Photodynamic Therapy for Cutibacterium Acnes (C. Acnes) Decolonization of the Shoulder Dermis (NCT04636242) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownPhase 3
Photodynamic Therapy for Cutibacterium Acnes (C. Acnes) Decolonization of the Shoulder Dermis
United States120 participantsStarted 2019-08-22
Plain-language summary
This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluation the ability of 5-aminolevulinic acid HCL topical solution photodynamic therapy to decrease the colonization of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes- a bacteria commonly found in the dermis of the skin surrounding the shoulder) in order to decrease postoperative joint infections.
-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring metabolite in the synthesis of pathway of cellular heme production. Adding ALA to bacteria encourages porphyrin production which serve as the immediate precursors to heme production. When these porphyrins are illuminated with blue light at an emission peak of 407-420nm, these metabolites become exothermic and cause internal destruction of the bacterial cells. This therapy does not cause any damage to the mammalian cells, which makes PDT safe for human skin treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
MALE
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:
* All male patients (\>18) undergoing shoulder arthroscopy)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Female patients
* Patients with active acnes
* Patients who have taken antibiotics within a month of their surgery
* Subjects with psoriatic/eczematous lesions on the shoulder girdle
* Patients on anticoagulant therapy
* Patients who have a known allergy to any of the agents used in the study protocol
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.
What they're measuring
1
Change in the number of patients who have microbiological results positive for the bacteria C. acnes after treatment with 5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) versus those who were not.