Levulan

Glioma, Actinic cheilitis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma + 3 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Levulan

What is Levulan

Aminolevulinic acid

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Aminolevulinic acid is a drug used to treat actinic keratosis, a type of skin condition caused by too much sun exposure. It is made from two substances, succinyl-CoA and glycine, which are used in the formation of a compound called heme. It is used as a form of light therapy to help treat the condition.

Levulan Kerastick

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Levulan Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Levulan Kerastick

Aminolevulinic acid

2000

4

Effectiveness

How Levulan Affects Patients

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is the first step in a process that makes heme, a molecule essential for healthy red blood cells. ALA does not directly make heme, but instead helps create protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which is then converted into heme when iron is added to the molecule. Normally, the body controls how much ALA it makes, but when ALA is taken in, it can increase the amount of PpIX, which in turn increases the amount of heme.

How Levulan works in the body

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin and converted into a molecule called protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). When exposed to a special type of light, PpIX reacts and produces chemicals that damage nearby cells. This reaction is called photodynamic therapy (PDT) and is used to treat actinic (solar) keratosis.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Levulan is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Carcinoma, Face and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The dosage fluctuates depending on the approach of delivery (e.g. Topical or Gel - Cutaneous) outlined in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Tumor Visualization

20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL

, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL

, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical

Face

20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL

, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical

Scalp structure

20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL

, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical

Glioma

20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL

, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical

Actinic cheilitis

20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL

, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical

Warnings

Levulan has four contraindications and should not be employed when presented with any of the conditions identified in the following table.

Levulan Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Porphyrias

Do Not Combine

cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths 400-450 nm

Do Not Combine

Photosensitivity Disorders

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 3 known major drug interactions with Levulan.

Common Levulan Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Porfimer sodium

Minor

Aminolevulinic acid may increase the photosensitizing activities of Porfimer sodium.

Verteporfin

Minor

Aminolevulinic acid may increase the photosensitizing activities of Verteporfin.

Padeliporfin

Moderate

Aminolevulinic acid may increase the photosensitizing activities of Padeliporfin.

Levulan Toxicity & Overdose Risk

There have been no reports of overdosing on this solution.

Levulan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Levulan?

53 ongoing trials are examining the possible applications of Levulan in treating Carcinoma, Scalp structure and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

32 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1

Face

0 Actively Recruiting

Actinic cheilitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Scalp structure

0 Actively Recruiting

Tumor Visualization

0 Actively Recruiting

Glioma

0 Actively Recruiting

Levulan Reviews: What are patients saying about Levulan?

4.3

Patient Review

2/1/2018

Levulan for Skin Lesions that are Not Thick due to Sun Exposure

This treatment is way easier than the six-week ointments I've had to use in the past. I've been using this twice a year for three years now and, although I'm still getting basal cells on my face, I would never go back to the ointments. The discomfort isn't as extreme as others have reported. And living in darkness for two days due to photosensitivity is much more manageable than six weeks of hell with the ointments.

3.7

Patient Review

12/11/2019

Levulan for Skin Lesions that are Not Thick due to Sun Exposure

I am fair-skinned and have reddish blond hair. I found the treatment, as well as the following 24 hours, to be quite painful. The cold air during treatment did help a bit; though, when blowing it on my face/up my nose, I felt like I was being waterboarded. Despite this, the treatment is effective. For me personally, it just caused an extreme amount of pain and discomfort. Icepacks for the first day post-treatment really helped out a lot.

2

Patient Review

3/19/2022

Levulan for Red Patches from Sun Exposure on the Face or Scalp

I've now had three treatments total, two of which were on my scalp, and I haven't seen any results. No redness, pain, swelling, or itching. I even went out in the sun (with a hat) after treatment and didn't have any negative reaction. At this point, I'm wondering if these medical groups are just trying to make money off of patients.

1

Patient Review

1/25/2019

Levulan for Red Patches from Sun Exposure on the Face or Scalp

I did a lot of research before starting this treatment and was very hopeful. I even took a week off from work to make sure I didn't miss any early signs, but unfortunately there has been absolutely no improvement whatsoever.

1

Patient Review

8/6/2018

Levulan for Red Patches from Sun Exposure on the Face or Scalp

I had two treatments on my face.

Patient Q&A Section about levulan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How long does it take to recover from blue light therapy?

"It typically takes two to six weeks to fully recover from PDT depending on the area of the body being treated."

Answered by AI

What does Levulan treat?

"LEVULAN Kerastick is a prescription medication that is used in conjunction with blue light therapy to treat actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that form on the skin as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of blue light therapy?

"The symptoms of this condition include mild to moderate pain, peeling skin, skin redness, crusting of the skin, tightness, swelling, itching, and an acne flare-up."

Answered by AI

How long does photosensitivity last after Levulan?

"The length of time that the Levulan incubates as well as the amount of damage done by the sun will determine how severe the reaction to the treatment will be. It is not unusual to have a reaction that is similar to a sunburn and lasts for 5 to 7 days. Some swelling, peeling, crusting, and discomfort is also to be expected."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Levulan

Image of National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, United States.

Treatment Responses for Brain Cancer

15 - 120
All Sexes
Bethesda, MD

Background: Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors grow in the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are rare, but they are difficult to treat and often fatal. SmartMatch is a new technology that tries to help find the best medicines for the particular tumor by testing how small pieces of surgically removed tumor tissue react to different drugs. The study team wants to see if SmartMatch can complete the analysis and generate a report within 21 days from the time of the surgery. Objective: To better understand CNS tumors so doctors can find better ways to treat them in the future. Eligibility: People aged 15 years and older with recurrent CNS tumors. Patient must already be scheduled for a surgery for the tumor at the NIH. Design: The study team will collect a small amount of tumor samples during the planned surgery. They may also use tumor samples from previous procedures. No new or additional procedures will be done for the purpose of this study. The tumor samples will be sent to a lab for SmartMatch analysis. Once completed, the results will be shared with the patient and his/her local doctor. Together they can decide whether to incorporate the results into the treatment plan. It is important to know that the results may or may not be helpful. There will only be one blood test for research. Blood and tissue samples collected may be used for additional analysis. Tumor tissue may be used to grow additional samples for further study. Participants will receive a pathology diagnosis and mutation profile generated by pathologists who specialize in CNS tumors. The study team will seek updates on participant's health approximately every 6 months for 3 years. Tumor samples may also be collected from any additional surgery done at NIH during this time.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Jing Wu, M.D.

Image of Mayo Clinic in Florida in Jacksonville, United States.

In-Home Treatment for Cancer

18+
All Sexes
Jacksonville, FL

This phase II trial studies whether providing cancer treatment in the home is preferred over the traditional clinic setting and if it improves treatment satisfaction in cancer patients living in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas. Typically, drug-related cancer care is provided at a medical center which causes patients to have to spend considerable time away from their family, friends, and familiar surroundings. This may add to the physical, emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families during this difficult time in their lives. The Cancer Connected Access and Remote Expertise (CARE) Beyond Walls (CCBW) program uses a specialized care team trained to provide cancer treatment in the patient's home setting. It is designed to support remote connection between the home health team and providers and Mayo clinic. This may be preferred over the traditional clinic setting which may improve treatment satisfaction in cancer patients living in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas.

Phase 2
Recruiting

Mayo Clinic in Florida

Roxana S. Dronca, MD

Have you considered Levulan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Levulan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Levulan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Levulan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials
Image of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Focused Ultrasound for Brain Cancer

18 - 85
All Sexes
Toronto, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption using the Next Generation Dome Helmet (NGDH) in adults with glioblastoma (GBM) undergoing the maintenance phase of the standard "Stupp protocol". Participants will: * Undergo repeated FUS BBB disruption treatments during the maintenance phase of temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. * Receive intravenous ultrasound contrast (DEFINITY®) prior to each FUS session to facilitate targeted BBB disruption. * Undergo serial MRI scans and clinical assessments to evaluate safety and the extent of BBB opening. * Provide blood samples (and tumor tissue if available) for biomarker analysis related to BBB permeability, tumor presence, and treatment response. * Be followed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) during routine neuro-oncology visits until end of life.

Phase 1
Recruiting

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Nir Lipsman

Have you considered Levulan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Levulan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials