Pharm

Porfimer

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Porfimer, Photofrin

  • See Also
  1. Chemotherapy
  • Indications
  1. Barrett's Esophagus (high grade dysplasia)
  2. Airway obstructive lesions (palliative)
    1. Esophageal Cancer
    2. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (endobronchial)
  • Mechanism
  1. Porfimer Sodium is a polymer mix of interlinked, photosensitizing Porphyrins
  2. Porfimer is selectively absorbed and retained by specific tumor cells
  3. Porfimer is activated when exposed to 630 nm wavelength light (typically via laser therapy)
    1. On activation, Porfimer releases oxygen radicals that are toxic to their containing tumor cells
    2. Also induces local vascular Occlusion (mediated by Thromboxane A2), resulting in tumor tissue necrosis
  • Medications
  1. Porfimer IV solution 75 mg vial
  • Dosing
  1. See other references for disease specific dosing protocols
  2. After infusion, laser therapy (630 nm) is used to activate Porfimer in specific regions
  • Safety
  1. Avoid in Lactation
  2. Avoid in pregnancy (all trimesters)
    1. Use reliable Contraception
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Drug-induced Photosensitivity
  2. Eye Sensitivity
  3. Chest Pain
  4. Shortness of Breath
  5. Constipation
  • Drug Interactions
  1. Photosensitizers (avoid in combination)
  • Resources
  1. Porfimer (DailyMed)
    1. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=5c4841b4-fbc0-4163-8ee1-cb28629cbfbf