Combined Photodynamic and Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains (NCT00556946) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Combined Photodynamic and Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains
United States17 participantsStarted 2005-08
Plain-language summary
This research study was designed to determine the effect on port wine stains (PWS) of liposomal benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid (BPD-MA) termed verteporfin by intravenous (IV) infusion for photodynamic therapy (PDT) or combined PDT and pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy (PDT + PDL). The standard treatment for PWS is PDL alone. This lightens some PWS but many lesions are not completely removed.
PDT uses a medication and light together to cause injury to a target. The medication is given and then light is directed at the desired area of treatment to achieve an effect. PDT has been used to treat some skin conditions including pre-cancers and skin cancers. Using PDT or PDT immediately followed by PDL therapy may improve PWS lightening. At this time, both PDT and PDT + PDL therapy for treatment of PWS is investigational. The type and amount of medication and light which may be used to treat PWS is not known, and is likely to be different than those used for other PDT treatments.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adult 18 years and older
* Have a PWS on an area other than the face
* A negative pregnancy test and non pregnant or nursing
Exclusion Criteria:
* Under 18 years of age
* Have an allergy to verteporfin, porfimer sodium or other porphyrins
* Have a history of porphyria (a disease that can cause sensitivity to light)
* Have had treatment to the PWS test sites in the last 8 weeks
* Have an active uncontrolled infection or other significant disease
* Currently using medications that cause sensitivity to light such as tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phenothiazines, sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, thiazide diuretics and griseofulvin
* Currently using medications that increase bleeding, including aspirin, coumadin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
* Have very dark skin which is sensitive to laser treatment
* Have a positive ANA (lab tests which indicates sensitivity to light)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.