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PDT vs. Peels for Actinic Keratoses on Arms

This study is comparing two treatments for actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by sun exposure) on your upper arms. One treatment is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which uses Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid HCL) topical solution and a special light. The other treatment is a combination of Jessner's Solution and a 35% Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peel. About 60 people will join this study. You would have one arm treated with PDT and the other with the chemical peels. Doctors will count how many actinic keratoses clear up 2-8 weeks after treatment to see which method works better. This study is for adults aged 18 and older who live in the Chicago area.

Study design
This is a randomized clinical trial involving about 60 participants. It compares two treatments for actinic keratoses on your arms.
What's involved
You would receive treatment on both upper arms, one with PDT and the other with chemical peels. Actinic keratoses will be counted before and 2-8 weeks after treatment.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your actinic keratoses will be counted 2-8 weeks after treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04429308

PDT vs Peels for Treatment of Actinic Keratoses

Not Yet Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
Northwestern University
~60 participants
Updated 2026-07-01 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Photodynamic TherapyChemical Peels

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Percentage of total AKs cleared
Measured over 2-8 weeks after treatments

Conditions

Actinic Keratoses

Explore related trials

Actinic Keratosis

NCT04429308

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Northwestern University Department of Dermatology

    Chicago, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Murad Alam, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Northwestern University

Who to contact

Alejandra Onate, M.S.
[email protected]
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

What this trial measures

  • Percentage of total AKs cleared2-8 weeks after treatments

    Percentage of total AKs cleared will be calculated by counting the number of AKs before treatment and 2-8 weeks after treatments.