Table 2.
Photosensitizers being utilized in primary cutaneous lymphomas in in vitro studies or registered clinical trials.
| Photosensitizer | Classification | Absorption Wavelength | ε (Molar Extinction Coefficient) | Depth of Penetration | Localization | Other FDA-Proved Indications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon phthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4) | Porphyrin-based PS | 670–770 nm (675 nm) | 2 × 105 M−1 cm−1 | Can absorb more photons at greater tissue depth than PpIX (higher molar extinction coefficient) [65] | Mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum | NA |
| Methyl aminolevulinic acid (MAL) | Porphyrin-based PS | 410 nm > 510 nm, 540 nm, 580 nm and 635 nm | 5 × 103 M−1 cm−1 (PpIX) | Metvix: 2 mm in BCC | Endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria | Actinic keratosis (AK) |
| 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) | Porphyrin-based PS | 410 nm > 510 nm, 540 nm, 580 nm and 635 nm | 5 × 103 M−1 cm−1 (PpIX) | Levulan (20% solution): 1 mm in BCC Ameluz (10% gel): may be deeper |
Endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria | AK |
| Hypericin | Non-porphyrin-based PS | 590 nm | ~4.5 × 104 M−1 cm−1 | Up to 10 mm in animal model for colon carcinoma [68] | Mitochondria and lysosomes [69] | NA |