| Drug Name |
METHYLAMINOLEVULINATE |
| Active Ingredient(s) |
METHYLAMINOLEVULINATE |
Form(s) and
Strength(s) Available |
CREAM; TOPICAL:16.8% |
Product Information / Press Release Methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (Metvix PDT)
Methyl aminolevulinate
Methyl aminolevulinate (ALA) is a topical photosensitising agent that is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). It is available as a 16% strength cream in a 2g tube. The trade name is Metvix.
Metvix movie
How does methyl aminolevulinate PDT work?
When applied to the skin, methyl aminolevulinate is selectively absorbed into cancer cells. The drug is converted into protoporphyrin IX, a naturally-occurring intracellular photosensitising chemical that binds with iron to make haemoglobin. When cancer cells full of protoporphyrin IX are exposed to specific wavelength of light (570-670 nm), a molecular reaction occurs that results in destruction of the cancer cells.
What is methyl aminolevulinate PDT used for?
Methyl aminolevulinate is classed as an antineoplastic agent (anti-cancer drug) and is approved for use in New Zealand for the treatment of:
- Thin solar keratoses (
sun spots ) on the face and scalp
- Superficial and/or thin nodular basal cell carcinomas
At present, PDT is recommended for lesions that are unsuitable for other available therapies due to possible complications and/or poor cosmetic outcome. It may be particularly useful for lesions on the mid-face or ears, lesions on severely sun damaged skin, large lesions or recurrent lesions.
Clinical trials around the world using Metvix PDT have shown it to have comparable or better cure rates than other conventional treatments such as cryotherapy or surgery. A distinct advantage of Metvix PDT is that it selectively targets tumour cells. This means that surrounding healthy cells are not affected by the treatment thus leaving minimal scarring and a much better cosmetic outcome.
Precautions
- The safety of methyl aminolevulinate PDT has not yet been established in patients under 18 years old, but skin cancers very rarely affect this age group.
- The safety of methyl aminolevulinate PDT has not yet been established in pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is therefore not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Discontinue breastfeeding for 48 hours after application of methyl aminolevulinate.
- Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to active substance or any of the excipients may occur. These include:
- Arachis (peanut) oil
- Cetostearyl alcohol
- Methyl- and propyl-para hydroxybenzoate (E218, E216)
- Avoid sun exposure on treated lesions sites for at least a couple of days following treatment.
Storage and handling
- Store Metvix cream in a refrigerator (2-8 degC)
- Discard 1 week after opening the tube
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