CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT00476801Updated Jul 10, 2015

UVA1 Light for Treatment of Scleroderma and Similar Conditions

An interventional study of German manufactured UVA1 light emitting device in Scleroderma, Keloids and Other Fibrosing Conditions, sponsored by University of Michigan. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 10 Years to 80 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2015-07-10.

Sponsored by University of Michigan · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
27
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
10 Years to 80 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effectiveness of an investigational device which is similar in appearance to a "tanning bed" but which emits ultraviolet irradiation of a specific wavelength known as UVA1. This device has not been approved by the FDA for general use in this country, as yet, but it has been used quite successfully in Europe for several years in treating such conditions as scleroderma, keloids, and other fibrosing conditions of the skin. Your participation in this study may yield important information regarding the safety and effectiveness of this form of light therapy for the treatment of these skin conditions which, at present, are difficult to treat.

Read the detailed description

Ultraviolet rays from the sun that reach the earth surface are divided into shorter wavelength, hence high energy, UVB (290-320nm) and longer wavelength, hence low energy UVA (320-400nm). The wavelengths of light that cause sunburn and are associated with skin cancer causation is the high energy UVB. UVA wavelengths can be further divided into relatively shorter wavelength, hence higher energy UVA2 (320-340nm) and longer wavelength, lower energy UVA1 (340-400nm). Phototherapy light boxes used in our clinic for the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and pruritus, as well as those used in tanning salons emit both UVB and UVA wavelengths of light. The advantages of using UVA1 light source in the treatment of skin conditions are 1) lack of skin cancer and sunburn causing rays (UVB/UVA2) and 2) as a consequence, the ability to treat patients more safely.

Keloid, scleroderma, acne keloidalis nuchae, and burn scars are all characterized by collagenous thickening of the skin resulting in superficial and deep cutaneous sclerosis. Treatments for these disabling conditions are inadequate at present. Recently, in non-controlled studies, UVA1 was shown to induce improvement in patients with scleroderma, granuloma annulare and urticaria pigmentosa (1-3). The mode of action of UVA1 treatment is not completely understood, however, local immuno-modulation appears to be important (4). UVA1 has also been shown to stimulate collagenase activity in a dose dependent manner in the dermis (5,6). We postulate, therefore, that UVA1 in appropriate doses can improve these fibrosing skin conditions safely through collagenase-mediated removal of excess dermal collagen.

02

Conditions studied

  • Scleroderma
  • Keloids
  • Other Fibrosing Conditions

Keywords

  • UVA1
  • scleroderma
  • keloids
  • light therapy
  • morphea
03

In context

Scleroderma, Systemic

688 studies on the registry are indexed under Scleroderma, Systemic; 223 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 27 is below the median of 34 across 493 interventional studies indexed under Scleroderma, Systemic.

Browse Scleroderma, Systemic studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Michigan is the lead sponsor of 1,475 studies on the registry; 196 are open to participants now.

Of its 162 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 128 (79%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
10 Years to 80 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Age: 10-80 years
  • Clinical diagnosis of keloid (or hypertrophic scar), scleroderma, acne keloidalis nuchae, old burn scars, granuloma annulare, and other related conditions associated with altered dermal matrix.
  • At least two areas of comparable thickness/induration, one on each side, or one large sclerotic lesion that can be divided in half for UVA1 and sham UV therapy.
  • No disease states or physical conditions which would impair evaluation of the test site.
  • Willing and able to receive UVA1 as directed in the protocol, make evaluation visits, and follow protocol restrictions.
  • Signed, written, witnessed, informed consent form.
  • Must live within driving distance of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of photosensitivity.
  • UVA1 irradiation hypersensitivity in a UVA1 photo-provocation test.
  • Pregnant or nursing women.
  • Involved in an investigational study within the previous 4 weeks.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Crossover assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
27 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    UVA1 irradiation

    The dose and scheduling will be similar to those being successfully used in Germany: up to 130J/cm2 from a UVA1 Sellamed irradiation device (German manufactured UVA1 light emitting device) with irradiations up to 5 times per week for up to 14 weeks on one side of the face. Then a cross-over treatment an equal length of time.

    Device: German manufactured UVA1 light emitting device

  • No intervention
    Control

    No treatment on the opposite side of the face as the UVA1 treatment for up to 14 weeks. Then a cross-over treatment an equal length of time.

Interventions

  • DeviceGerman manufactured UVA1 light emitting device

    The UVA1 dose will be up to 130 J/cm2.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Plaque thickness, plaque hardness, patient mobility

    Time frame: 28 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Levels of collagen and mmp induction

    Time frame: 28 weeks

07

Study locations

1 site
  • University of Michigan Department of Dermatology
    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0314, United States
08

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jul 10, 2015, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT00476801
Lead sponsor
University of Michigan
First posted
May 22, 2007
Start date
Jul 2001
Primary completion
Feb 2004
Completion
Feb 2004
Last update
Jul 10, 2015

Study contacts

Sewon Kang, MD
principal investigator · University of Michigan hospital

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is completed, as verified in Jul 2015. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

Follow this study

Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.

Sign in to follow

Discussion

Questions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.

Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.

Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.

Start the discussion