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Evaluating the effectiveness of NB-UVB phototherapy for atopic eczema

The UPDATE Trial (Uvb Phototherapy in Dermatology for ATopic Eczema): A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Narrowband UVB Versus Optimized Topical Therapy in Patients With Atopic Eczema

Not applicable Interventional Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT05704205

This study is testing if a special light treatment called NB-UVB can help adults with atopic eczema who aren't getting enough relief from regular creams.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment316 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other
Locations16 sites (Almere, Flevoland and 15 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05704205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy in treating adults with atopic eczema who have not achieved sufficient control with standard topical treatments. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either NB-UVB phototherapy combined with optimal topical therapy (OTT) for 8-16 weeks or to apply OTT alone for a minimum of 3 months. The study will involve multiple follow-up visits to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments through questionnaires and clinical assessments. The goal is to provide robust evidence regarding the benefits of NB-UVB phototherapy for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with moderate atopic eczema that is insufficiently controlled by standard topical care.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for NB-UVB or those currently on systemic therapies for atopic eczema may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from atopic eczema.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying degrees of success with phototherapy approaches, but the specific cost-effectiveness of NB-UVB remains under-researched.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (≥18 years of age) patient meeting the UK working party criteria for atopic eczema;
* AE insufficiently controlled by standard topical care and therefore eligible for NB-UVB or OTT;
* Investigator Global Assessment (IGA, 0-4) of ≥ 2 (moderate disease);
* Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) of ≥ 7 (moderate disease);
* Understood and voluntarily signed and dated an informed consent form prior to any study-related procedure or has a legal representative who has, and is willing to comply with the study's requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contra-indication for NB-UVB;

  * Genetic defects associated with photosensitivity or skin cancer;
  * Heavily photo-damaged skin;
  * History of multiple (\>1) skin malignancies;
  * Use of systemic immunosuppressants/immunomodulators;
  * Use of medication associated with photosensitivity;
* Patient is already on systemic AE therapy;
* Patient is already on OTT in the past 2 months;
* NB-UVB or any systemic therapy in the past 9 months.

Where this trial is running

Almere, Flevoland and 15 other locations

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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Atopic Dermatitis EczemaAtopic Dermatitisatopic eczemaatopic dermatitisNB-UVBphototherapyoptimal topical therapy
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.