The objective of this protocol is to compare the efficacy of the topical application of MAL at concentrations of 8% and 16%, mediated by red light, as well as to evaluate the impact of different incubation times (1 or 3 hours) in the treatment of actinic keratoses on the face, with a 6-month follow-up. This parallel-arm, 6-month follow-up randomized controlled clinical trial will consist of 4 groups: G1 - Control Group - MAL 16% irradiated with 643nm and 75J/cm² and 3-hour incubation time (n=36), G2 - MAL 16% and 1-hour incubation (n=36), G3 - MAL 8% - 3 hours (n=36), and G4 - MAL 8% - 1 hour (n=36). The researcher conducting the collection and the participant will be blinded to the interventions. The primary outcome will be the complete remission of the lesion at 6 months. Secondary outcomes will include treatment success (75% reduction in the initial number of lesions), recurrence rate, emergence of SCC, incidence of adverse effects, and improvement in skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation using a validated scale. All outcomes will be assessed at 30 days, 3, and 6 months. Quality of life will be evaluated using the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire (AKQoL) at 6 months.
The multifocality of actinic keratosis, the unpredictability of lesion evolution with potential progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the consequent risk of local extension and metastasis, alongside the recent development of new therapies, make the selection of a therapeutic regimen challenging. The increasing incidence associated economic costs, and impact on quality of life have fostered interest in studying protocols for treating this severe skin condition. The topical application of 16% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is well-established in the literature for its local therapeutic effects and ease of application. However, the high cost of medication, long incubation time, and adverse effects such as itching and burning in some patients limit the dissemination of this treatment. Studies are needed to test other protocols of this promising therapy to increase acceptance among patients and professionals. Therefore, the objective of this protocol is to compare the efficacy of the topical application of MAL at concentrations of 8% and 16%, mediated by red light, as well as to evaluate the impact of different incubation times (1 or 3 hours) in the treatment of actinic keratoses on the face, with a 6-month follow-up. This parallel-arm, 6-month follow-up randomized controlled clinical trial will consist of 4 groups: G1 - Control Group - MAL 16% irradiated with 643nm and 75J/cm² and 3-hour incubation time (n=36), G2 - MAL 16% and 1-hour incubation (n=36), G3 - MAL 8% - 3 hours (n=36), and G4 - MAL 8% - 1 hour (n=36). The researcher conducting the collection and the participant will be blinded to the interventions. The primary outcome will be the complete remission of the lesion at 6 months. Secondary outcomes will include treatment success (75% reduction in the initial number of lesions), recurrence rate, emergence of SCC, incidence of adverse effects, and improvement in skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation using a validated scale. All outcomes will be assessed at 30 days, 3, and 6 months. Quality of life will be assessed using the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire (AKQoL) at 6 months. If data are normal, they will be subjected to 3-way ANOVA and presented as means ± standard deviation (SD). Otherwise, they will be presented as median and interquartile range and compared using the Kruskall-Wallis and Friedman tests. Categorical variables will be evaluated with the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, or likelihood ratio test. A p-value \< 0.05 will be considered significant.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
144
Before the treatment, the treated area will be degreased with 0.2% aqueous chlorhexidine. Next, a light curettage will be performed on the face with a sterile curette.
A thin layer of the photosensitizing medication, approximately 1 mm thick, will be applied to the participant's facial lesion sites. Then an occlusive dressing will be used to enhance MAL penetration, which will be covered with aluminum foil to prevent ambient light from influencing the protoporphyrin production process. For the PDT technique, the dressing will remain on the face for 1 hour.
A thin layer of the photosensitizing medication, approximately 1 mm thick, will be applied to the participant's facial lesion sites. Then an occlusive dressing will be used to enhance MAL penetration, which will be covered with aluminum foil to prevent ambient light from influencing the protoporphyrin production process. For the PDT technique, the dressing will remain on the face for 3 hour.
Participants will be treated with 8% topical MAL photosensitizer
Participants will be treated with 16% topical MAL photosensitizer
Skin illumination will be performed using a visible light source (LED) with a wavelength of 643 nm
Complete remission baseline
Quantitative evaluation: A count of the number of lesions with complete response, i.e., those that show total disappearance measurable after treatment, will be performed. These lesions will be clinically evaluated and the number of lesions at these periods will be compared with the initial value (baseline). Both the absolute and relative number of lesions will be considered. To avoid variability in counting, only one researcher will perform the counts.
Time frame: baseline
Complete remission -30 days
Quantitative evaluation: A count of the number of lesions with complete response, i.e., those that show total disappearance measurable after treatment, will be performed. These lesions will be clinically evaluated and the number of lesions at these periods will be compared with the initial value (baseline). Both the absolute and relative number of lesions will be considered. To avoid variability in counting, only one researcher will perform the counts.
Time frame: 30 days
Complete remission - 3 months
Quantitative evaluation: A count of the number of lesions with complete response, i.e., those that show total disappearance measurable after treatment, will be performed. These lesions will be clinically evaluated and the number of lesions at these periods will be compared with the initial value (baseline). Both the absolute and relative number of lesions will be considered. To avoid variability in counting, only one researcher will perform the counts.
Time frame: 3 months
Complete remission - 6 months
Quantitative evaluation: A count of the number of lesions with complete response, i.e., those that show total disappearance measurable after treatment, will be performed. These lesions will be clinically evaluated and the number of lesions at these periods will be compared with the initial value (baseline). Both the absolute and relative number of lesions will be considered. To avoid variability in counting, only one researcher will perform the counts.
Time frame: 6 months
Treatment success baseline
Evaluation of the proportion of participants who show at least a 75% reduction in the initial number of actinic keratosis lesions in the treatment area after the last day of treatment.
Time frame: baseline
Treatment success 30 days
Evaluation of the proportion of participants who show at least a 75% reduction in the initial number of actinic keratosis lesions in the treatment area after the last day of treatment.
Time frame: 30 days
Treatment success 3 months
Evaluation of the proportion of participants who show at least a 75% reduction in the initial number of actinic keratosis lesions in the treatment area after the last day of treatment.
Time frame: 3 months
Treatment success 6 months
Evaluation of the proportion of participants who show at least a 75% reduction in the initial number of actinic keratosis lesions in the treatment area after the last day of treatment.
Time frame: 6 months
Actinic keratoses recurrence rate 30 days
Defined as the reappearance of lesions in previously treated areas. Recurrence evaluation will occur at the same follow-up periods of the study, i.e., at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after the end of treatment. Recurrent lesions will be quantified, considering both the absolute and relative number of lesions. These lesions will be monitored and re-treated at the end of the study, unless malignization occurs, in which case they will be treated immediately.
Time frame: 30 days
Actinic keratoses recurrence rate 3 months
Defined as the reappearance of lesions in previously treated areas. Recurrence evaluation will occur at the same follow-up periods of the study, i.e., at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after the end of treatment. Recurrent lesions will be quantified, considering both the absolute and relative number of lesions. These lesions will be monitored and re-treated at the end of the study, unless malignization occurs, in which case they will be treated immediately.
Time frame: 3 months
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Actinic keratoses recurrence rate 6 months
Defined as the reappearance of lesions in previously treated areas. Recurrence evaluation will occur at the same follow-up periods of the study, i.e., at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after the end of treatment. Recurrent lesions will be quantified, considering both the absolute and relative number of lesions. These lesions will be monitored and re-treated at the end of the study, unless malignization occurs, in which case they will be treated immediately.
Time frame: 6 months
Prevention of squamous cell carcinoma 30 days
If malignization of the lesion occurs during the follow-up period, the gold standard treatment, which consists of surgical intervention, will be applied. Participants will be continuously monitored to prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment area throughout the study. The participation of these participants will be maintained, as the follow-ups consist only of follow-up evaluations. The quantification of malignant lesions will be carried out, considering both the absolute and relative numbers.
Time frame: 30 days
Prevention of squamous cell carcinoma 3 months
If malignization of the lesion occurs during the follow-up period, the gold standard treatment, which consists of surgical intervention, will be applied. Participants will be continuously monitored to prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment area throughout the study. The participation of these participants will be maintained, as the follow-ups consist only of follow-up evaluations. The quantification of malignant lesions will be carried out, considering both the absolute and relative numbers.
Time frame: 3 months
Prevention of squamous cell carcinoma 6 months
If malignization of the lesion occurs during the follow-up period, the gold standard treatment, which consists of surgical intervention, will be applied. Participants will be continuously monitored to prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment area throughout the study. The participation of these participants will be maintained, as the follow-ups consist only of follow-up evaluations. The quantification of malignant lesions will be carried out, considering both the absolute and relative numbers.
Time frame: 6 months
Incidence of adverse effects 30 days
The incidence of adverse effects, such as erythema, edema, itching, and peeling, will be monitored through a personal diary filled out by the participant, in which detailed descriptions of any adverse effects will be recorded. This method, as recommended by Jansen et al. (2019), will allow participants to report their symptoms individually. The responsible researcher, a dermatologist specializing in this type of treatment, will offer continuous assistance and follow-up, remaining accessible whenever necessary.
Time frame: 30 days
Incidence of adverse effects 3 months
The incidence of adverse effects, such as erythema, edema, itching, and peeling, will be monitored through a personal diary filled out by the participant, in which detailed descriptions of any adverse effects will be recorded. This method, as recommended by Jansen et al. (2019), will allow participants to report their symptoms individually. The responsible researcher, a dermatologist specializing in this type of treatment, will offer continuous assistance and follow-up, remaining accessible whenever necessary.
Time frame: 3 months
Incidence of adverse effects 6 months
The incidence of adverse effects, such as erythema, edema, itching, and peeling, will be monitored through a personal diary filled out by the participant, in which detailed descriptions of any adverse effects will be recorded. This method, as recommended by Jansen et al. (2019), will allow participants to report their symptoms individually. The responsible researcher, a dermatologist specializing in this type of treatment, will offer continuous assistance and follow-up, remaining accessible whenever necessary.
Time frame: 6 months
Subjective pain assessment 30 days
Subjective pain assessment will be conducted using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), consisting of a 10 mm line with closed ends, indicating '0' for no pain and '10' for unbearable pain, the worst pain ever felt. Instructions for marking will be consistently provided by the same operator. Each participant will be instructed to mark with a vertical line the point that best reflects the intensity of the pain at the time of evaluation (Heller et al., 2016). These evaluations will be performed weekly until 30 days after treatment, followed by assessments at 3 and 6 months.
Time frame: 30 days
Subjective pain assessment 3 months
Subjective pain assessment will be conducted using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), consisting of a 10 mm line with closed ends, indicating '0' for no pain and '10' for unbearable pain, the worst pain ever felt. Instructions for marking will be consistently provided by the same operator. Each participant will be instructed to mark with a vertical line the point that best reflects the intensity of the pain at the time of evaluation (Heller et al., 2016). These evaluations will be performed weekly until 30 days after treatment, followed by assessments at 3 and 6 months.
Time frame: 3 months
Subjective pain assessment 6 months
Subjective pain assessment will be conducted using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), consisting of a 10 mm line with closed ends, indicating '0' for no pain and '10' for unbearable pain, the worst pain ever felt. Instructions for marking will be consistently provided by the same operator. Each participant will be instructed to mark with a vertical line the point that best reflects the intensity of the pain at the time of evaluation (Heller et al., 2016). These evaluations will be performed weekly until 30 days after treatment, followed by assessments at 3 and 6 months.
Time frame: 6 months
Rescue medication 30 days
Rescue medication will be evaluated by the standardized amount of analgesics ingested (paracetamol). At the beginning of the study, each participant will receive a blister pack of paracetamol®, a drug with a purely analgesic effect, as recommended by Jóźwiak-Bebenista (2014). Participants are instructed to keep the blister pack until the end of the experiment and bring it to each consultation. At the end of the study, the amount of tablets used will be evaluated in each group as a parameter for measuring pain.
Time frame: 30 days
Rescue medication 3 months
Rescue medication will be evaluated by the standardized amount of analgesics ingested (paracetamol). At the beginning of the study, each participant will receive a blister pack of paracetamol®, a drug with a purely analgesic effect, as recommended by Jóźwiak-Bebenista (2014). Participants are instructed to keep the blister pack until the end of the experiment and bring it to each consultation. At the end of the study, the amount of tablets used will be evaluated in each group as a parameter for measuring pain.
Time frame: 3 months
Rescue medication 6 months
Rescue medication will be evaluated by the standardized amount of analgesics ingested (paracetamol). At the beginning of the study, each participant will receive a blister pack of paracetamol®, a drug with a purely analgesic effect, as recommended by Jóźwiak-Bebenista (2014). Participants are instructed to keep the blister pack until the end of the experiment and bring it to each consultation. At the end of the study, the amount of tablets used will be evaluated in each group as a parameter for measuring pain.
Time frame: 6 months
Evaluation of skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation 30 days
This will be conducted at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months, using the Tina Alster et al. (2005) scale. This scale, evaluated by professionals and participants themselves, classifies improvements as minimal (\<25%), moderate (25%-50%), significant (51%-75%), and excellent (\>75%). These evaluations will provide a comprehensive approach to measure the treatment's effectiveness over time.
Time frame: 30 days
Evaluation of skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation 3 months
This will be conducted at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months, using the Tina Alster et al. (2005) scale. This scale, evaluated by professionals and participants themselves, classifies improvements as minimal (\<25%), moderate (25%-50%), significant (51%-75%), and excellent (\>75%). These evaluations will provide a comprehensive approach to measure the treatment's effectiveness over time.
Time frame: 3 months
Evaluation of skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation 6 months
This will be conducted at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months, using the Tina Alster et al. (2005) scale. This scale, evaluated by professionals and participants themselves, classifies improvements as minimal (\<25%), moderate (25%-50%), significant (51%-75%), and excellent (\>75%). These evaluations will provide a comprehensive approach to measure the treatment's effectiveness over time.
Time frame: 6 months
Participant satisfaction baseline
Will be assessed through the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire (AKQoL) (Esman et al., 2013) after 6 months and 1 year of treatment. The items will be scored on a standard 4-point Likert scale and summarized into a maximum total score of 32 points. A higher score indicates greater impairment in quality of life. The questionnaire has been translated and validated into Portuguese (Vilhena et al., 2022).
Time frame: baseline
Participant satisfaction 30 days
Will be assessed through the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire (AKQoL) (Esman et al., 2013) after 6 months and 1 year of treatment. The items will be scored on a standard 4-point Likert scale and summarized into a maximum total score of 32 points. A higher score indicates greater impairment in quality of life. The questionnaire has been translated and validated into Portuguese (Vilhena et al., 2022).
Time frame: 30 days
Participant satisfaction 3 months
Will be assessed through the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire (AKQoL) (Esman et al., 2013) after 6 months and 1 year of treatment. The items will be scored on a standard 4-point Likert scale and summarized into a maximum total score of 32 points. A higher score indicates greater impairment in quality of life. The questionnaire has been translated and validated into Portuguese (Vilhena et al., 2022).
Time frame: 3 months
Participant satisfaction 6 months
Will be assessed through the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire (AKQoL) (Esman et al., 2013) after 6 months and 1 year of treatment. The items will be scored on a standard 4-point Likert scale and summarized into a maximum total score of 32 points. A higher score indicates greater impairment in quality of life. The questionnaire has been translated and validated into Portuguese (Vilhena et al., 2022).
Time frame: 6 months
Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall
The FACE-Q (Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall) scale consists of nine items assessing satisfaction with overall facial appearance and geometry, using a four-point Likert scale (1 = very dissatisfied to 4 = very satisfied). The questionnaire should be administered before and after aesthetic treatment to measure the patient's perception of symmetry, proportion, and facial freshness. The total score ranges from 9 to 36 and is converted into a 0 to 100 scale, where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction.
Time frame: baseline
Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall
The FACE-Q (Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall) scale consists of nine items assessing satisfaction with overall facial appearance and geometry, using a four-point Likert scale (1 = very dissatisfied to 4 = very satisfied). The questionnaire should be administered before and after aesthetic treatment to measure the patient's perception of symmetry, proportion, and facial freshness. The total score ranges from 9 to 36 and is converted into a 0 to 100 scale, where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction.
Time frame: 6 months