The Use of Microneedles to Expedite Treatment Time in Photodynamic Therapy

The Use of Microneedles to Expedite Treatment Time in Photodynamic Therapy

The aim of this study is to investigate how varying incubation periods of topical aminolevulinic acid after pretreatment with microneedle application can facilitate the penetration and efficacy of photodynamic therapy.

The current standard of care of photodynamic therapy to treat actinic keratoses includes pre-treatment of the area with topical aminolevulinic acid for 1 hour, followed by treatment with blue light. In a previous study, the investigators showed pretreatment of microneedles enhance penetration of topical aminolevulinic acid as compared to the control group.

The aim of this study is to investigate how varying incubation periods of topical aminolevulinic acid after pretreatment with microneedle application can facilitate the penetration and efficacy of photodynamic therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age and older
• Subjects has actinic keratoses and qualifies for photodynamic therapy
• Do not meet any of the exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who smoke
• Subjects who have a photosensitizing condition such as lupus, porphyria, or similar condition
• Subjects who have established allergy to topical ALA
• Subjects who have had a documented nonmelanoma skin cancer on the face over the past 6 months