5-aminolevulinic acid + chlorin e6

This drug is a combination of two photosensitizers, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and chlorin e6 (Ce6), used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). 5-ALA is a precursor that leads to the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which acts as a photosensitizer upon activation by specific wavelengths of light. Chlorin e6 is another potent second-generation photosensitizer. When administered together, these agents accumulate in tumor tissues with different spatial dynamics—Ce6 primarily in the central zone and PpIX in the border zone—allowing for more comprehensive fluorescence-guided diagnostics and enhanced PDT efficacy. Upon light activation, both compounds generate reactive oxygen species that induce cytotoxicity selectively in abnormal or malignant cells. This dual approach has been explored for applications such as glioblastoma resection, skin tumors, and other solid tumors[8][6][9]. The combined use aims to maximize tumor cell destruction while sparing healthy tissue.

Other names

5-ALA + Ce65-aminolevulinic acid and chlorin e6 combination