Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic stem cell transplant.Chronic GVHD is characterized by skin thickening and tightening. Advanced sclerosis can lead to reduced range of motion and incapacitating joint contractures. Once present, there are few therapeutic options. We will treat sclerosis and limb contractures with an ablative fractional laser, a device FDA-approved for scar treatment. This approach has successfully treated contracturesdue to burn scars.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Enrollment
8
Perform ablative fractional resurfacing using a 10,600nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser targeted to thickened, sclerotic plaques causing range of motion limitation and contracture across joints.
Patients will undergo ultrasound of the planned treatment site to measure skin thickness and blood flow via Doppler ultrasound.
standard 4mm punch biopsy of the skin at the planned treatment site for histologic assessment of skin thickness and sclerosis.
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Number of Subjects Who Show Improvement in Range of Motion, Flexion, and Extension
Range of motion (flexion, extension, supination, pronation) of the target joint (measured in degrees, using a goniometer).
Time frame: 5 months from time point zero / baseline
Number of Subjects With Evidence of Collagen Remodeling (Increased Dermal Echogenicity) Compared to Baseline
Measurement of skin echogencity (brightness) in comparison with pre-therapy images of the same areas using high-resolution ultrasound.
Time frame: 3 months after final laser session (5 months after time zero / baseline)
Number of Subjects Who Show Decrease in Skin Thickness and Sclerosis With Collagen Remodeling as Measured by Before and After Skin Biopsies Biopsy
Trichcrome stain, collagen fiber number and thickness, Herovici stain, elastic fiber length, and dermal thickness.
Time frame: baseline and 3 months after final laser session
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