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Laser skin treatment to help prevent sun-related skin growths in older adults

Tests fractionated laser resurfacing on one forearm of older adults with actinic keratoses.

Key facts

Who runs it
Wright State University
Where
Dayton, United StatesSee the site
Trial code
Registry title
Effectiveness of Fractionated Laser Resurfacing to Protect Geriatric Skin From Actinic Neoplasia
Status
Recruiting
People taking part
72 people, planned
Started
10 Jan 2018
Expected to end
Dec 2028
Type of study
Interventional, 2 groups
Treatments tested
  • Fractionated Laser Resurfacing
Record updated
17 July 2026

Who can take part

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults aged 60 or older with actinic keratosis (rough, sun-damaged patches of skin) and fair skin. One forearm gets laser treatment and the other does not.

Age
60 years or older
Sex
All sexes can join.
Disease stage
Actinic keratosis diagnosed within the past 6 months. Fair skin (Fitzpatrick Type I or II).
Earlier treatment
People cannot join if they use topical or oral anti-inflammatory medication or steroids, or photosensitizing medication.

Main reasons for not taking part

  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Large tattoos on the forearms
  • History of abnormal healing or scarring (such as keloids)
  • Allergy to lidocaine

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 15 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

  • 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

Who cannot take part

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

Where in United States

  • Dayton VA Medical CenterDayton, United StatesContact: Manager, Clinical Research OperationsTaking people

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

This study is following up on previous studies that have demonstrated that geriatric subjects respond different to ultraviolet B (UVB) light than young subjects. The treatment of geriatric skin with dermal rejuvenation therapies (dermabrasion, fractionated laser resurfacing) restores the appropriate UVB response. Ongoing studies have tested the ability of fractionated laser resurfacing (FLR) to assess how long this wounding effect lasts-and have found that this appears to be a durable response which lasts for at least two years. The findings that FLR protects geriatric skin at two years is the impetus for this study.

Read full original descriptionShow less

This study is an interventional study to assess if FLR treatment of one forearm of geriatric subjects with multiple actinic keratosis will result in the short-term removal of actinic keratosis, and the long-term decrease in levels of future actinic keratosis and other non-melanoma skin cancers in comparison to the untreated arm.

Study length and visit: The first part of the study is completed in 1 day then there are follow up visits at 90 days and every 6 months for 5 years.

The 2 groups in the trial

  • Factionated Laser Resurfacing - Right ArmTreatment being tested

    Right forearm treatment of fractionated laser resurfacing.

    Treatment: Fractionated Laser Resurfacing

  • Factionated Laser Resurfacing - Left ArmTreatment being tested

    Left forearm treatment of fractionated laser resurfacing.

    Treatment: Fractionated Laser Resurfacing

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

Print a page for my doctor

Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Official title
Effectiveness of Fractionated Laser Resurfacing to Protect Geriatric Skin From Actinic Neoplasia
Plain-language title
Laser skin treatment to help prevent sun-related skin growths in older adultsGenerated from the registry record. The registry title is the official one.
AI summary
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Record updated
17 July 2026