Using light therapy to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers

Action of Photodynamic Therapy on Wound Quality and Tissue Repair in the Diabetic Foot: Double Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Nove de Julho · NCT06416462

This study is testing if adding light therapy to regular treatment can help people with diabetic foot ulcers heal better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nove de Julho Academic / other
Locations1 site (São Paulo, SP)
Trial IDNCT06416462 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the healing quality of diabetic foot ulcers. It involves a randomized, controlled, double-blind design where participants are divided into two groups: one receiving standard care plus aPDT and the other receiving standard care with a simulated treatment. The study aims to assess wound quality and tissue repair using the Bates-Jensen scale over a series of treatment sessions. Conducted in a Municipal Health Center in Rio de Janeiro, the research seeks to provide stronger evidence for the effectiveness of aPDT in clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic neuropathic diabetic foot wounds that are contaminated and meet specific criteria on the Bates-Jensen scale.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetic foot ulcers of non-neuropathic origin or those with ischemic conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly enhance the healing process and quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers.

How similar studies have performed: While there is some evidence supporting the use of aPDT for wound healing, this specific approach is still under investigation and may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* both sexes
* chronic wounds originating from the neuropathic diabetic foot
* contaminated lesions
* total score obtained on the Bates-Jensen scale between 13 and 60
* who submits all requested exams

Exclusion Criteria:

* wounds with etiologies that are not related to the diabetic foot
* ischemic diabetic foot who has an ankle-brachial index with a value between 0.7 and 1.3.
* glycated hemoglobin greater than 8%.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, SP

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 Diabetic Foot Ulcer
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.