Methyl aminolevulinate
Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a drug used as a sensitizer in photodynamic therapy. It is a prodrug that is metabolized to protoporphyrin IX. It is marketed as Metvix.
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AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
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Formula | C6H11NO3 |
Molar mass | 145.158 g·mol−1 |
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Metvix cream is applied topically and some time later the skin is illuminated with a proprietary red light (630 nm) source (medical lamp 'Aktilite') to activate the photosensitiser.
Metvix is developed by Photocure and Galderma has bought all rights to Metvix.[1]
Approvals and indications
Methyl aminolevulinate is approved in New Zealand for treatment of basal cell carcinoma.[2]
It is now approved in many countries and has been used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma).[3]
It has some advantages over Levulan.[4]
It has been reported as controversial in some quarters, with severe pain allegedly being experienced by some patients. [5]
References
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-02-07. Retrieved 2010-09-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Photocure divests Metvix to Galderma
- http://dermnetnz.org/procedures/metvix-pdt.html "Methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL PDT)"
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/36953.php "New 5 Year Metvix-PDT Data Demonstrate Long-Term Efficacy & Reliability For NM Skin Cancer Treatment" 2006
- http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3931/is_200909/ai_n42040200/pg_13/ Porphyrin and Nonporphyrin Photosensitizers in Oncology: Preclinical and Clinical Advances in Photodynamic Therapy Photochemistry and Photobiology, Sep/Oct 2009 by O'Connor, Aisling E, Gallagher, William M, Byrne, Annette T
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-16/concerns-raised-over-side-effects-of-skin-cancer-cream/5096496