Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, and the most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). When caught early, most SCCs are curable. However, certain sub-types, such as those derived from patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis (RDEB), are more difficult to treat. In addition to being difficult to diagnose, SCCs from RDEB patients tend to be significantly more aggressive than SCCs identified in an otherwise healthy population. Because most cancers are treatable, if detected early, there is a great need to shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment. However, current methods, which involve skin biopsies, do not encourage regular screening. In EB patients such screening is especially problematic given that this cohort already has significant problems with wound healing. Consequently, there is a great need to develop less traumatic methods for diagnosing malignant RDEB SCCs. Recent work1, conducted as part of an international collaboration between the Mellick Laboratory (Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research), and the Wally Laboratory (EB House) describes the identification of a small RNA (miR-10b) that may drive malignancy in both SCCs and RDEB SCCs. As part of this larger study, we have continued to investigate the role of miR-10b as a maker of disseminated disease. By adapting methods the 'liquid' (or blood) biopsy we have established the feasibility of identifying miR-10b+ SCCs and RDEB-SCCs from a blood biopsy using filtration based circulating tumour cell (CTC) isolation. In future we hope to adapt this method for the regular and effective screening of disseminated disease in RDEB.