Shorter wait for light therapy? study tests faster treatment for Sun-Damaged skin

NCT ID NCT03066843

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This study compares two different incubation times for a light-activated cream used to treat actinic keratosis, a common precancerous skin condition caused by sun exposure. Participants receive either no wait or a one-hour wait after applying the cream before blue light therapy. The goal is to see if a shorter incubation time works just as well, making treatment more convenient.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) plus blue light therapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors choose the most effective and convenient treatment schedule for actinic keratosis, reducing the risk of skin cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 28 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment may cause skin reactions, and the optimal incubation time remains uncertain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

actinic keratosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States