The study investigates the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of keloids
Current scar treatments have limited efficacy and are often unsatisfactory although over $20 billion dollars are spent annually on the treatment and management of scars. Keloids, an abnormal proliferation of scar tissue, can be disfiguring, functionally impairing, and have dramatic impacts on quality of life. Treatments of keloids include a variety of modalities (i.e. intralesional steroid injections, silicone gel or sheets, surgery, laser, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, topical imiquimod, and intralesional 5-fluorouracil injections). However, current treatments are limited to primarily localized interventions. The Investigators hypothesize that dupilumab can decrease the size and symptoms of keloids and improve patient's quality of life. An open-label proof of concept study regarding the use of dupilumab in patients with keloids may be the first step in elucidating a novel systematic approach to treatment of keloids.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Dupilumab a human monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G4 subclass that inhibits interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 signaling by specifically binding to the IL-4 receptor alpha subunit, which is shared by the IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)
Average patient scores for Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) from baseline and week 24. The POSAS measures scar quality by evaluating visual (e.g. color), tactile (e.g. pliability) and sensory (e.g. itch) characteristics of the scar from the perspective of the observer (investigator) and patients. POSAS is comprised of two numeric scales: the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS, patient scale measuring pain, pruritus, color, stiffness, thickness, bumpiness) and the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS, observer scale measuring vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, surface area). Both scales contain six items that are scored numerically on a 1-10 scale. A score of "1" being "no, not at all" and a score of "10" being "yes, very much". Together, they make up the total score (range of 12-120) of the PSAS (range of 6-60) and OSAS (range of 6-60).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 24
Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).
Average score of patients for Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) from baseline and week 24. Score Description: The VSS measures four parameters of scars: vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height. Each parameter contained ranked subscales that may be summed to obtain a total score ranging from 0 (representing normal skin) to 13 (representing worst scar imaginable). * Vascularity: assessed by looking at the scar at resting and by blanching the scar and observing the rate and amount of blood return 1. Score 0: normal color and capillary refill 2. Score 1: pink scar with a slight increase in the local blood supply 3. Score 2: red scar with a significant increase in the local blood supply 4. Score 3: purple scar with excess local blood supply, scars which are congested and refill slowly or cannot be completely blanched * Pigmentation: The skin will be blanched with a piece of plastic to eliminate the effect of vascularity on skin color and compared with normal skin (Score: 0-3)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 24
Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Average score patient-reported outcomes based on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Score Description: A Quality of Life Score will be calculated based upon the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The DLQI is a validated general dermatology questionnaire that consists of 10 items that assess subject health-related quality of life (daily activities, personal relationships, symptoms and feelings, leisure, work and school, and treatment) (Appendix 3)12. It has been extensively used in dermatology clinical trials for atopic dermatitis. The DLQI is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument that has been translated into several languages, and the DLQI total scores have been shown to be responsive to change. The minimally important difference for the DLQI has been estimated as a 2 to 5 point change from baseline.
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Time frame: Baseline and Week 24
Histology
Histology Description: Percentage Intensity of expression of the markers will be measured by an image analysis program for patients who have data for both baseline and week 24.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 24
Number of patients with keloid volume and size improvement
keloid volume and size improvement will be assessed based on photographs taken by Canfield camera analysis software for patients who have data for both baseline and week 24.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 24