The VELscope system can promote awareness, early discovery, and diagnosis. When it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are the primary responsibilities of the dental community. The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer

The VELscope system can promote awareness, early discovery, and diagnosis. When it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are the primary responsibilities of the dental community. The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery.

The VELscope system traces its roots back to the mid-1990s, when company founder Peter Whitehead began doing cancer research focused on cell death and cardiac rejection in conjunction with the British Columbia Cancer Agency. In 2000, Peter and a BCCA researcher were awarded two patents: one for endoscopes and methods relating to direct viewing of target tissue, and another for fluorescence scope system for dermatologic diagnosis. Peter eventually formed his own company and acquired the two patents.

It became apparent to Peter and the BCCA that the technology represented by these patents had significant relevance for the detection of oral cancer as well as cervical cancer, this led to substantial involvement and groundbreaking work by the BCCAʼs researchers.  Peter, in 2003, founded LED Medical Diagnostics and its LED Dental subsidiary, which acquired the two patents.  LED and the BCCA then collaborated to develop the patented VELscope system. The tissue fluorescence core research on which VELscopeʼs technology platform is based was conducted by several universities and cancer research organizations with the support of over $50 million in funding provided in part by the National Institutes of Health.

The VELscope system received FDA clearance and Health Canada approval in April and June, respectively, of 2006, which allowed LED to begin North American sales in the third quarter of that year. In the spring of 2007, the VELscope system received clearance/approval for expanded indications for use from the FDA and Health Canada that no other product had ever received. As a result, VELscope, which is to be used adjunctively with (i.e., to supplement) a conventional white light exam, is the first product cleared to help oral healthcare providers detect cancerous and precancerous tissue that might not be apparent or even visible to the naked eye, and also help surgeons ensure that all targeted diseased tissue is removed.

The latest generation of the device, the VELscope Vantage, was introduced in mid-2008. This device uses a longer-lasting and more powerful lamp than the first generation product, has a longer warranty, and comes with a digital camera adapter that makes it more convenient for the dental practice to document any suspect lesions detected.

The VELscope system is currently sold in over 30 countries around the world. Over 4,500 units are in use, and over 4.5 million exams have been conducted to date. This makes the VELscope system the most popular adjunctive oral cancer screening device in the world.

VELscope is currently manufactured by LED Dental Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of LED-MD.