Post-operative Excessive ScarringPhase 2NCT02623829
Botulinum Toxin is a Potential Prophylactic Therapy for Minimizing Post-excisional Scarring (Allergan Botox Scar Study)
A Phase 2 study testing Botulinum Toxin and Saline in people with Post-operative Excessive Scarring, run by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Dermatological surgeons wear many hats to care for subjects with skin cancer. While their role in cancerous tissue removal results in superior cure rates, there is also a need for skilled excisional repair and effective wound healing regimens so the subject can heal with the least amount of scarring necessary. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Post-operative Excessive Scarring
- What is being tested?
- Botulinum Toxin and Saline
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2015to 1 Mar 2019
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- English-speaking adults at least 18 years old.
- Subjects must be scheduled for an excision of forehead skin due to any etiology, with a same day, single stage closure planned as the most likely surgical repair.
- Subjects must be able to read, sign, and understand the informed consent.
- Subject is willing and able to participate in the study as an outpatient, making several visits to the study center during the treatment and follow-up periods and to comply with all study requirements including concomitant medication and other treatment restrictions.
- If subject is a female of childbearing potential she must have a negative urine pregnancy test result prior to study treatment initiation and must agree to use an approved method of birth control while enrolled in the study.
Who cannot join
- Subjects with an unstable medical condition as deemed by the clinical investigator, including review of the subject's prior and current medications.
- Subjects with Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome or other neuromuscular disorder.
- Subjects taking medications that may alter the function of neuromuscular junctions (i.e. aminoglycoside antibiotics)
- Women who are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant during the study period.
- Subjects who have a history of keloids.
- Known allergy to botulinum toxin.
- Subjects who are not able to be closed with a same day, single stage technique.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinia
New York, New York, 10029
About this study
Official title: Botulinum Toxin is a Potential Prophylactic Therapy for Minimizing Post-excisional Scarring: A Double Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Dermatological surgeons wear many hats to care for subjects with skin cancer. While their role in cancerous tissue removal results in superior cure rates, there is also a need for skilled excisional repair and effective wound healing regimens so the subject can heal with the least amount of scarring necessary. As such, numerous techniques have been developed for reducing the morbidity associated with excessive scarring. Various flaps and grafts allow the surgeon to approximate skin texture, thickness and adnexa with respect to the residual surrounding tissue. Optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes require close wound approximation with minimal static tension along the wound edge. In addition, there are post-operative wound care techniques that range from special dressings to cosmetic scar modification. To date, most surgical wounds are allowed to heal at least partially before scar revision or modulation is attempted.
Botulinum toxin presents a unique opportunity for surgeons to affect scar formation throughout the duration of the healing process. These effects are likely independent and adjunctive to any and all wound care techniques, and are primarily attributed to a reduction in dynamic tension on the wound edges. Most importantly, botulinum toxin's one time dosing requirements with respect to reduced scar formation precludes the variance inherent to standard wound care practices.
Therefore, it has been proposed that for selected subjects, botulinum toxin may be a safe, effective and reliable means for improved post-excisional repair outcomes. Botulinum toxin has been investigated as an inhibitor of excessive, post-excisional scar formation in plastic surgery and Otorhinolaryngology literature. However, these promising studies have yet to combine objective assessment measures of human scar formation in a randomized controlled trial. In addition, there are currently no formal studies of botulinum toxin as a prophylactic against excess scarring in the dermatological literature. Fortunately, Botulinum toxin dosing in the forehead for the purposes of inhibiting excessive scar formation is comparable to the amount given for cosmetic purposes, which is commonplace in dermatology and well-studied.
Read the detailed description
This study will attempt to assess the efficacy of Botulinum toxin as a prophylactic treatment in post-excisional repairs for the purpose of preventing excess scar formation. The end points will be the evaluation of each scar using the Manchester Scar Scale.
All MSS and mMSS assessments will be performed in a standardized fashion. The mMSS assessments will be blinded and performed by board-certified dermatologists in the Department of Dermatology, Faculty Practice Associates, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City.
- Conditions
- Post-operative Excessive Scarring
- Being tested
- Botulinum Toxin, Saline
- Keywords
- scar prophylaxis, Botulinum Toxin
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Botulinum ToxinDrug
Also called Botox,, OnabotulinumtoxinA
50 units of botulinum toxin diluted in 1ml of normal saline will be administered.
SalineDrug
Also called placebo
1ml of normal saline will be administered
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Botulinum Toxin | Experimental | 50 units of botulinum toxin diluted in 1ml of normal saline will be administered. The forehead will be injected with 12, evenly spaced and symmetrical aliquots of 0.05ml(2.5 units) and the glabella will be injected at the nasal root and the medial aspect of the corrugators with 0.1ml(5 units) each in addition to the lateral aspect of each corrugator with 0.05ml(2.5 units). The injections will be administered with a 30G needle perpendicular to the skin. Receives: Drug: Botulinum Toxin |
| Saline | Sham comparator | 1ml of normal saline will be injected with 12, evenly spaced and symmetrical aliquots of 0.05ml and the glabella will be injected at the nasal root and the medial aspect of the corrugators with 0.1ml each in addition to the lateral aspect of each corrugator with 0.05ml. The injections will be administered with a 30G needle perpendicular to the skin. Receives: Drug: Saline |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Modified Manchester Scar Scale (MMSS) Score
MMSS scores range 5-18, higher score indicates poorer health outcomes. The MMSS assesses color, texture, distortion and contour of the scar.
Measured: 6 months
Secondary outcomes (2)
Visual Analog Scar Scale
Visual Analog Scar Scale (VASS), full score range 0-10 higher score indicates poorer health outcomes
Measured: 6 months
Scar Width
Scar width at 6 months after treatment
Measured: 6 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Dec 2015 (estimated)
- Study start1 Dec 2015
- Primary completion1 Mar 2019
- Study completion1 Mar 2019
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (11)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Post-operative Excessive ScarringStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Allergan
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Daniel Michael Bernstein, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Investigators
- Daniel Michael Bernstein, MD, Principal investigator, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02623829
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GCO 15-1093
- Status last verified
- Nov 2020
- First submitted
- 2 Dec 2015
- Last updated
- 8 Dec 2020
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Jablonka EM, Sherris DA, Gassner HG. Botulinum toxin to minimize facial scarring. Facial Plast Surg. 2012 Oct;28(5):525-35. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1325641. Epub 2012 Oct 1.
PubMed 23027220Gassner HG, Brissett AE, Otley CC, Boahene DK, Boggust AJ, Weaver AL, Sherris DA. Botulinum toxin to improve facial wound healing: A prospective, blinded, placebo-controlled study. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006 Aug;81(8):1023-8. doi: 10.4065/81.8.1023.
PubMed 16901024Gassner HG, Sherris DA, Otley CC. Treatment of facial wounds with botulinum toxin A improves cosmetic outcome in primates. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000 May;105(6):1948-53; discussion 1954-5. doi: 10.1097/00006534-200005000-00005.
PubMed 10839391Sherris DA, Gassner HG. Botulinum toxin to minimize facial scarring. Facial Plast Surg. 2002 Feb;18(1):35-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-19825.
PubMed 11823931Gassner HG, Sherris DA, Friedman O. Botulinum toxin-induced immobilization of lower facial wounds. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2009 Mar-Apr;11(2):140-2. doi: 10.1001/archfacial.2009.3. No abstract available.
PubMed 19289689Carruthers J, Fagien S, Matarasso SL; Botox Consensus Group. Consensus recommendations on the use of botulinum toxin type a in facial aesthetics. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Nov;114(6 Suppl):1S-22S. doi: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000144795.76040.D3.
PubMed 15507786Carruthers A, Carruthers J, Cohen J. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel- group, dose-ranging study of botulinum toxin type a in female subjects with horizontal forehead rhytides. Dermatol Surg. 2003 May;29(5):461-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2003.29114.x.
PubMed 12752512Zimbler MS, Nassif PS. Adjunctive applications for botulinum toxin in facial aesthetic surgery. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2003 Nov;11(4):477-82. doi: 10.1016/S1064-7406(03)00071-3.
PubMed 15062252Beausang E, Floyd H, Dunn KW, Orton CI, Ferguson MW. A new quantitative scale for clinical scar assessment. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Nov;102(6):1954-61. doi: 10.1097/00006534-199811000-00022.
PubMed 9810991Duncan JAL, Bond JS, Mason T, Ludlow A, Cridland P, O'Kane S, Ferguson MWJ. Visual analogue scale scoring and ranking: a suitable and sensitive method for assessing scar quality? Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Sep 15;118(4):909-918. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000232378.88776.b0.
PubMed 16980850Durani P, McGrouther DA, Ferguson MW. Current scales for assessing human scarring: a review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009 Jun;62(6):713-20. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2009.01.080. Epub 2009 Mar 20.
PubMed 19303834
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Dec 2020. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Botulinum Toxin is a Potential Prophylactic Therapy for Minimizing Post-excisional Scarring: A Double Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02623829
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GCO 15-1093
- Conditions
- Post-operative Excessive Scarring
- Keywords
- scar prophylaxis, Botulinum Toxin
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Allergan
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2015 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Mar 2019 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Dec 2015 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 13 Nov 2020
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Dermatological surgeons wear many hats to care for subjects with skin cancer. While their role in cancerous tissue removal results in superior cure rates, there is also a need for skilled excisional repair and effective wound healing regimens so the subject can heal with the least amount of scarring necessary. As such, numerous techniques have been developed for reducing the morbidity associated with excessive scarring. Various flaps and grafts allow the surgeon to approximate skin texture, thickness and adnexa with respect to the residual surrounding tissue. Optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes require close wound approximation with minimal static tension along the wound edge. In addition, there are post-operative wound care techniques that range from special dressings to cosmetic scar modification. To date, most surgical wounds are allowed to heal at least partially before scar revision or modulation is attempted.
Botulinum toxin presents a unique opportunity for surgeons to affect scar formation throughout the duration of the healing process. These effects are likely independent and adjunctive to any and all wound care techniques, and are primarily attributed to a reduction in dynamic tension on the wound edges. Most importantly, botulinum toxin's one time dosing requirements with respect to reduced scar formation precludes the variance inherent to standard wound care practices.
Therefore, it has been proposed that for selected subjects, botulinum toxin may be a safe, effective and reliable means for improved post-excisional repair outcomes. Botulinum toxin has been investigated as an inhibitor of excessive, post-excisional scar formation in plastic surgery and Otorhinolaryngology literature. However, these promising studies have yet to combine objective assessment measures of human scar formation in a randomized controlled trial. In addition, there are currently no formal studies of botulinum toxin as a prophylactic against excess scarring in the dermatological literature. Fortunately, Botulinum toxin dosing in the forehead for the purposes of inhibiting excessive scar formation is comparable to the amount given for cosmetic purposes, which is commonplace in dermatology and well-studied.
Detailed description
This study will attempt to assess the efficacy of Botulinum toxin as a prophylactic treatment in post-excisional repairs for the purpose of preventing excess scar formation. The end points will be the evaluation of each scar using the Manchester Scar Scale.
All MSS and mMSS assessments will be performed in a standardized fashion. The mMSS assessments will be blinded and performed by board-certified dermatologists in the Department of Dermatology, Faculty Practice Associates, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Botulinum Toxin | Experimental | Drug: Botulinum Toxin50 units of botulinum toxin diluted in 1ml of normal saline will be administered. The forehead will be injected with 12, evenly spaced and symmetrical aliquots of 0.05ml(2.5 units) and the glabella will be injected at the nasal root and the medial aspect of the corrugators with 0.1ml(5 units) each in addition to the lateral aspect of each corrugator with 0.05ml(2.5 units). The injections will be administered with a 30G needle perpendicular to the skin. |
| Saline | Sham comparator | Drug: Saline1ml of normal saline will be injected with 12, evenly spaced and symmetrical aliquots of 0.05ml and the glabella will be injected at the nasal root and the medial aspect of the corrugators with 0.1ml each in addition to the lateral aspect of each corrugator with 0.05ml. The injections will be administered with a 30G needle perpendicular to the skin. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- English-speaking adults at least 18 years old.
- Subjects must be scheduled for an excision of forehead skin due to any etiology, with a same day, single stage closure planned as the most likely surgical repair.
- Subjects must be able to read, sign, and understand the informed consent.
- Subject is willing and able to participate in the study as an outpatient, making several visits to the study center during the treatment and follow-up periods and to comply with all study requirements including concomitant medication and other treatment restrictions.
- If subject is a female of childbearing potential she must have a negative urine pregnancy test result prior to study treatment initiation and must agree to use an approved method of birth control while enrolled in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Subjects with an unstable medical condition as deemed by the clinical investigator, including review of the subject's prior and current medications.
- Subjects with Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome or other neuromuscular disorder.
- Subjects taking medications that may alter the function of neuromuscular junctions (i.e. aminoglycoside antibiotics)
- Women who are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant during the study period.
- Subjects who have a history of keloids.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Botulinum ToxinAlso: Botox,, OnabotulinumtoxinA50 units of botulinum toxin diluted in 1ml of normal saline will be administered. | Drug | Botulinum Toxin |
| SalineAlso: placebo1ml of normal saline will be administered | Drug | Saline |
Primary outcome
Modified Manchester Scar Scale (MMSS) Score
Time frame: 6 months
MMSS scores range 5-18, higher score indicates poorer health outcomes. The MMSS assesses color, texture, distortion and contour of the scar.
2 secondary outcomes
Visual Analog Scar Scale
Time frame: 6 months
Scar Width
Time frame: 6 months
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Dec 2020.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Background: PubMed 23027220Jablonka EM, Sherris DA, Gassner HG. Botulinum toxin to minimize facial scarring. Facial Plast Surg. 2012 Oct;28(5):525-35. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1325641. Epub 2012 Oct 1.
- Background: PubMed 16901024Gassner HG, Brissett AE, Otley CC, Boahene DK, Boggust AJ, Weaver AL, Sherris DA. Botulinum toxin to improve facial wound healing: A prospective, blinded, placebo-controlled study. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006 Aug;81(8):1023-8. doi: 10.4065/81.8.1023.
- Background: PubMed 10839391Gassner HG, Sherris DA, Otley CC. Treatment of facial wounds with botulinum toxin A improves cosmetic outcome in primates. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000 May;105(6):1948-53; discussion 1954-5. doi: 10.1097/00006534-200005000-00005.
- Background: PubMed 11823931Sherris DA, Gassner HG. Botulinum toxin to minimize facial scarring. Facial Plast Surg. 2002 Feb;18(1):35-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-19825.
- Background: PubMed 19289689Gassner HG, Sherris DA, Friedman O. Botulinum toxin-induced immobilization of lower facial wounds. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2009 Mar-Apr;11(2):140-2. doi: 10.1001/archfacial.2009.3. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 15507786Carruthers J, Fagien S, Matarasso SL; Botox Consensus Group. Consensus recommendations on the use of botulinum toxin type a in facial aesthetics. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Nov;114(6 Suppl):1S-22S. doi: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000144795.76040.D3.
- Background: PubMed 12752512Carruthers A, Carruthers J, Cohen J. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel- group, dose-ranging study of botulinum toxin type a in female subjects with horizontal forehead rhytides. Dermatol Surg. 2003 May;29(5):461-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2003.29114.x.
- Background: PubMed 15062252Zimbler MS, Nassif PS. Adjunctive applications for botulinum toxin in facial aesthetic surgery. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2003 Nov;11(4):477-82. doi: 10.1016/S1064-7406(03)00071-3.
- Background: PubMed 9810991Beausang E, Floyd H, Dunn KW, Orton CI, Ferguson MW. A new quantitative scale for clinical scar assessment. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Nov;102(6):1954-61. doi: 10.1097/00006534-199811000-00022.
- Background: PubMed 16980850Duncan JAL, Bond JS, Mason T, Ludlow A, Cridland P, O'Kane S, Ferguson MWJ. Visual analogue scale scoring and ranking: a suitable and sensitive method for assessing scar quality? Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Sep 15;118(4):909-918. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000232378.88776.b0.
- Background: PubMed 19303834Durani P, McGrouther DA, Ferguson MW. Current scales for assessing human scarring: a review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009 Jun;62(6):713-20. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2009.01.080. Epub 2009 Mar 20.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Daniel Michael Bernstein, MD principal investigator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Botulinum Toxin and Saline in people with Post-operative Excessive Scarring, run by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Dec 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 13 Nov 2020). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Modified Manchester Scar Scale (MMSS) Score (time frame: 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02623829, which also lists 11 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Dec 2020.