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Light Emitting Diode-Red Light (LED-RL) Phototherapy for Skin Scarring Prevention

Primary Purpose

Fibrosis, Skin Scarring, Skin Wound

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 2
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
LED-RL phototherapy
Mock irradiation
Sponsored by
State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Fibrosis focused on measuring Light emitting diode, Light emitting diode-red light, Visible red light, Skin fibrosis, Wound healing, Scarring

Eligibility Criteria

undefined - undefined (Child, Adult, Older Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Provision of written informed consent for all study procedures
  • Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
  • Suitable candidate for elective mini-facelift surgery
  • Pass a screening photosensitivity test

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current use of any photosensitizing medications
  • Light-sensitive conditions
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Current tobacco use
  • History of bleeding or coagulation disorder
  • Lax skin associated with genetic disorders
  • Open wounds on the face or neck
  • Fibrotic skin disease, pre-existing scar(s), or other skin conditions affecting the periauricular skin
  • History of surgery or procedure involving or affecting the periauricular skin within the past 6 months (e.g., prior facelift, fillers, laser therapy)
  • Tattoos that cover the proposed treatment sites on the periauricular skin
  • Any other medical condition(s) that could be compromised by exposure to the proposed treatment

Sites / Locations

  • SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Sham Comparator

Arm Label

LED-RL phototherapy

Mock irradiation

Arm Description

Thirty subjects will be randomly allocated to three treatment groups to receive LED-RL phototherapy or temperature-matched mock irradiation (control) to either periauricular incision site at fluences of 160 J/cm2, 320 J/cm2, or 480 J/cm2. Starting one week after surgery (postoperative days 4-8), treatments will be administered three times weekly for three consecutive weeks.

Thirty subjects will be randomly allocated to three treatment groups to receive LED-RL phototherapy or temperature-matched mock irradiation (control) to either periauricular incision site at fluences of 160 J/cm2, 320 J/cm2, or 480 J/cm2. Starting one week after surgery (postoperative days 4-8), treatments will be administered three times weekly for three consecutive weeks.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in Scar Pliability Between the Treated and Control Incision Sites as Measured by Skin Elasticity at 6 Months Compared to Baseline
The ElastiMeter, a non-invasive indentation instrument, will be used to evaluate skin elasticity (i.e., skin stiffness) of the LED-RL-treated scar versus the untreated scar. Skin elasticity is measured in Newtons/meters (N/m).
Change in Scar Pliability Between the Treated and Control Incision Sites as Measured by Skin Induration at Three Follow-up Time Points Compared to Baseline
The SkinFibroMeter, a non-invasive indentation instrument, will be used to evaluate the induration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (i.e., hardness) of the LED-RL-treated scar versus the untreated scar. Skin induration is measured in Newtons (N).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Observer Scar Assessment Scale
The scale consists of six items rated from 1 to 10, where 1 is "normal skin" and 10 is the "worst imaginable scar". The observer (i.e., investigator) evaluates scar vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area. The scores of each of the six items are summed for a total score (range 6 to 60).
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scoring of Digital Photographs of Scars
The scar images will be rated by two independent, blinded dermatologists using a VAS. The VAS is presented as a 10 cm horizontal line, where the extreme ends of 0 indicates "normal skin" and 10 corresponds to the "worst possible scar," for each of the following scar attributes: pigmentation, vascularity, observer comfort, contour, and overall severity.
Dermal Collagen Concentration
A non-invasive, handheld diffuse reflectance probe will be used to measure collagen concentration in the dermis at each incision site. The scale ranges from 10 to 99 and the collagen measurement corresponds to the half of the optical scattering coefficient of the dermis.
Dermal Water Concentration
A non-invasive, handheld diffuse reflectance probe will be used to measure water concentration in the dermis at each incision site. Infrared light is emitted at different wavelengths to retrieve the scattering and the absorption coefficients of the dermis. The more water, the less reflectance. Concentration ranges from 40% to 85%.
3D Imaging Analysis: Pigmentation of Scar Tissue
A 3D digital imaging system will be used to construct 3D images of the scars for colorimetric analyses, including quantitative measurements of pigmentation at each incision site.
3D Imaging Analysis: Vascularity of Scar Tissue
A 3D digital imaging system will be used to construct 3D images of the scars for colorimetric analyses, including quantitative measurements of vascularity at each incision site.
3D Imaging Analysis: Volume of Elevation of Scar Tissue
A 3D digital imaging system will be used to construct 3D images of the scars for skin profilometry analyses, including quantitative measurements of tissue volume at each incision site.
Histological Analysis: Collagen Content of Scar Tissue (Optional)
The histological changes that occur in vivo in response to LED-RL phototherapy will be evaluated by examination of pre- and post-treated skin tissue. Skin specimens will be obtained via optional 2 mm punch biopsy and stained for collagen fibers.
Number of Participants Experiencing Adverse Events in Each Treatment Group
Subjects will be provided with a daily diary to record any adverse events experienced during the three-week intervention period. Treatment sessions will be monitored closely for the occurrence of any safety issues or adverse events, as reported by the subject or observed by the clinical research team. At each follow up visit, patients will be asked about adverse effects.
Patient Scar Assessment Scale
The scale consists of six items rated from 1 to 10, where 1 is "normal skin" and 10 is the "worst imaginable scar". The patient assesses pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity. The scores of each of the six items are summed for a total score (range 6 to 60).

Full Information

First Posted
December 20, 2018
Last Updated
May 31, 2022
Sponsor
State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03795116
Brief Title
Light Emitting Diode-Red Light (LED-RL) Phototherapy for Skin Scarring Prevention
Official Title
Light Emitting Diode-Red Light (LED-RL) Phototherapy for Skin Scarring Prevention
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
May 2022
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
March 18, 2019 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
October 26, 2020 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
October 26, 2020 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
Yes
Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.
Yes
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Skin scarring (fibrosis) is a common complication in the wound healing process and remains a therapeutic challenge. Scar formation often occurs following injury to the skin such as surgery, trauma, and burns. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of visible red light as a modality to reduce skin scarring after mini-facelift surgery. Based on laboratory data, light emitting diode-red light (LED-RL) phototherapy may lessen post-surgical skin fibrosis clinically.
Detailed Description
Skin fibrosis is a significant global health problem that has a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. Characterized by excessive fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, skin fibrosis underlies a wide spectrum of dermatologic conditions ranging from pathologic scars secondary to injury (e.g., burns, surgery, trauma) to immune-mediated diseases. Effective anti-scarring therapeutics remain an unmet need, underscoring the importance of developing novel approaches to treat and prevent skin fibrosis. In vitro data show that LED-RL can modulate key cellular and molecular processes involved in skin fibrosis. Two phase I clinical trials (STARS 1 and STARS 2) demonstrated the safety and tolerability of LED-RL at fluences of 160 J/cm2 up to 480 J/cm2 on normal human skin. The administration of LED-RL phototherapy in the early postoperative period may optimize wound healing and prevent excessive scarring. The results from this study may change the current treatment paradigm for fibrotic skin diseases and help to pioneer LED-RL as a safe, non-invasive, cost-effective, portable, at-home therapy for scars.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Fibrosis, Skin Scarring, Skin Wound, Hypertrophic Scar, Scar, Keloid
Keywords
Light emitting diode, Light emitting diode-red light, Visible red light, Skin fibrosis, Wound healing, Scarring

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 2
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
ParticipantOutcomes Assessor
Masking Description
This is a single-blind study. Participants and clinicians involved in subjective efficacy assessments will be blind to the study intervention (LED-RL phototherapy versus mock therapy). The principal investigator, along with the research coordinator who administers the LED-RL phototherapy, will be aware of each participant's treatment assignment.
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
30 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
LED-RL phototherapy
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Thirty subjects will be randomly allocated to three treatment groups to receive LED-RL phototherapy or temperature-matched mock irradiation (control) to either periauricular incision site at fluences of 160 J/cm2, 320 J/cm2, or 480 J/cm2. Starting one week after surgery (postoperative days 4-8), treatments will be administered three times weekly for three consecutive weeks.
Arm Title
Mock irradiation
Arm Type
Sham Comparator
Arm Description
Thirty subjects will be randomly allocated to three treatment groups to receive LED-RL phototherapy or temperature-matched mock irradiation (control) to either periauricular incision site at fluences of 160 J/cm2, 320 J/cm2, or 480 J/cm2. Starting one week after surgery (postoperative days 4-8), treatments will be administered three times weekly for three consecutive weeks.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
LED-RL phototherapy
Other Intervention Name(s)
Omnilux handheld LED system (GlobalMed Technologies, Glen Ellen, CA)
Intervention Description
The LED-RL treatment device has a 4.7 cm x 6.1 cm rectangular array of LEDs and emits visible red light (633 nm) at a power density of 360.2 W/m2 at room temperature and a distance of 10 mm from the target surface.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
Mock irradiation
Intervention Description
The mock therapy device is designed to sound, look, and feel identical to the LED-RL treatment device (i.e., has the same physical components and thermal output), except it does not emit visible red light.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in Scar Pliability Between the Treated and Control Incision Sites as Measured by Skin Elasticity at 6 Months Compared to Baseline
Description
The ElastiMeter, a non-invasive indentation instrument, will be used to evaluate skin elasticity (i.e., skin stiffness) of the LED-RL-treated scar versus the untreated scar. Skin elasticity is measured in Newtons/meters (N/m).
Time Frame
1 month, 3 months, 6 months
Title
Change in Scar Pliability Between the Treated and Control Incision Sites as Measured by Skin Induration at Three Follow-up Time Points Compared to Baseline
Description
The SkinFibroMeter, a non-invasive indentation instrument, will be used to evaluate the induration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (i.e., hardness) of the LED-RL-treated scar versus the untreated scar. Skin induration is measured in Newtons (N).
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Observer Scar Assessment Scale
Description
The scale consists of six items rated from 1 to 10, where 1 is "normal skin" and 10 is the "worst imaginable scar". The observer (i.e., investigator) evaluates scar vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area. The scores of each of the six items are summed for a total score (range 6 to 60).
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scoring of Digital Photographs of Scars
Description
The scar images will be rated by two independent, blinded dermatologists using a VAS. The VAS is presented as a 10 cm horizontal line, where the extreme ends of 0 indicates "normal skin" and 10 corresponds to the "worst possible scar," for each of the following scar attributes: pigmentation, vascularity, observer comfort, contour, and overall severity.
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
Dermal Collagen Concentration
Description
A non-invasive, handheld diffuse reflectance probe will be used to measure collagen concentration in the dermis at each incision site. The scale ranges from 10 to 99 and the collagen measurement corresponds to the half of the optical scattering coefficient of the dermis.
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
Dermal Water Concentration
Description
A non-invasive, handheld diffuse reflectance probe will be used to measure water concentration in the dermis at each incision site. Infrared light is emitted at different wavelengths to retrieve the scattering and the absorption coefficients of the dermis. The more water, the less reflectance. Concentration ranges from 40% to 85%.
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
3D Imaging Analysis: Pigmentation of Scar Tissue
Description
A 3D digital imaging system will be used to construct 3D images of the scars for colorimetric analyses, including quantitative measurements of pigmentation at each incision site.
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
3D Imaging Analysis: Vascularity of Scar Tissue
Description
A 3D digital imaging system will be used to construct 3D images of the scars for colorimetric analyses, including quantitative measurements of vascularity at each incision site.
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
3D Imaging Analysis: Volume of Elevation of Scar Tissue
Description
A 3D digital imaging system will be used to construct 3D images of the scars for skin profilometry analyses, including quantitative measurements of tissue volume at each incision site.
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).
Title
Histological Analysis: Collagen Content of Scar Tissue (Optional)
Description
The histological changes that occur in vivo in response to LED-RL phototherapy will be evaluated by examination of pre- and post-treated skin tissue. Skin specimens will be obtained via optional 2 mm punch biopsy and stained for collagen fibers.
Time Frame
Skin specimens will be obtained via optional 2 mm punch biopsy on post-operative day 0 (prior to surgery) and post-operative day 30 (first follow-up visit after completion of LED-RL treatment).
Title
Number of Participants Experiencing Adverse Events in Each Treatment Group
Description
Subjects will be provided with a daily diary to record any adverse events experienced during the three-week intervention period. Treatment sessions will be monitored closely for the occurrence of any safety issues or adverse events, as reported by the subject or observed by the clinical research team. At each follow up visit, patients will be asked about adverse effects.
Time Frame
From first LED-RL and mock phototherapy treatment session on post-operative day 5 until final follow-up visit on post-operative day 180 (6 month follow-up).
Title
Patient Scar Assessment Scale
Description
The scale consists of six items rated from 1 to 10, where 1 is "normal skin" and 10 is the "worst imaginable scar". The patient assesses pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity. The scores of each of the six items are summed for a total score (range 6 to 60).
Time Frame
Baseline assessment was completed on post-operative day 5, before LED-RL or mock phototherapy treatment. Follow-up visits were scheduled on approximately post-operative day 30 (1 month), post-operative 90 (3 months), and post-operative day 180 (6 months).

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Provision of written informed consent for all study procedures Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study Suitable candidate for elective mini-facelift surgery Pass a screening photosensitivity test Exclusion Criteria: Current use of any photosensitizing medications Light-sensitive conditions Diabetes mellitus Systemic lupus erythematosus Current tobacco use History of bleeding or coagulation disorder Lax skin associated with genetic disorders Open wounds on the face or neck Fibrotic skin disease, pre-existing scar(s), or other skin conditions affecting the periauricular skin History of surgery or procedure involving or affecting the periauricular skin within the past 6 months (e.g., prior facelift, fillers, laser therapy) Tattoos that cover the proposed treatment sites on the periauricular skin Any other medical condition(s) that could be compromised by exposure to the proposed treatment
Facility Information:
Facility Name
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
City
Brooklyn
State/Province
New York
ZIP/Postal Code
11203
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No
Citations:
PubMed Identifier
31307501
Citation
Nguyen JK, Weedon J, Jakus J, Heilman E, Isseroff RR, Siegel DM, Jagdeo JR. A dose-ranging, parallel group, split-face, single-blind phase II study of light emitting diode-red light (LED-RL) for skin scarring prevention: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2019 Jul 15;20(1):432. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3546-6.
Results Reference
derived

Learn more about this trial

Light Emitting Diode-Red Light (LED-RL) Phototherapy for Skin Scarring Prevention

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