title: Prospective study of cutaneous phototoxicity after systemic hematoporphyrin derivative.
abstract: Hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) is a photoactive, oncophilic substance that produces cutaneous photosensitivity as its only significant side effect. Twenty-three patients who received systemic HpD and the usual light-avoidance precautions were studied prospectively to determine the incidence and severity of cutaneous phototoxicity (CP). Seventeen of the 23 patients (74%) reported CP, including three patients (18%) who experienced blister formation. Symptoms of CP occurred for a mean duration of 6 weeks (range 5-23 weeks). Lack of compliance with restrictive photoprotective measures was felt to be a major contributing factor. Other HpD-related complications included skin hyperpigmentation, ocular discomfort, pruritus, pain at injection site, and urticaria. CP and the restrictive measures to avoid it represent major disadvantages of the clinical use of HpD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Wooten
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ahlquist
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Balm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D017324:Hematoporphyrin Derivative; D006415:Hematoporphyrins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006415:Hematoporphyrins; D017324:Hematoporphyrin Derivative