Treatment for early Dupuytren's disease using vitamin E cream

Nodular Shrinking in Stage 0 Dupuytren Disease: an Evidence-based Approach for Early Stage Treatment to Prevent Progression to Advanced Finger Contractures

Phase 2 Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT06321991

This study is testing if using vitamin E cream can help people with early Dupuytren's disease stop their fingers from getting worse.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant)
Trial IDNCT06321991 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of vitamin E cream in preventing the progression of Dupuytren's disease, a condition that causes painful finger contractures. Participants with early-stage Dupuytren's disease will be treated with either vitamin E cream or a placebo, and their condition will be monitored using ultrasound measurements. The goal is to provide evidence for a non-invasive treatment option that could help manage this common hand disorder. The study aims to address the lack of validated non-invasive measurement techniques and effective preventive treatments for Dupuytren's disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with primary Dupuytren's disease at stage 0.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced stages of Dupuytren's disease or those who have had prior surgery on the affected hand may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could help prevent the progression of Dupuytren's disease, reducing the need for surgical interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence from previous studies regarding pharmacotherapy for Dupuytren's disease, this specific approach using vitamin E cream is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The participant or his/her legally authorized representative voluntary signed the informed consent prior to the first assessment.
* Participants are ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with primary Dupuytren disease.
* Included patients have a stage 0 DD (nodule of at least 5 mm in the involved hand without contracture).
* The participant has well distinguished noduli that are clearly visible on US (ultrasound)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \< 18 years.
* Patient included in an interventional trial with an investigational medicinal product.
* Patients with cognitive impairments, severe rheumatic disease and neurological disorders leading to flexion deformities of the fingers.
* Patients with prior Dupuytren surgery in the involved hand.
* Patients with a higher Tubiana grading than nodular stage 0.
* Open wound in the palm of the treated hand.

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant

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 Dupuytren's Disease
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.