porfimer sodium

Porfimer sodium is a hematoporphyrin derivative and photosensitizing agent used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of various cancers, including esophageal cancer, endobronchial non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus, and early-stage bladder cancer. It consists of a mixture of oligomeric porphyrins linked by ether and ester bonds. Upon intravenous administration, it accumulates selectively in tumor tissues. When exposed to red laser light at 630 nm, porfimer sodium produces reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen and free radicals that cause direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells and induce ischemic necrosis via vascular occlusion. Tumor selectivity is achieved through both selective retention in tumors and targeted light delivery. The drug was first approved for use in Canada (1993), Japan (1994), the United States (1995 for esophageal cancer; 1998 for NSCLC; 2003 for Barrett’s esophagus).

Brand names

Photofrin

Other names

Porfimer natriumPorfimer sodicoPorfimère sodiquePorfimerum natricum