Levulan

Glioma, Actinic cheilitis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma + 3 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Levulan

What is Levulan

Aminolevulinic acidThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAminolevulinic 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 Kerastickis 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 PatientsAminolevulinic 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 bodyAminolevulinic 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, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - 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, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - 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, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - 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, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - 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, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - 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, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - 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 RiskThere 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?

4.3Patient 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.
3.7Patient 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.
2Patient 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.
1Patient 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.
1Patient 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 Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation Taussig Cancer Institute in Cleveland, United States.

Vitamin D + PDT for Skin Cancer

18+
All Sexes
Cleveland, OH
This research study is for people who have been diagnosed with a nonmelanoma skin cancer (either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) and are planning to receive either Mohs surgery or ED\&C (electrodessication \& curettage) as part of clinical care. The purpose of this study is to understand how photodynamic therapy (PDT) with or without Vitamin D can promote an immune response to skin cancer. For this study, participants will be randomized (randomly assigned) and asked to take Vitamin D or placebo for 6 days and come to the clinic for a single PDT treatment 1-14 days prior to their surgery. At this visit, photographs of participant's skin cancer will be taken, and participants will undergo PDT treatment. The study team will also take photos on the day of Mohs surgery or ED\&C. There will be up to two blood draws for research. If participants do not want to come in for a PDT treatment prior to their Mohs surgery or ED\&C, they will have the option to participate by only allowing the study team to collect data about their skin cancer and their tissue from Mohs surgery or ED\&C.
Waitlist Available
New This Month
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation Taussig Cancer InstituteEdward Maytin, MD, PhD
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 UPMC in Pittsburgh, United States.

SPY Imaging System for Laryngectomy Complications

18+
All Sexes
Pittsburgh, PA
Investigators performing this research want to look at the use of a special imaging process during a specific throat surgery. Using this imaging may help to lower a common complication that called a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). A PCF is a leak in the tube in the throat that helps with breathing and digesting food. The imaging is called the SPY Fluorescence System. This system can identify tissue that is not receiving enough blood. The SPY Fluorescence System uses a special dye, called Indocyanine green (ICG) to better see the tissues that are not receiving enough blood. When tissue does not receive enough blood, it can lead to infection. Infection of tissue in this area of the throat can lead to PCF. The imaging takes about 1 minute and is performed in the operating room during surgery. For this study, the investigators (who are also surgeons) will decide to remove tissue that is identified by the SPY Fluorescence System to have decreased blood flow. They will then continue with the rest of the surgery as usual. The investigators will monitor participants as they recover from surgery to identify any complications that may occur. For this research they are interested in complications during the first month after surgery since this is when PCF usually happens. Investigators will use information that has been documented in the medical records of participants as well as during in-person physical examinations during inpatient recovery and outpatient clinical visits.
Phase 2
Recruiting
UPMCMatthew E Spector, MD
Image of Abramson Cancer Center at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, United States.

Lidocaine Injection for Oropharyngeal Cancer

18+
All Sexes
Philadelphia, PA
Based on evidence that the local anesthetic lidocaine may have anticancer effects, this study will assess the safety and efficacy of intratumoral lidocaine injection at the time of direct laryngoscopy prior to TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) and neck dissection for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The primary objective of the study is to determine if intratumoral lidocaine injection is safe and causes a major pathologic treatment effect in the primary tumor following surgical resection. The secondary objectives will be to determine if intratumoral lidocaine injection improves locoregional control rates, progression-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival compared to no injection.
Phase 1
Recruiting
Abramson Cancer Center at University of PennsylvaniaRyan Carey, 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
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