitals and medical centers in about two years.