UVA-1 Phototherapy for Scleroderma

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Utah

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

UVA-1 has been reported to be beneficial to skin changes in scleroderma in several case reports and a few small studies. (Jacobe 2020) Interpretation of these reports has been difficult based on the small numbers of subjects involved and the non-blinded non-randomized nature of the reports. In a single controlled study with half-side comparison of 9 patients, the investigators could not demonstrate improvement with UVA-1 in the treated hand. (Thomas 2007) This study was limited by a small number of patients and the long disease duration prior to treatment (mean of 13 years). A more recent report of a patient with scleroderma for 2.5 years and severe acrosclerosis that responded to 21 sessions of UVA-1 with improved mobility and functionality renews interest in this treatment modality. (Cuenca-Barrales 2019) In this trial patients will be randomized to have their dominant or non-dominant hand undergo 30 sessions of UVA1 therapy . We will assess patient's hand mobility, hand function, skin hardening (assessed by durometer measurements), skin thickness, as well as patient reported outcomes to determine efficacy. This study will use a single-blind, prospective, randomized (dominant/non-dominant hand) comparator design to assess the effect of high dose (80-120 J/cm2) UVA1 therapy on hand function in scleroderma in a paired t-test design. This study will be placebo-controlled (with a UV-blocking gloved hand), cross-over, randomized clinical trial. Following the initial treatment period (30 treatments), patients will have the option to undergo the same high dose UVA1 treatment protocol on the untreated control hand. A follow up period of 12 months following completion of UVA1 therapy will prospectively follow patients to monitor for relapse of their disease to assess the durability of the clinical response to UVA1 therapy on hand scleroderma.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with scleroderma affecting both hands equally, who can attend twice-weekly UVA1 sessions and won't change their systemic therapy during the first 100 days. It's not for those with recent tanning or sun exposure, on photosensitizing meds, unable to complete visits, pregnant or planning pregnancy, using certain topical therapies recently, intolerant to UV light, or disqualified by the investigator.

Inclusion Criteria

I am either male or female.

I can attend two UVA1 therapy sessions every week.

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Current pregnancy or planned pregnancy during the study period

I have not used tanning beds or had excessive sun exposure in the last month.

I cannot attend all required study visits.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• UVA-1 Phototherapy (Phototherapy)

Trial Overview The study tests if UVA-1 Phototherapy improves hand function in scleroderma patients. Participants' dominant or non-dominant hand will receive 30 sessions of high dose UVA-1 treatment. The study measures hand mobility and skin changes before allowing treatment on the other hand. It's a single-blind trial comparing treated vs UV-blocked gloved hands.

Participant Groups

Group I: UVA-1 Treated hand Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This hand will be treated with UVA-1 phototherapy.

Group II: The untreated hand Active Control 1 Intervention

This hand will be gloved when the patient undergoes UVA-1 phototherapy treatments.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,169

Recruited

1,623,000+

Jeffrey Wilkins

University of Utah

Chief Medical Officer since 2022

MD from Meharry Medical College

Stephen Tullman

University of Utah

Chief Executive Officer since 2022

BS in Accounting from Rutgers University