Using Aminolevulinic Acid and Light Therapy to Treat and Prevent Facial Actinic Keratosis

Aminolevulinic Acid-photodynamic Therapy for Facial Actinic Keratosis Treatment and Prevention: A Long-term (3 Years) Follow-up of Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter-clinical Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Shanghai Dermatology Hospital · NCT03642535

This study is testing if a special light therapy combined with a medication can help treat and prevent new spots of actinic keratosis on the face for people who already have them.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorShanghai Dermatology Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Jingan)
Trial IDNCT03642535 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in treating facial actinic keratosis (AK) by targeting areas of field change rather than individual lesions. Eighty patients diagnosed with AKs will be randomized into two groups: one receiving ALA-PDT for field treatment and the other receiving treatment on a specific lesion area. The study aims to determine if this approach can prevent the development of new AKs over a five-year follow-up period. The trial is designed to address the field nature of AKs, potentially reducing the risk of recurrence and new lesions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with clinically diagnosed actinic keratosis who are unfit for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with other facial diseases affecting treatment efficacy or those who have recently undergone similar therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the incidence of new actinic keratosis lesions and improve long-term skin health for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical diagnosed with AK (OLSEN classification grade I, II, III), aged \> 18 years (Because no dosing or adverse event data are currently available on the use of topical aminolevulinic acid in patients \<18 years of age, children are excluded from this study);
2. All patients are unfit and reluctant to undergo surgery for any reasons, and volunteered to participate in the study and ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent. Patents are willing to pay for the treatment, and agreed to take a picture of the skin lesions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those who had ALA-PDT and any other studies that affect this study within 12 weeks ;
2. There are other facial diseases that may affect the efficacy evaluation, such as other photodermatosis;
3. Take phototoxic or photosensitizer within 8 weeks;
4. Clinical and / or pathological prove that the tumor has invaded other organs or tissues;
5. Serious immunocompromised persons;
6. scar constitution;
7. Patients are known to have skin photosensitivity, porphyria, or allergies to ALA, light or lidocaine;
8. Persons are suffering from severe internal diseases, mental and mental illness, infectious diseases or pregnant or lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Jingan

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 Actinic KeratosesPhotodynamic 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.