Table 1.
Properties of clinically relevant photosensitizers.
| Photosensitizer | Trade name(s) | Excitation wavelength(s) | Treatment windowa | Clearance time | Side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talaporfin sodium | Laserphyrin, Aptocine™, Litx™, LS11, Photolon® | 664 | 2–4 h | 15 days | Skin sensitization for 2 weeks |
| HpD | Photofrin®, Photogem® | 408, 510, 630b | 24–48 h | 4–6 weeks | Skin sensitization for several weeks |
| 5-ALA (PpIX) | Levulan® | 410, 510, 635b | 4–8 h | 2 days | Skin sensitization for few days, nausea, elevated liver enzymes, anemia, |
| Porfimer sodium | Photofrin II® | 630 | 48–150 h | 4–6 weeks | Skin sensitization for several weeks |
| BOPP | n/a | 630 | 24 h | 4–6 weeks | Skin sensitization for several weeks, thrombopenia |
| Temoporfin | Foscan® | 652 | 4 days | 2–6 weeks | Skin sensitization for several weeks |
a
Latency after drug administration and accumulation of photosensitizer in the tumor.
b
Optimal excitation wavelength for clinical application.
HpD, Hematoporphyrin derivative; BOPP, Boronated porphyrin.