What is Photofrin
Porfimer sodiumThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryHematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) is a mixture of porphyrin molecules. It is used in a type of cancer treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses special light to treat tumors. HPD is also being studied as a possible antiviral drug. It was the first drug approved for PDT in the United States.
Photofrinis the brand name
Photofrin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Photofrin
Porfimer sodium
1995
2
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Porfimer sodium, also called Photofrin, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma .Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Effectiveness
How Photofrin Affects PatientsPorfimer is a drug used in a light-based treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT) to help shrink tumors. It is used to help relieve symptoms of completely blocking esophageal cancer, partially blocking esophageal cancer that cannot be treated with a laser, and to treat small areas of lung cancer when surgery and radiation therapy are not suitable. Porfimer works by combining light and oxygen to target the tumor cells while leaving surrounding healthy cells undamaged. This allows the drug to be more effective in targeting cancer cells while avoiding damage to healthy tissue.
How Photofrin works in the bodyPorfimer works by causing a chain reaction that damages cells. It starts when porfimer absorbs light and creates an excited state. This energy is then transferred to oxygen molecules, which creates singlet oxygen. This reaction generates superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. These radicals then damage the cells, leading to cell death. Porfimer also causes vascular occlusion which cuts off the blood supply to the tumor, which also leads to cell death.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dose of Photofrin is contingent upon the indicated ailment, for instance Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Esophageal Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. The measure of dosage alters with respect to the method of delivery featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
, 7.5 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL
Powder, for solution, , Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous
Esophageal Cancer
, 7.5 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL
Powder, for solution, , Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
, 7.5 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL
Powder, for solution, , Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous
Barrett Esophagus
, 7.5 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL
Powder, for solution, , Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
, 7.5 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 2.5 mg/mL
Powder, for solution, , Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous
Warnings
Photofrin ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Porphyria
Do Not Combine
Blood Vessel
Do Not Combine
esophageal or gastric varices
Do Not Combine
esophageal ulcers >1 cm in diameter
Do Not Combine
Surgical Portacaval Shunt (procedure)
Do Not Combine
Common Photofrin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Ambroxol
Moderate
The risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Porfimer sodium is combined with Ambroxol.
Articaine
Moderate
The risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Porfimer sodium is combined with Articaine.
Benzocaine
Moderate
The risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Porfimer sodium is combined with Benzocaine.
Benzyl alcohol
Moderate
The risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Porfimer sodium is combined with Benzyl alcohol.
Bupivacaine
Moderate
The risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Porfimer sodium is combined with Bupivacaine.
Photofrin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Photofrin?
At present, 77 active trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Photofrin in the management of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Esophageal Cancer and other Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma pathologies.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Esophageal Cancer
75 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Barrett Esophagus
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Patient Q&A Section about photofrin
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Who makes PHOTOFRIN?
"The 'PHOTOFRIN' trademark is owned by Concordia Laboratories Inc. 'PHOTOFRIN' is distributed in the United States by Pinnacle Biologics Inc."
Answered by AI
When was PHOTOFRIN approved?
"The photofrin, the first PDT reagent, was approved in 1993 for the bladder cancer treatment."
Answered by AI
What is porfimer used to treat?
"What is Photofrin and how does it work? Photofrin is a cancer treatment drug. A light-activated compound, Photofrin is injected into a patient's bloodstream, where it travels to cancer cells and collects in these cells. When exposed to a certain wavelength of light, Photofrin causes the cancer cells to die."
Answered by AI
What is PHOTOFRIN used for?
"The aim of PDT with PHOTOFRIN is to help improve the symptoms of patients with NSCLC who have a blocked airway, or when the cancer cannot be treated with laser alone. PHOTOFRIN is indicated to help reduce the symptoms of esophageal cancer when the cancer blocks the esophagus."
Answered by AI