A study of menthol for pain relief during photodynamic therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised double blind, placebo controlled study of the efficacy of topical menthol for pain relief during topical photodynamic therapy.
IRAS ID
194809
Contact name
Sally Ibbotson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Eudract number
2015-002849-59
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, days
Research summary
Skin cancer and sun-induced skin damage have dramatically increased in incidence. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves light activation of a chemical which is light sensitive (photosensitiser) and localised in the diseased skin and this is widely used to treat these conditions. Whilst PDT is effective, a major limitation is pain during light treatment, which can be severe. Neither photosensitiser nor irradiation alone cause pain. Topical local anaesthetics and analgesics are ineffective and the mechanisms of PDT-induced pain are unknown, hampering the development of alternative treatments. We have undertaken pre-clinical studies, which have identified menthol as a possible way to prevent or relieve PDT-pain. In this proposal we will investigate in humans, the use of menthol for pain relief during PDT. We will undertake a randomised double blind placebo-controlled study in patients receiving PDT for actinic keratosis (sun damage)on the face and scalp. Based on our pre-clinical studies, we expect that menthol will alleviate pain. If so this will likely have considerable impact, through its routine incorporation into treatment regimes, markedly improving the patient experience and the efficiency of PDT, resulting in improved patient care.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
16/ES/0127
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion