New and Emerging Treatments in Lung Cancer
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Photofrin
Generic drug name: |
Porfimer sodium for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) |
Brand/trade name: |
Photofrin |
Manufactured by: |
QLT Phototherapeutics, Inc |
FDA approval: |
January 1998, December 1998 |
Type of drug: |
New molecular entity |
Overview:
PDT is a treatment in which a chemical absorbed by cells is activated by light (laser) and destroys cancer cells.
PDT was approved in December 1998 for reduction of obstruction and palliation of symptoms in patients with completely or partially obstructing endobroncial non-small cell lung cancer, and in
Approved in January 1998 for treatment of microinvasive endobronchial non-small cell lung cancer therapy for whom surgery and radiotherapy are not indicated.
Clinical trials:
Several clinical trials continue to test the use of PDT in non-small cell lung cancer.
Treatment Overview:
A special photoactive (reacts chemically to light) drug called PHOTOFRIN® (porfimer sodium) is injected into the blood stream. Photofrin is absorbed by all cells, but stays longer in cancer cells. A laser aimed at the cancer cell then activates the chemical, which kills the cancer cells. At this time, PDT is approved for the relief of symptoms (breathing problems, bleeding) in non-small cell lung cancer and can also treat small tumors in patients where surgery and radiation are not possible.
Common side effects:
Photosensitivity (see below), pain in the abdomen or chest, fever, shortness of breath, mild constipation, dehydration, anemia (decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood), coughing (including coughing up small amounts of blood).
Special warnings:
Avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for at least 30 days. Patients should wear sunglasses when outdoors during this time. Sunscreen does not offer protection. Some patients remain photosensitive for up to 90 days or more.
To learn more about treatment with PDT, side effects, and availability:
http://www.photofrin.com/
NCI PDT for cancer: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/photodynamic
FDA label: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/onctools/summary.cfm?ID=147
