Treating Actinic Keratosis using Swift microwave therapy

November 02, 2023

Actinic Keratosis Research Information

Feasibility Study for Feasibility Study for Precancerous Actinic Keratosis (AK)

90% Treated AK resolved 120 days post treatment.

An 11-patient trial was carried out by the University of Dundee to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of microwaves as a treatment for Actinic Keratosis (AK). 90% of treated AKs resolved 120 days post treatment, with 78% resolving after one week.

The early findings in this small cohort of patients delivered promising results for the effectiveness of Swift® microwave therapy in treating AK and we are currently investing in a multi-center, open, randomized, controlled, blind-assessed trial of approximately 60 subjects to fully examine the impact of Swift® on this indication (NCT05371834).

Read full study

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition characterised by the development of rough, scaly patches or lesions on the skin. It is caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. AK typically affects areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, and hands. The condition usually appears as small, dry, or rough patches with a flat or slightly raised surface.

Actinic keratosis is considered a precancerous condition because it has the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. However, not all actinic keratoses progress to cancer, and it is difficult to predict which ones will.

Current treatments for Actinic Keratosis

Topical Medications: Prescription creams or gels containing ingredients like imiquimod, fluorouracil, or diclofenac can be applied to the affected areas to destroy the abnormal cells.
Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the lesions.
Curettage and Electrodessication: The lesions are scraped off with a curette and then an electric current is used to destroy any remaining abnormal cells.
Photodynamic Therapy: A photosensitising agent is applied to the lesions, followed by exposure to a specific type of light that activates the medication and destroys the abnormal cells.
Laser Therapy: Laser beams are used to selectively target and destroy the lesions.