Study of Reformulated Levulan Kerastick Plus PDT for Actinic Keratosis on Face and Scalp (NCT07144345) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 3
Study of Reformulated Levulan Kerastick Plus PDT for Actinic Keratosis on Face and Scalp
United States160 participantsStarted 2025-11-19
Plain-language summary
This Phase 3, randomized, multi-center, evaluator-blind, vehicle-controlled study evaluates the efficacy and safety of reformulated Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid HCl 20%) combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for field-directed treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) on the face or bald scalp. Approximately 160 adult patients with 4-8 mild to moderate AK lesions will be randomized into four treatment arms based on two variables: type of treatment (active drug or vehicle) and incubation time. During the study, up to 2 PDT sessions may be administered depending on the clearance of lesions. The primary endpoint is complete clearance rate (CCR) at Week 12. Secondary endpoints include AK clearance rate (AKCR), partial clearance, change in total lesion count and area, recurrence rate, cosmetic response, and patient satisfaction. Safety assessments include adverse events, local skin reactions, vital signs, and lab tests.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 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
. Patient is a male or non-pregnant female aged 18-85 years.
. Patient must have 4-8 mild to moderate actinic keratosis (AK) lesions (Olsen grade 1 or 2) in a single treatment area (either face or bald scalp, not both), each ≤1 cm in diameter and spaced at least 1 cm apart. \[The treatment area should be approximately 25 cm², excluding sensitive facial regions (eyes, lips, nostrils, ears, mouth)\]
. Patients must be in good general health, avoid sunbathing or tanning devices, and maintain a consistent skincare routine throughout the study.
. Patient is willing to stop using all topical products within the Treatment Area within 8 hours of a scheduled clinic visit with an efficacy evaluation.
. Women of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception; men with such partners must use barrier methods unless surgically sterile.
Exclusion criteria
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
Complete Clearance Rate (CCR) i.e., proportion of patients achieving complete clearance of all AK lesions in the Treatment Area.
. Presence of Olsen grade 3 AK, untreated or suspicious skin cancers, or significant skin abnormalities (e.g., psoriasis, eczema) in the treatment area.
. Active herpes simplex infection or history of ≥2 outbreaks in the treatment area within the past year.
. History of cutaneous photosensitization, porphyria, photodermatosis, or hypersensitivity to porphyrins.
. Positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result, hepatitis B surface (HBS) antigen, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) test result
. Immunosuppressed status (e.g., HIV, organ transplant) or known coagulation defects.
. Use of specific topical therapies (e.g., retinoids, steroids, cryotherapy, PDT, chemical peels) on the treatment area within 2 days to 8 weeks prior to randomization.
. Recent use of certain systemic therapies (e.g., corticosteroids, immune-modulators, retinoids, cytotoxic drugs) within 6 weeks to 6 months prior to randomization.
. Recent use of hypericin or other phototoxic/photoallergic medications (e.g., tetracyclines, psoralenes, St. John's wort) within 8 weeks of randomization.