Gene Expression and Biomarker Profiling of Keloid Skin

Northwestern University48 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to examine both the genetic profile and the biomarkers implicated in keloid scar formation. Hypothesis: 1. Differences in the genetic profiles of lesional and non-lesional skin contribute a given population's propensity to develop keloids 2. Differences in biomolecules expressed in subjects with and without keloids can help predict keloid occurrence and severity 3. Biomarker analysis will provide useful insights for future targeted therapies for keloid scars

Objectives: 1. Determine gene expression profiles of keloid scar tissue using samples collected longitudinally 2. Define and compare the molecular biomarkers of keloid scars in keloid (lesional) and non-lesional skin biopsies and serum samples from adult subjects

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Keloid Keloid of Ear Lobe Healthy Adults

Interventions

Biopsy and/or triamcinolone injectionPROCEDURE

Subjects will have their blood drawn during the first study visit. Subsequently, a punch biopsy and/or triamcinolone injection will be given based on group timeline.

Excisional BiopsyPROCEDURE

Complete excision of an earlobe keloid will be taken.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient with an untreated keloid scar or a patient with a keloid scar that has not had treatment for at least 6 months before time of enrollment * Patients without keloids coming into the dermatology clinic for a keloid unrelated issue (Group 5 only) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have had treatment of their keloid scar within 6 months of date of enrollment

Locations (1)

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Dermatology

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Keloid progression

Assess effectiveness of triamcinolone injection (keloid size measured in millimeters)

Time frame: One year

Gene Expression

Blood will be drawn during first study visit for analysis

Time frame: One year

Keloid recurrence

Assess keloid recurrence at biopsy site (measured by number of keloids)

Time frame: One year

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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