Laser rejuvenation may shield aging skin from cancer
NCT ID NCT03906253
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a single session of fractionated laser resurfacing on one forearm can reduce precancerous spots (actinic keratosis) and prevent future non-melanoma skin cancers in older adults with fair skin. Participants are at least 60 years old and have had actinic keratosis in the past six months. The treated arm is compared to the untreated arm over five years of follow-up.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Fractionated laser resurfacing (FLR) — a device that creates tiny holes in the top layer of skin to rejuvenate it.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a one-time treatment to lower the risk of precancerous spots and skin cancer in older adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 72 participants, and results may not apply to everyone. The laser treatment may cause temporary redness or scarring.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 72 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2018
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Dayton VA Medical Center
RECRUITINGDayton, Ohio, 45428, United States
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