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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 60 and up

Using laser treatment to protect older skin from skin cancer

Official title: Effectiveness of Fractionated Laser Resurfacing to Protect Geriatric Skin From Actinic Neoplasia

Run by Wright State University · NCT03906253 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if a special laser treatment can help older adults with actinic keratosis reduce their chances of developing skin cancer in the future.

More Aging trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment72 (estimated)
SponsorWright State University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dayton, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 10, 2018
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedJuly 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT03906253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older with a recent diagnosis of actinic keratosis and fair skin types.

Probably not a fit

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, significant skin conditions, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of fractionated laser resurfacing (FLR) in treating geriatric patients with actinic keratosis, a precursor to skin cancer. By applying FLR to one forearm, researchers aim to evaluate both the immediate removal of actinic keratosis and the long-term reduction of future skin cancer occurrences compared to an untreated forearm. The study builds on previous findings that FLR can enhance the skin's response to UVB light in older adults, potentially offering a durable protective effect lasting at least two years.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the incidence of actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancers in older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with fractionated laser resurfacing in enhancing skin responses, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Actinic Keratosis within the past 6 months
* At least 60 years of age, or older
* Ability to comprehend procedures and risks versus benefits
* Able to provide Informed Consent
* Fair Skin (Fitzpatrick Type I or II)
* Possess both Right and Left Forearms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus
* Not able to comprehend procedures or risks versus benefits
* Pregnant or nursing
* Large tattoos on forearms
* History of abnormal healing or scarring (i.e., keloids)
* Any disease that gets worse while in the sun
* Use of topical or oral anti-inflammatory medication or steroids
* Allergy to lidocaine
* Current use of photosensitizing medication

Where it's running

  • Dayton VA Medical Center
    Dayton, Ohio, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Actinic Keratoses 5Aging 2413Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer 6Wright State University 45
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.