An open-labelled randomised controlled trial comparing intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alone versus radioporation-assisted drug delivery in keloids

Background Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction leads to protein denaturation and necrosis of connective tissue, resulting in scarring followed by retraction of soft tissue. Aim To study the efficacy and safety of intralesional corticosteroids alone versus radioporation-assisted delivery of topical application of triamcinolone acetonide. Methods A single-centre, randomised, non-blinded study included 31 patients (18-65 years), each with at least two comparable keloids. Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive either intralesional corticosteroid or radioporation-assisted topical corticosteroid for five sessions at 3-week interval, with follow-up at 18 and 24 weeks. Results The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores improved in both groups, but the radioporation group showed greater reductions in VSS (mean difference +1.21, p = 0.002), vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and scar height, despite higher baseline values. Limitations Short follow-up precluded relapse assessment. Conclusion Both modalities significantly improved keloids, but radioporation-assisted corticosteroid delivery demonstrated superior efficacy with comparable safety.