Laser resurfacing may shield aging skin from cancer
NCT ID NCT06428721
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a laser treatment called fractionated laser resurfacing (FLR) can protect the forearms of older adults from precancerous spots (actinic keratoses) and non-melanoma skin cancer. Participants are 60 or older with fair skin and at least five precancerous spots on each forearm. One forearm receives the laser treatment, while the other serves as a comparison. The study also explores whether skin photographs can predict where future spots or cancers will appear.
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 laser that creates tiny holes in the skin's surface to rejuvenate it.
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a way to prevent skin cancer in older adults without daily creams or frequent doctor visits.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with 80 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The laser procedure can cause temporary redness, swelling, or discomfort.
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 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2031
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: * Adult Males and Females aged 60 and older * Have at least 5 AKs on each forearm/wrist, but no more than 10 to allow for easy monitoring * Skin type fair (Fitzpatrick I-II) * Females must be post-menopausal and not be on systemic hormone replacement therapy * Able to comprehend procedures and risks Exclusion Criteria: * More than 10 AKs on an extremity * AKs that are large (2-3+, hyperkeratotic grade 3 lesions) * AKs that are very thick (\>3 mm) * Medical history of diabetes * History of poor wound healing or scarring * Large tattoos that can interfere with study * Other serious health issues and other skin diseases that could interfere with the study * Recent (within 1 year) field therapies such as efudex cream or PDT to forearms/wrists. * Planning to leave region in next 5 years * Subjects with allergies to xylocaine will be excluded if they need this topical anesthetic.
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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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Wright State Physicians
RECRUITINGFairborn, Ohio, 45324, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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