Actinic Keratosis

Researchers are studying the use of a 2,910 nm mid-infrared Fiber Laser UltraClear, Acclaro Medical to treat advanced perioral lines and wrinkles. The goal is to assess the lasers effectiveness for skin rejuvenation by using both superficial epidermis ablation and deeper skin layers ablative and coagulative effects. The study also aims to evaluate safety and participant satisfaction with this resurfacing treatment for photodamaged skin and wrinkles. Participants will receive up to two treatments with the UltraClear laser, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. These treatments focus on improving the appearance of perioral lines and wrinkles using the lasers combined superficial and deep skin effects. Following treatments, participants will have follow-up visits at 1 month and 3 months to evaluate the results and any side effects. Throughout the study, researchers will measure improvements using multiple scales, including the Fitzpatrick Wrinkling and Degree of Elastosis Scale, Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and assessments by independent photographic reviewers. Participants will also report their own perceptions of aesthetic improvement and satisfaction. Safety and overall aesthetic outcomes will be monitored during follow-ups, with the total participation lasting through the 3 months after the final treatment.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two types of facial sunscreensuntinted and tintedin improving facial dark spots such as melasma, solar lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This study involves adult participants who will use the products under normal daily conditions for eight weeks to assess changes in hyperpigmentation. Participants will be assigned to one of four groups based on their skin condition and sunscreen type melasma with untinted sunscreen, melasma with tinted sunscreen, solar lentigo or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with untinted sunscreen, and the same conditions with tinted sunscreen. Participants will apply the assigned sunscreen to their face at least twice daily for 56 days. During the study, participants will undergo dermatological evaluations and instrumental measurements using devices like the Chroma Meter CR 400 and Visia-CR Facial Imaging Booth at baseline, 14 days, 28 days, and 56 days. Quality of life questionnaires and perception surveys will assess the impact of facial spots and product efficacy. Participants will also provide an emotional testimonial at the studys end. The total duration of participation is 8 weeks.

Researchers are evaluating noninvasive imaging methods to study the appearance of skin and mucosal lesions to improve diagnostic accuracy before a biopsy is needed and to help guide treatment planning. This study involves creating an Image Repository to store these images for clinical practice, teaching, training, and future research. It uses a high-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography OCT device called ApolloVueae S100 Image System that provides detailed cross-sectional and en-face images with cellular information. Participants with muco-cutaneous lesions, including normal skin, benign lesions, or neoplastic conditions, identified during routine clinical care will undergo various non-invasive imaging tests. These include dermoscopic imaging, 3-dimensional total body photography, confocal microscopy, OCT imaging, ultrasound, hyperspectral imaging, electrical impedance spectroscopy, and patient self-imaging using mobile phone technology with dermatoscope attachments. Images will be collected of untreated and treated lesions over a period of 7 years. Participants will have their lesions imaged using these non-invasive tools, with images collected and stored in the Image Repository. Assessments include capturing detailed images using specialized devices to evaluate lesion morphology, depth, vascular features, and biochemical information. Researchers will monitor the imaging data to support clinical decisions, teaching, and future research. Participation may involve multiple imaging sessions over time, and safety monitoring includes ensuring no allergic reactions to imaging materials. The study welcomes healthy volunteers and all ages, with informed consent or parental consent and patient assent as applicable.

This research aims to find a new way to treat actinic keratoses, which are rough, scaly skin spots caused by long-term sun exposure. These spots are common in adults under 50 with chronically sun-damaged skin and can sometimes develop into skin cancer if untreated. The study is exploring whether adding aluminum chloride hexahydrate to a standard cream treatment improves the reduction of these skin spots. Participants will apply one of two treatments to their affected skin areas either the standard 5% 5-fluorouracil cream alone or a combination of 5% 5-fluorouracil cream plus 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate cream. The treatment is applied twice daily for one week on either the scalp or forearms. The study uses a split-area approach where one half receives the investigational treatment and the other half receives standard care, with the assignment randomized and blinded. Participants will be examined before treatment, shortly after the one-week treatment ends, and about eight weeks later. During these visits, a dermatologist will count the number of actinic keratoses and take photographs to monitor changes. Researchers will also assess skin redness, itchiness, and pain at the treatment sites. The study will measure how well each treatment reduces the number of skin spots over time and monitor participant safety.

Anastomotic leakage AL remains a serious problem after colorectal surgery, causing increased illness, death, and lower quality of life. This study evaluates an adaptive anastomosis technique using the C-REX RectoAid Cath device to reduce AL risk in patients having elective anterior resection for sigmoid or proximal rectal cancer or premalignant lesions. The study is prospective, international, and non-randomized, focusing on AL incidence and surgical outcomes. The C-REX RectoAid Cath device helps create a colorectal anastomosis by snap-locking silicone rings to hold bowel ends together without permanent staples, which may improve healing. The device is used in both open and minimally invasive surgeries by trained colorectal surgeons. The anastomotic ring naturally detaches and passes with feces about 10 days after surgery. The study includes 165 patients who undergo the procedure with the C-REX device. Participants will be monitored for 1 year after surgery. They will complete questionnaires about bowel function and healthcare use before surgery, and at 90 days and 1 year postoperatively. Researchers will assess AL rates at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year, along with complications, readmissions, inflammatory markers, surgeon feedback, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life. Imaging with CT scan and colonoscopy will be done at 12 months to evaluate healing and anastomotic integrity.

Skin cancer cases, including both melanoma and non-melanoma types, have been steadily rising over recent decades. This research investigates new imaging technologies to improve the diagnosis of pigmented and non-pigmented skin tumors without needing invasive biopsies. The study evaluates the use of a high-resolution optical coherence tomography OCT scanner, the ApolloVueae S100 Image System, which offers detailed skin imaging at the cellular level and combines advantages of existing imaging methods like confocal microscopy and traditional OCT. The study uses the ApolloVueae S100, a CE-certified device that produces two-dimensional, cross-sectional, and en-face images of the skin in real time. This system employs a special light source and camera to create high-speed, high-resolution images, allowing precise examination of skin lesions. Other imaging devices such as confocal microscopy, Vivascopeae, Vivosightae OCT, and dermoscopy with DermLite FotoXae are also used for comparison on a subset of skin lesions. The systems guiding mechanism helps position the probe accurately for detailed scans during the study. Participants with pigmented or non-pigmented skin lesions scheduled for biopsy or excision will undergo imaging assessments using these devices. Researchers will characterize disease features and evaluate diagnostic accuracy over approximately 1.5 years. Data collected includes OCT images, lesion positions, and clinical assessments. This non-invasive imaging study aims to improve skin tumor evaluation while reducing unnecessary biopsies, with no additional treatments given. Participants progress and skin lesion images will be monitored and recorded throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of artificial intelligence AI assistance during routine upper endoscopy on reducing deaths specifically caused by gastric cancer. The study compares AI-assisted endoscopy to routine endoscopy to see if AI can improve detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and premalignant gastric conditions. Detecting these early may help prevent the development of gastric cancer or allow earlier treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one undergoes routine endoscopy without AI assistance, and the other has routine endoscopy with AI-assisted interpretation to help doctors identify H. pylori infection and premalignant lesions. Patients diagnosed with H. pylori typically receive antibiotic treatment to eradicate the infection, and those with premalignant conditions are usually advised to have surveillance endoscopy every two years. The study aims to see if AI support further reduces gastric cancer deaths over up to five years. During the study, participants will have scheduled endoscopies, and researchers will monitor outcomes including gastric cancer-specific mortality. The study includes adults aged 20 to 80 who are scheduled for endoscopy, and those with a history of gastric surgery are excluded. The study is sponsored by National Taiwan University Hospital and plans to complete by the end of 2028.

Researchers are evaluating a new artificial intelligence AI tool designed to assist primary care providers in assessing skin conditions. This AI-powered dermatology image reference app works with a smartphone to provide reference images, helping providers make diagnoses using their medical training. The study aims to compare diagnoses made by primary care providers using the AI tool to those of a panel of dermatologists, considered the gold standard. The research is supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health ARPA-H and focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy and care in real-world clinical settings. The study involves primary care providers using the Belle AI tool, which analyzes images captured via a smartphone app and identifies over 2,000 skin conditions based on a large image database. Providers use the app during patient visits to capture images and receive differential diagnoses, which they review before making final decisions. After the initial visit, participants receive notifications to submit follow-up images using the app over a two-week period. Providers reassess diagnoses based on updated AI analysis, and follow-up visits may be scheduled or canceled depending on results. Providers receive training on the app and give feedback through surveys. Participants present with a primary dermatological complaint and consent to study procedures, including using the smartphone app to submit images. Researchers monitor diagnosis accuracy compared to a dermatology review committee consensus and assess economic impact and provider experience. The study lasts about 14 days per participant, with ongoing documentation in electronic medical records and continuous case review to determine care needs or resolution.

Researchers are studying the use of the AVAVA Device, a 1550nm Non-Ablative Fractional Laser, to treat various dermatologic conditions including acne, acne scars, wrinkles, pigment lesions, and skin texture disorders. The study aims to collect and analyze patient feedback on their overall experience with the device treatment. The primary focus is on responses to post-treatment questionnaires, while secondary measures include evaluations by physicians and patients regarding improvements and side effects. Participants will receive treatment using the AVAVA Device targeting their dermatologic condition. The study includes follow-up periods at 3, 6, and 12 months after the final treatment to assess outcomes. During these times, trained dermatologists will review before and after images, and both physicians and subjects will complete satisfaction and clinical improvement scales. The treatment process involves digital photography and adherence to specific skincare and sun exposure guidelines. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires immediately after treatment and during follow-up visits to report their experience and tolerance of the procedure, including pain levels. Researchers will monitor the skins response and improvements over time through imaging and clinical assessments. The study requires participants to comply with study instructions, maintain consistent skincare, and attend scheduled visits. The total participation duration spans from initial treatment through 12 months of follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating treatments for actinic keratoses AK, a skin condition that can benefit from field-directed therapy. This study compares a new combination treatment of 5-fluorouracil 5FU and calcipotriol CAL against the standard 5FU therapy alone. The goal is to find out if a shorter treatment with 5FU-CAL can be as effective as the longer 5FU-only course, while reducing side effects like redness, itching, burning, and crusting that often lead to poor adherence and early treatment stopping. The study involves two treatment groups. One group will apply a combination of topical 5FU and CAL twice daily for 4 or 6 consecutive days, depending on the treatment location. The other group will use topical 5FU alone twice daily for 4 weeks. Treatment areas include the face, ears, scalp, neck, chest, and upper extremities. The study will carefully monitor how these treatments perform over time. Participants will be followed for 12 months after finishing treatment to assess treatment success. Researchers will measure clearance and recurrence of AK lesions, side effects, patient satisfaction, treatment compliance, and quality of life at multiple points before, during, and after treatment. This thorough follow-up aims to understand how well the shorter combination therapy works compared to the standard 4-week 5FU treatment.