II. Indications
- Barrett's Esophagus (high grade dysplasia)
- Airway obstructive lesions (palliative)
- Esophageal Cancer
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (endobronchial)
III. Mechanism
- Porfimer Sodium is a polymer mix of interlinked, photosensitizing Porphyrins
- Porfimer is selectively absorbed and retained by specific tumor cells
- Porfimer is activated when exposed to 630 nm wavelength light (typically via laser therapy)
- On activation, Porfimer releases oxygen radicals that are toxic to their containing tumor cells
- Also induces local vascular Occlusion (mediated by Thromboxane A2), resulting in tumor tissue necrosis
IV. Medications
- Porfimer IV solution 75 mg vial
V. Dosing
- See other references for disease specific dosing protocols
- After infusion, laser therapy (630 nm) is used to activate Porfimer in specific regions
VI. Safety
- Avoid in Lactation
- Avoid in pregnancy (all trimesters)
- Use reliable Contraception
VII. Adverse Effects
- Drug-induced Photosensitivity
- Eye Sensitivity
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Constipation
VIII. Drug Interactions
- Photosensitizers (avoid in combination)