New patch could tame earlobe keloid scars after surgery
NCT ID NCT07596628
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This Phase 2 trial tests whether small interfering RNA (siRNA) microneedle patches can improve the appearance of earlobe keloid scars after laser surgery. About 158 adults with earlobe keloids will receive either standard steroid injections alone or steroid injections plus the siRNA patches. The study will compare scar appearance and symptoms over several months to see if the patches offer added benefit.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Small interfering RNA (siRNA) microneedle patches
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a new way to reduce keloid scarring after earlobe surgery, potentially improving scar appearance and symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 2 trial with a small sample size, so results may not be conclusive. The patches are experimental and may not work better than standard treatment.
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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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 158 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jun 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A research network
The lead sponsor is a research network or cooperative group.
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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21 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: * ≥21 years old * Not pregnant, breastfeeding or lactating * Able to give consent to participate in trial * Keloid affecting any part of the ear * One keloid recruited per patient * For patients with bilateral earlobe keloids, only one earlobe keloid will be recruited (either left or right) * For patients with both anterior and posterior earlobe keloid on a single ear, only one side will be recruited (either anterior or posterior) * For patients with multiple keloids on a single ear (e.g. both earlobe and helix), only one keloid will be recruited (i.e. earlobe or helix) * Keloid must have protruded and extended beyond the margin of the initial injury * Keloid base maximally 2cm in diameter * Patients who will not undergo additional ear piercing or surgical procedures during the follow-up period Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant, breastfeeding or lactating * Age \<21 years old or unable to provide consent (e.g. from cognitive impairment) * Keloid anywhere else on the body apart from ear * Keloid base more than 2cm in diameter * Known allergy to any of the following: local anaesthetics, triamcinolone, siRNA microneedle patches, plasters, mepilex silver foam dressing, both penicillin and macrolide antibiotics * Participants assessed to be uncooperative or unable to self-administer the interventions
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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 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
Locations
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National Skin Centre
Singapore, 308205, Singapore