The global aim of this study is to investigate how microneedles can facilitate the penetration and efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses The specific aims are as follows: 1. Investigate whether pretreatment with microneedles enhances penetration of topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) that is marketed as Levulan® Kerasticks by DUSA pharmaceuticals Inc. 2. Investigate whether pretreatment with microneedles can decrease the required incubation times of the topical ALA prior to exposure to blue light photodynamic therapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
51
The study device (Microchannel Skin System by 3M Company)is fabricated from medicalgrade polymer consisting of a rectangular array of 351 pyramidal, 700-μm-long, solid microneedles.
Levulan® Kerastick® DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wilmington, MA
Blu-U unit (DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wilmington, MA)
UC Davis, Dermatology
Sacramento, California, United States
Actinic Keratoses Reduction Percent
Time frame: one month after treatment
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.