Evaluating rhPDGF-BB-Enhanced Wound Matrix for Head and Neck Reconstruction

This Phase II clinical trial will evaluate the potential efficacy of rhPDGF-BB-enhanced wound matrix versus wound matrix saturated with normal saline to augment healing of head and neck defects that cannot be healed by primary intention following skin cancer excision. This prospective, double-blinded, single-site study will randomize participants into two arms - intervention and control - comparing the granulation, re-epithelialization, complete healing, and scarring of the wound bed, pain, and quality of life. After recruiting, consenting, and screening, participants will undergo the baseline procedure to place the wound matrix into the wound bed. Randomization will occur immediately before the baseline procedure, and both the PI and participant will be blinded. To achieve balance in treatment allocation, randomization blocks of 4 (2 interventions : 2 controls) will be stratified by anatomical location, scalp versus face/neck, and greatest dimension, < 3cm versus > 3cm, of the surgical defect. Following the baseline procedure, participants will return for their first follow-up visit on day 6 for a clinical examination, suture removal, and wound dressing change, and then again at weeks 4 and 8 for a clinical exam and photographs. Pain and adverse events will be evaluated and documented weekly through the participants' electronic health records, phone call, email survey, or in-person. Participants will submit daily photographs of the wound while performing dressing changes at home starting on day 7 until day 56. These photographs will be taken using a wound imaging application that will be downloaded to a personal mobile device with assistance from the study coordinator. Each patient will also receive a hard copy of instructions for using the application at home. The mobile application can ensure quality photographs and transfer the images to a password-protected cloud-based portal. The photographs will be analyzed by blinded wound experts, retrospectively, to determine the precise day that the wound bed achieved 81-100% granulation. The imaging software will also be used to trace and measure the rate of healing by granulation, re-epithelialization, and wound closure. Under routine care with a wound matrix (no rhPDGF-BB), the average time to granulation is 4-6 weeks in this patient population. Here, we aim to reduce the time to readiness by adding rhPDGF-BB. It is expected that all participants will complete the study which begins at time of signing informed consent and ends at the final study follow-up visit.

Inclusion criteria

• Underwent surgery to completely remove skin cancer, either Mohs micrographic or wide local excision, that left a full-thickness surgical defect of the head or neck measuring between 1.5-10cm in greatest dimension with clear margins as assessed in the pathology report.
• Margins of the wound cannot be approximated or closed with stitches, sutures, staples, or glue
• Surgeon does not plan for immediate skin graft or flap
• Aged >21 years old
• Willing and able to provide informed consent for study participation and compliance with study protocol
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study

Exclusion criteria

• Medical conditions that would, in the opinion of the Investigator or treating provider, compromise the safety of the individual with study participation and/or the ability of the individual to follow study protocol
• The device will not fit the contour of the base of the wound bed
• Evidence of current clinical infection as demonstrated by the invasion of bacteria into the healthy viable tissue on the periphery of the wound (colonization of wound bed due to normal flora or environment is not exclusionary)
• Prior radiation therapy at the application site
• Known allergic reactions to porcine tissue, porcine collagen, or yeast-derived products
• Currently enrolled in a drug or device trial or within 30 days of last investigational drug or device administration at baseline visit where investigational treatment (drug or device) was placed in wound bed or may potentially interact with study treatment
• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the trial