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Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy for Vitiligo

Phase 2
Waitlist Available
Led By Harvey Lui, MD, FRCPC
Research Sponsored by University of British Columbia
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Localized or generalized vitiligo that involves a non-mucosal or acral site
Patients should have a patch of at least 25 cm2 that shows no more than 10% repigmentation as assessed visually
Must not have
History of previous skin cancer
Patients known to have a photosensitivity disorder
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up assessments at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks during treatment then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial will assess whether red light can help treat vitiligo, a chronic skin disease.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults over 18 with vitiligo, having a skin patch larger than 25 cm2 with less than 10% repigmentation. It's not for those who've had skin cancer, are pregnant or breastfeeding, recently treated for vitiligo, have a photosensitivity disorder, or severe illness/immunosuppression.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study tests the effectiveness of red light therapy on vitiligo patches. It's a prospective single-blind randomized clinical trial where participants won't know if they're receiving the actual treatment as researchers assess how well red light stimulates repigmentation in affected areas.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
While specific side effects of red light therapy aren't detailed here, common concerns may include skin irritation and potential worsening of pigmentation issues. However, it's generally considered safe with minimal risks.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have vitiligo on areas of my skin that are not mucous membranes or on my hands and feet.
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I have a skin area of at least 25 cm2 with less than 10% color return.
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I am older than 18 years.
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I have vitiligo that affects areas other than my mucous membranes or extremities.
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I am older than 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have had skin cancer in the past.
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I have a condition that makes my skin unusually sensitive to sunlight.
Select...
I have a history of serious illness or a weak immune system.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~assessments at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks during treatment then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and assessments at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks during treatment then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Change in the modified VASI score compared to baseline.

Trial Design

4Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: High intensity red lightActive Control1 Intervention
Patients with a vitiligo patch larger than 25cm2 will be recruited. The target patch will be divided into four quadrants. Two opposite quadrants will be shielded by foil and served as control, the third quadrant will be exposed to low intensity red laser (at 3 J/cm¬2), and the fourth quadrant will be exposed to high intensity red light (at 37 J/cm¬2). Treatments will be given twice weekly for 10 weeks. This will be followed by assessments at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment.
Group II: No treatment1 (covered)Active Control1 Intervention
Patients with a vitiligo patch larger than 25cm2 will be recruited. The target patch will be divided into four quadrants. Two opposite quadrants will be shielded by foil and served as control, the third quadrant will be exposed to low intensity red laser (at 3 J/cm¬2), and the fourth quadrant will be exposed to high intensity red light (at 37 J/cm¬2). Treatments will be given twice weekly for 10 weeks. This will be followed by assessments at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment.
Group III: No treatment2 (covered)Active Control1 Intervention
Patients with a vitiligo patch larger than 25cm2 will be recruited. The target patch will be divided into four quadrants. Two opposite quadrants will be shielded by foil and served as control, the third quadrant will be exposed to low intensity red laser (at 3 J/cm¬2), and the fourth quadrant will be exposed to high intensity red light (at 37 J/cm¬2). Treatments will be given twice weekly for 10 weeks. This will be followed by assessments at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment.
Group IV: Low intensity red laserActive Control1 Intervention
Patients with a vitiligo patch larger than 25cm2 will be recruited. The target patch will be divided into four quadrants. Two opposite quadrants will be shielded by foil and served as control, the third quadrant will be exposed to low intensity red laser (at 3 J/cm¬2), and the fourth quadrant will be exposed to high intensity red light (at 37 J/cm¬2). Treatments will be given twice weekly for 10 weeks. This will be followed by assessments at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment.

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Who is running the clinical trial?

University of British ColumbiaLead Sponsor
1,431 Previous Clinical Trials
2,478,887 Total Patients Enrolled
4 Trials studying Vitiligo
109 Patients Enrolled for Vitiligo
Harvey Lui, MD, FRCPCPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of British Columbia
3 Previous Clinical Trials
64 Total Patients Enrolled
3 Trials studying Vitiligo
64 Patients Enrolled for Vitiligo

Media Library

Red light (Light Therapy) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT01787708 — Phase 2
Vitiligo Research Study Groups: High intensity red light, No treatment1 (covered), No treatment2 (covered), Low intensity red laser
Vitiligo Clinical Trial 2023: Red light Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT01787708 — Phase 2
Red light (Light Therapy) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT01787708 — Phase 2
~1 spots leftby Jul 2025
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