- 2026-03-01
- Lasers in surgery and medicine 58(4)
Study Design
- Type
- Clinical Trial
- Sample size
- n = 20
- Population
- 23 patients (age average of 61.3 years), phototype I-III, with facial photodamage and multiple actinic keratosis
- Methods
- prospective, observational, and interventional clinical study; 4 monthly sessions of thulium laser, followed by a 3-month evaluation; lesion counts and photoaging scale at each session; histological analysis of pre- and post-treatment biopsies from 20 patients
- Duration
- 4 months
Background
Field cancerization is a major concern in photodamaged skin due to its risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. The 1927-nm thulium laser has emerged as a promising therapy, but its isolated effects on this condition remain underexplored.Objective
To evaluate clinical and histopathological changes in field cancerization treated with the 1927-nm thulium laser.Methods
It was a prospective, observational, and interventional clinical study. Twenty-three patients (age average of 61.3 years), phototype I-III, with facial photodamage and multiple actinic keratosis underwent 4 monthly sessions of thulium laser, followed by a 3-month evaluation. Outcomes included lesion counts and a photoaging scale at each session, along with comprehensive histological analysis of pre- and post-treatment biopsies from 20 patients.Results
There was a significant reduction in AK count (p < 0.001) and photoaging parameters (p < 0.001). Histologically, we observed improvement in vertical extension of keratinocyte atypia (p = 0.046), increased dermal thickness (p = 0.012), and fibroplasia (p < 0.001). No severe adverse effects occurred.Conclusion
The 1927-nm thulium laser is a safe, well-tolerated and has promising results as a field-directed therapy for actinic keratosis, promoting both clinical and histopathological improvement.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Dose | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size | Source |
|---|