Comparing broadband and narrowband phototherapy for eczema treatment

Canadian Atopic Dermatitis Cohort for Translational Immunology and Imaging (CACTI) With a Nested BROadband vs Narrowband photoTherapy for Eczema (BRONTE) Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Women's College Hospital · NCT04818138

This study is testing whether broadband or narrowband UV light therapy works better for treating moderate to severe eczema in patients who haven't found relief with other treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWomen's College Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsdupilumab, methotrexate
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04818138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of broadband versus narrowband UVB phototherapy in treating atopic dermatitis, a complex skin condition. It will enroll patients from three major Canadian centers, collecting data on the severity of their eczema and the treatments they have used. The research is nested within the Canadian Atopic Dermatitis Cohort for Translational Immunology and Imaging (CACTI), which seeks to enhance understanding of eczema and improve treatment options. Participants will be assessed based on specific criteria to ensure they have moderate to severe eczema despite previous treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who have not responded adequately to topical therapies.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving systemic immune-modulating agents or biologics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment options for patients suffering from atopic dermatitis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with phototherapy approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Atopic dermatitis according to the Hanifin and Rajka criteria.
2. Validated Investigator Global Assessment score of 3 or 4 out of 4
3. Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score ≥7.1
4. Moderate to severe disease as above despite an adequate trial of topical therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Treatment with phototherapy or oral systemic immune-modulating agents (cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) less than 30 days before baseline.
2. Treatment with systemic biologic (dupilumab) or experimental therapeutic less than 90 days before baseline.
3. Current treatment with oral or intramuscular corticosteroids within 30 days prior to baseline. Topical, intralesional or inhaled corticosteroids are allowed.
4. Participating in a clinical trial assessing an investigational agent for atopic dermatitis (topical, systemic or device) within 90 days prior to enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atopic DermatitisSkin DiseasesEczema
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.