Clinical Trial: Photodynamic Therapy for Benign Dermal Neurofibromas

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Topical Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) With Levulan® Kerastick® for Benign Dermal Neurofibromas Phase II

Brief Summary:

The investigators wish to determine the time to disease progression for benign neurofibromas treated with Levulan Kerastick topical photosensitizer and red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

The investigators also wish to measure tumor size for control and treatment tumors in order to gain insights into tumor growth rates.


Detailed Summary:

Neurofibromas contain a large quantity of fibrous matter, and it is not anticipated that significant reductions in tumor size can be achieved in large, long established, tumors. Cutaneous neurofibromas, which do not usually become apparent until puberty, continue to increase in size and number throughout adulthood. The psychosocial burden of these disfiguring tumors is significant, and the targeted age group (14-30) is at a life period associated with an acceleration in tumor growth. It is for these reasons that the investigators hope to affect the growth rate of less established tumors, in order to prevent or lessen this burden as the patient progresses further into adulthood.

Therefore, the investigators wish to determine the time to disease progression (defined as 50% growth in size over baseline) for benign neurofibromas treated with PDT in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in subjects aged 14-30.

The treatment will consist of choosing several neurofibromas of similar size, and applying a topical drug called Levulan, or just the topical application alone (a placebo). After 1 day, the neurofibromas will be illuminated with red light (both Levulan and placebo). The Levulan is what is known as a photosensitizer, and will be activated by the red light to potentially kill some of the tumor cells. Every 4 months after, for three years, the tumors will be measured to see if they are growing more slowly than the ones with the placebo application alone.


Sponsor: Harry T Whelan, MD

Current Primary Outcome: Time to disease progression [ Time Frame: 3 years ]

The time it takes for 50% growth in tumor size over baseline measurements.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Tumor growth rate [ Time Frame: 3 years ]

Measure tumor size for control and treatment tumors in order to gain insights into tumor growth rates.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Medical College of Wisconsin

Dates:
Date Received: March 25, 2016
Date Started: August 2016
Date Completion: August 2023
Last Updated: August 3, 2016
Last Verified: August 2016