PHOTOFRIN
(porfimer sodium) Injection
PHOTOFRIN (porfimer sodium) for Injection is a photosensitizing agent used in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumors and of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE). Following reconstitution of the freeze-dried product with 5% Dextrose Injection (USP) or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), it is injected intravenously. This is followed 4050 hours later by illumination of the tumor or the esophageal segment with HGD in BE with laser light (630 nm wavelength). PHOTOFRIN is not a single chemical entity; it is a mixture of oligomers formed by ether and ester linkages of up to eight porphyrin units. It is a dark red to reddish brown cake or powder. Each vial of PHOTOFRIN contains 75 mg of porfimer sodium as a sterile freeze-dried cake or powder. Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide may be added during manufacture to adjust the pH to within 7.2-7.9. There are no preservatives or other additives. The structural formula below is representative of the components present in PHOTOFRIN.
Figure 1: Structure of Porfimer Sodium
 |
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
PHOTOFRIN® is indicated for the palliation of patients with completely obstructing esophageal cancer, or of patients with partially obstructing esophageal cancer who, in the opinion of their physician, cannot be satisfactorily treated with Nd:YAG laser therapy.
PHOTOFRIN is indicated for the treatment of microinvasive endobronchial non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients for whom surgery and radiotherapy are not indicated. PHOTOFRIN is indicated for the reduction of obstruction and palliation of symptoms in patients with completely or partially obstructing endobronchial NSCLC.
PHOTOFRIN is indicated for the ablation of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett'spatients who do not undergo esophagectomy.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with PHOTOFRIN is a two-stage process requiring administration of both drug and light. The first stage of PDT is the intravenous injection of PHOTOFRIN at 2 mg/kg. Illumination with laser light 4050 hours following injection with PHOTOFRIN constitutes the second stage of therapy. A second laser light application may be given 96-120 hours after injection [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. In clinical studies on endobronchial cancer, debridement via endoscopy was required 2-3 days after the initial light application. Standard endoscopic techniques are used for light administration and debridement. Practitioners should be fully familiar with the patient's treatment of esophageal or endobronchial cancer, or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in ophagus (BE) using PDT with PHOTOFRIN and associated light delivery devices. PDT with PHOTOFRIN should be applied only in those facilities properly equipped for the procedure.
The laser system must be approved for delivery of a stable power output at a wavelength of 630 3 nm. Light is delivered to the tumor by cylindrical OPTIGUIDE™ fiber optic diffusers passed through the operating channel of an endoscope/bronchoscope. Instructions for use of the fiber optic and the selected laser system should be read carefully before use. OPTIGUIDE™ cylindrical diffusers are available in several lengths. The choice of diffuser tip length depends on the length of the tumor or treated. Diffuser length should be sized to avoid exposure of nonmalignant tissue to light and to prevent overlapping of previously treated malignant tissue. Refer to the OPTIGUIDE™ instructions for use for complete instructions concerning the fiber optic diffuser.
PHOTOFRIN should be administered as a single slow intravenous injection over 3 to 5 minutes at 2 mg/kg of body weight. Reconstitute each vial of PHOTOFRIN with 31.8 mL of either 5% Dextrose Injection (USP) or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), resulting in a final concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Shake well until dissolved. Do not mix PHOTOFRIN with other drugs in the same solution. PHOTOFRIN, reconstituted with 5% Dextrose Injection (USP) or with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), has a pH in the range of 7 to 8. PHOTOFRIN has been formulated with an overage to deliver the 75 mg labeled quantity. The reconstituted product should be protected from bright light and used immediately. Reconstituted PHOTOFRIN is an opaque solution, in which detection of particulate matter by visual inspection is extremely difficult. Reconstituted PHOTOFRIN, however, like all parenteral drug products, should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Precautions should be taken to prevent extravasation at the injection site. If extravasation occurs, care must be taken to protect the area from light. There is no known benefit from injecting the extravasation site with another substance.
Initiate 630 nm wavelength laser light delivery to the patient 40 50 hours following injection with PHOTOFRIN A second laser light treatment may be given as early as 96 hours or as late as 120 hours after the initial injection with PHOTOFRIN. No further injection of PHOTOFRIN should be given for such retreatment with laser light. Before providing a second laser light treatment, the residual tumor may be debrided. The debridement is optional since the residua will be removed naturally by peristaltic action of the esophagus. Vigorous debridement may cause tumor bleeding.
Photoactivation of PHOTOFRIN is controlled by the total light dose delivered. In the treatment of esophageal cancer, a light dose of 300 Joules/cm (J/cm) of diffuser length should be delivered. The total power output at the fiber tip is set to deliver the appropriate light dose using exposure times of 12 minutes and 30 seconds.
For the treatment of esophageal cancer, patients may receive a esophagus second course of PDT a minimum of 30 days after the initial therapy; up to three courses of PDT (each separated by a minimum of 30 days) can be given. Before each course of treatment, patients with esophageal cancer should be evaluated for the presence of a tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. All patients should be evaluated for the possibility that the tumor may be eroding into a major blood vessel [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Initiate 630 nm wavelength laser light delivery to the patient 40 50 hours following injection with PHOTOFRIN. A second laser light treatment may be given as early as 96 hours or as late as 120 hours after the initial injection with PHOTOFRIN. No further injection of PHOTOFRIN should be given for such retreatment with laser light. Before providing a second laser light treatment, the residual tumor condition and trained in the safe and efficacious should be debrided. Vigorous debridement may cause tumor bleeding. For endobronchial tumors, debridement of necrotic tissue should be es discontinued when the volume of bleeding increases, as this may indicate that debridement has gone beyond the zone of the PDT effect.
Photoactivation of PHOTOFRIN is controlled by the total light dose delivered. In the treatment of endobronchial cancer, a light dose of 200 J/cm of diffuser length should be delivered. The total power output at the fiber tip is set to deliver the appropriate light dose using exposure times of 8 minutes and 20 seconds. For noncircumferential endobronchial tumors that are soft enough to penetrate, interstitial fiber placement is preferred to intraluminal activation, since this method produces better efficacy and results in less exposure of the normal bronchial mucosa to light. It is important to perform a debridement 2 to mucosa to be 3 days after each light administration to minimize the potential for obstruction caused by necrotic debris [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
For the treatment of endobronchial cancer, patients may receive a second course of PDT a minimum of 30 days after the initial therapy; up to three courses of PDT (each separated by a minimum of 30 days) can be given. In patients with endobronchial lesions who have recently undergone radiotherapy, sufficient time (approximately 4 weeks) should be allowed between the therapies to ensure that the acute inflammation produced by radiotherapy has subsided prior to PDT [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. All patients should be evaluated for the possibility that the tumor may be eroding into a major blood vessel [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Prior to initiating treatment with PHOTOFRIN PDT, the diagnosis of HGD in BE should be confirmed by an expert GI pathologist.
Approximately 40-50 hours after PHOTOFRIN administration light should be delivered by a X-Cell Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Balloon with Fiber Optic Diffuser. The choice of fiber optic/balloon diffuser combination will depend on the length of be treated (Table 1).
TABLE 1. Fiber Optic Diffuser/Balloon Combination
| Treated Barrett's Mucosa Length (cm) |
Fiber Optic Diffuser Length (cm) |
Balloon Window Length (cm) |
| 6-7 | 9 | 7 |
| 4-5 | 7 | 5 |
| 1-3 | 5 | 3 |
| a Whenever possible, the BE segment selected for treatment should include normal tissue margins of a few millimeters at the proximal and distal ends. | ||
Photoactivation is controlled by the total light dose delivered. The objective is to expose and treat all areas of HGD and the entire length of BE. The light dose administered will be 130 J/cm of diffuser length using a centering balloon. Based on the randomized clinical study, acceptable light intensity for the balloon/diffuser combinations range from 200-270 mW/cm of diffuser length.
To calculate the light dose, the following specific light dosimetry equation applies for all fiber optic diffusers:
Light Dose (J/cm) = Power Output From Diffuser (W) x Treatment Time (s)/Diffuser Length (cm)
Table 2 provides the settings that will be used to deliver the dose within the shortest time (light intensity of 270 mW/cm). A second option (light intensity of 200 mW/cm) has also been included where necessary to accommodate lasers with a total capacity that does not exceed 2.5 W.
TABLE 2. Fiber Optic Power Outputs and Treatment Times Required
to Deliver 130 J/cm of Diffuser Length Using the Centering Balloon
| Balloon Window Length (cm) |
Fiber Optic Diffuser Length (cm) |
Light Intensity (mW/cm) |
Required Power Output from Diffusera (mW) |
Treatment (sec) |
Time (min:sec) |
| 3 | 5 | 270 | 1 350 | 480 | 8:00 |
| 5 | 7 | 270 | 1 900 | 480 | 8:00 |
| 7 | 9 | 270 | 2 440 | 480 | 8:00 |
| 200 | 1 800 | 480 | 10:50 | ||
| a As measured by
immersing the diffuser into the cuvet in the power meter and slowly increasing
the laser power. Note: No more than 1.5 times the required diffuser power output should be needed from the laser. If more than this is required, the system should be checked. |
|||||
Short fiber diffusers ( ≤ 2.5 cm) are to be used to pretreat nodules with 50 J/cm of diffuser length prior to regular balloon treatment in the first laser light session or for the treatment of “skip” areas (i.e., an area that does not show sufficient mucosal response) after the first light session. For this treatment, the fiber optic diffuser is used without a centering balloon, and a light intensity of 400 mW/cm should be used. For nodule pretreatment and treatment of skipped areas, care should be taken to minimize exposure to normal tissue as it is also sensitized. Table 3 lists appropriate fiber optic power outputs and treatment times using a light intensity of 400 mW/cm.
TABLE 3. Short Fiber Optic Diffusers to be Used Without a
Centering Balloon to Deliver 50 J/cm of Diffuser Length at a Light Intensity
of 400 mW/cm
| Fiber Optic Diffuser Length (cm) |
Required Power Output From Diffusera (mW) |
Treatment Time (sec) |
Treatment Time (min:sec) |
| 1.0 | 400 | 125 | 2:05 |
| 1.5 | 600 | 125 | 2:05 |
| 2.0 | 800 | 125 | 2:05 |
| 2.5 | 1 000 | 125 | 2:05 |
| a As measured by immersing the
diffuser into the cuvet in the power meter and slowly increasing the laser
power. Note: No more than 1.5 times the required diffuser power output should be needed from the laser. If more than this is required, the system should be checked. |
|||
A maximum of 7 cm of esophageal mucosa is treated at the first light session using an appropriate size of centering balloon and fiber optic diffuser (Table 1). Whenever possible, the segment selected for the first light application should contain all the areas of HGD. Also, whenever possible, the BE segment selected for the first light application should include normal tissue margin of a few millimeters at the proximal and distal ends.
Nodules are to be pretreated at a light dose of 50 J/cm of diffuser length with a short ( < 2.5 cm) fiber optic diffuser placed directly against the nodule followed by standard balloon application as described above.
A second laser light application may be given to a previously treated segment that shows a “skip” area, using a short, < 2.5 cm, fiber optic diffuser without centering balloon at the light dose of 50 J/cm of the diffuser length. Patients with BE > 7 cm, should have the remaining untreated length of Barrett's epithelium treated with a second PDT course at least 90 days later.
The treatment regimen is summarized in Table 4.
TABLE 4. High-Grade Dysplasia in Barrett's Esophagus
| Procedure | Study Day |
Light Delivery Devices | Treatment Intent |
| PHOTOFRIN Injection | Day 1 | NA | Uptake of photosensitizer |
| Laser Light Application | Day 3a | 3, 5 or 7 cm balloon (130 J/cm) | Photoactivation |
| Laser Light Application (Optional) | Day 5 | Short ( ≤ 2.5 cm) fiber optic diffuser (50 J/cm) | Treatment of skip areas only |
| a Discrete nodules will receive
an initial light application of 50 J/cm (using a short fiber optic diffuser
without balloon) before the balloon light application. NA: Not Applicable |
|||
For the ablation of HGD in BE, patients may receive an additional course of PDT at a minimum of 90 days after the initial therapy; up to three courses of PDT (each injection separated by a minimum of 90 days) can be given to a previously treated segment which still shows HGD, low-grade dysplasia, or Barrett's metaplasia, or to a new segment if the initial Barrett's segment was > 7 cm in length. Both residual and additional segments may be treated in the same light session(s) provided that the total length of the segments treated with the balloon/diffuser combination is not greater than 7 cm. In the case of a previously treated esophageal segment, if it has not sufficiently healed and/or histological assessment of biopsies is not clear, the subsequent course of PDT may be delayed for an additional 1-2 months.
75 mg vial
PHOTOFRIN (porfimer sodium) for Injection is supplied as a freeze-dried cake or powder as follows:
NDC 58914-155-75, 75 mg vial.
PHOTOFRIN freeze-dried cake or powder should be stored at Controlled Room Temperature 2025°C (6877°F) [see USP].
Spills of PHOTOFRIN should be wiped up with a damp cloth. Skin and eye contact should be avoided due to the potential for photosensitivity reactions upon exposure to light; use of rubber gloves and eye protection is recommended. All contaminated materials should be disposed of in a polyethylene bag in a manner consistent with local regulations.
PHOTOFRIN is neither a primary ocular irritant nor a primary dermal irritant. However, because of its potential to induce photosensitivity, PHOTOFRIN might be an eye and/or skin irritant in the presence of bright light. It is important to avoid contact with the eyes and skin during preparation and/or administration. As with therapeutic overdosage, any overexposed person must be protected from bright light.
Manufacturer information: n/a. FDA revision date: 9/8/2008
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
Systemically induced effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with PHOTOFRIN consist of photosensitivity and mild constipation. All patients who receive PHOTOFRIN will be photosensitive and must observe precautions to avoid sunlight and bright indoor light [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Photosensitivity reactions occurred in approximately 20% of cancer patients and in 69% of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) patients treated with PHOTOFRIN. Typically these reactions were mostly mild to moderate erythema but they also included swelling, pruritu, burning sensation, feeling hot, or blisters. In a single study of 24 healthy subjects, some evidence of photosensitivity reactions occurred in all subjects. Other less common skin manifestations were also reported in areas where photosensitivity reactions had occurred, such as increased hair growth, skin discoloration, skin nodule, skin wrinkling and increased skin fragility. These manifestations may be attributable to a pseudoporphyria state (temporary drug-induced cutaneous porphyria).
Most toxicities of this therapy are local effects seen in the region of illumination and occasionally in surrounding tissues. The local adverse reactions are characteristic of an inflammatory response induced by the photodynamic effect.
A few cases of fluid imbalance have been reported in patients treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT for overtly disseminated intraperitoneal malignancies. Fluid imbalance is an expected PDT-related event.
A case of cataracts has been reported in a 51 year-old obese man treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT for HGD in BE. The patient suffered from a PDT response with development of a deep esophageal ulcer. Within two months post PDT, the patient noted difficulty with his distant vision. A thorough eye examination revealed a change in the refractive error that later progressed to cataracts in both eyes. Both of his parents had a history of cataracts in their 70s. Whether PHOTOFRIN directly caused or accelerated a familial underlying condition is unknown.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The following adverse reactions were reported over the entire follow-up period in at least 5% of patients treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT, who had completely or partially obstructing esophageal cancer. Table 6 presents data from 88 patients who received the currently marketed formulation. The relationship of many of these adverse reactions to PDT with PHOTOFRIN is uncertain.
TABLE 6. Adverse Reactions Reported in 5% or More of Patientsa
with Obstructing Esophageal Cancer
| SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS/ Adverse Reaction | N=88 n (%) |
| Patients with at Least One Adverse Reaction | 84 (95) |
| BLOOD and LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS | |
| Anemia | 28 (32) |
| CARDIAC DISORDERS | |
| Atrial fibrillation | 9 (10) |
| Cardiac failure | 6 (7) |
| Tachycardia | 5 (6) |
| GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS | |
| Constipation | 21 (24) |
| Nausea | 21 (24) |
| Abdominal pain | 18 (20) |
| Vomiting | 15 (17) |
| Dysphagia | 9 (10) |
| Esophageal edema | 7 (8) |
| Hematemesis | 7 (8) |
| Dyspepsia | 5 (6) |
| Esophageal stenosis | 5 (6) |
| Diarrhea | 4 (5) |
| Esophagitis | 4 (5) |
| Eructation | 4 (5) |
| Melena | 4 (5) |
| GENERAL DISORDERS & ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS | |
| Pyrexia | 27 (31) |
| Chest pain | 19 (22) |
| Pain | 19 (22) |
| Edema peripheral | 6 (7) |
| Asthenia | 5 (6) |
| Chest pain (substernal) | 4 (5) |
| Edema generalized | 4 (5) |
| INFECTIONS and INFESTATIONS | |
| Candidiasis | 8 (9) |
| Urinary tract infection | 6 (7) |
| INJURY, POISONING and PROCEDURAL COMPLICATIONS | |
| Post procedural complication | 4 (5) |
| INVESTIGATIONS | |
| Weight decreased | 8 (9) |
| METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS | |
| Anorexia | 7 (8) |
| Dehydration | 6 (7) |
| MUSCULOSKELETAL and CONNECTIVE ISSUE DISORDERS | |
| Back pain | 10 (11) |
| NEOPLASMS BENIGN, MALIGNANT and UNSPECIFIED | |
| Tumor hemorrhage | 7 (8) |
| PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS | |
| Insomnia | 12 (14) |
| Confusional state | 7 (8) |
| Anxiety | 6 (7) |
| RESPIRATORY, THORACIC and MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS | |
| Pleural effusion | 28 (32) |
| Dyspnoea | 18 (20) |
| Pneumonia | 16 (18) |
| Pharyngitis | 10 (11) |
| Respiratory insufficiency | 9 (10) |
| Cough | 6 (7) |
| Tracheoesophageal fistula | 5 (6) |
| SKIN and SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS | |
| Photosensitivity reaction | 17 (19) |
| VASCULAR DISORDERS | |
| Hypotension | 6 (7) |
| Hypertension | 5 (6) |
| a Based on adverse reactions reported at any time during the entire period of follow-up. | |
Location of the tumor was a prognostic factor for three adverse reactions: upper-third of the esophagus (esophageal edema), middlethird (atrial fibrillation), and lower-third, the most vascular region (anemia). Also, patients with large tumors ( > 10 cm) were more likely to experience anemia. Two of 17 patients with complete esophageal obstruction from tumor experienced esophageal perforations, which were considered to be possibly treatment-associated; these perforations occurred during subsequent endoscopies.
Serious and other notable adverse reactions observed in less than 5% of PDT-treated patients with obstructing esophageal cancer in the clinical studies include the following; their relationship to therapy is uncertain. In the gastrointestinal system, esophageal perforation, gastric ulcer, ileus, jaundice, and peritonitis have occurred. Sepsis has been reported occasionally. Cardiovascular reactions have included angina pectoris, bradycardia, myocardial infarction, sick sinus syndrome, and supraventricular tachycardia. Respiratory reactions of bronchitis, bronchospasm, laryngotracheal edema, pneumonitis, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and stridor have occurred. The temporal relationship of some gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory reactions to the administration of light was suggestive of mediastinal inflammation in some patients. Visionrelated reactions of abnormal vision, diplopia, eye pain and photophobia have been reported.
Table 7 presents adverse reactions that were reported over the entire follow-up period in at least 5% of patients with obstructing endobronchial cancer treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT or Nd: YAG. These data are based on the 86 patients who received the currently marketed formulation. Since it seems likely that most adverse reactions caused by these acute acting therapies would occur within 30 days of treatment, Table 7 presents those reactions occurring within 30 days of a treatment procedure, as well as those occurring over the entire followup period. It should be noted that follow-up was 33% longer for the
PDT group than for the Nd:YAG group, thereby introducing a bias against PDT when adverse reaction rates are compared for the entire follow-up period. The extent of follow-up in the 30-day period following treatment was comparable between groups (only 9% more for PDT).
Transient inflammatory reactions in PDT-treated patients occur in about 10% of patients and manifest as pyrexia, bronchitis, chest pain, and dyspnoea. The incidences of bronchitis and dyspnoea were higher with PDT than with Nd:YAG. Most cases of bronchitis occurred within 1 week of treatment and all but one were mild or moderate in intensity. The reactions usually resolved within 10 days with antibiotic therapy. Treatment-related worsening of dyspnoea is generally transient and selflimiting. Debridement of the treated area is mandatory to remove exudate and necrotic tissue. Life-threatening respiratory insufficiency likely due to therapy occurred in 3% of PDT-treated patients and 2% of Nd:YAG-treated patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
There was a trend toward a higher rate of fatal massive hemoptysis (FMH) occurring on the PDT arm (10%) versus the Nd:YAG arm (5%), however, the rate of FMH occurring within 30 days of treatment was the same for PDT and Nd:YAG (4% total events, 3% treatment-associated events). Patients who have received radiation therapy have a higher incidence of FMH after treatment with PDT and after other forms of local therapy than patients who have not received radiation therapy, but analyses suggest that this increased risk may be due to associated prognostic factors such as having a centrally located tumor. The incidence of FMH in patients previously treated with radiotherapy was 21% (6/29) in the PDT group and 10% (3/29) in the Nd:YAG group. In patients with no prior radiotherapy, the overall incidence of FMH was less than 1%. Characteristics of patients at high risk for FMH are described in CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.
Other serious or notable adverse reactions were observed in less than 5% of PDT-treated patients with endobronchial cancer; their relationship to therapy is uncertain. In the respiratory system, pulmonary thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and lung abscess have occurred. Cardiac failure, sepsis, and possible cerebrovascular accident have also been reported in one patient each.
TABLE 7. Adverse Reactions Reported in 5% or More of Patients
with Obstructing Endobronchial Cancer
| SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS/Adverse Reaction |
Number (%) of Patients | |||
| Within 30 Days of Treatment | Entire Follow-up Perioda | |||
| PDT N=86 n(%) |
Nd:YAG N=86 n (%) |
PDT N=86 n (%) |
Nd:YAG N=86 n (%) |
|
| Patients with at Least One Adverse Reaction | 43(50) | 33 (38) | 62 (72) | 48 (56) |
| GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS | ||||
| Dyspepsia | 1(1) | 4 (5) | 2 (2) | 5 (6) |
| Constipation | 4(5) | 1 (1) | 4 (5) | 2 (2) |
| GENERAL DISORDERS and ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS | ||||
| Pyrexia | 7(8) | 7 (8) | 14 (16) | 8 (9) |
| Chest pain | 6(7) | 6 (7) | 7 (8) | 8 (9) |
| Pain | 1(1) | 4 (5) | 4 (5) | 8 (9) |
| Edema peripheral | 3(3) | 3 (3) | 4 (5) | 3 (3) |
| MUSCULOSKELETAL and CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS | ||||
| Back pain | 3(3) | 1 (1) | 3 (3) | 5 (6) |
| NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS | ||||
| Dysphonia | 3(3) | 2 (2) | 4 (5) | 2 (2) |
| PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS | ||||
| Insomnia | 4(5) | 2 (2) | 4 (5) | 3 (4) |
| Anxiety | 3(3) | 0 (0) | 5 (6) | 0 (0) |
| RESPIRATORY, THORACIC and MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS | ||||
| Dyspnoea | 15(17) | 7 (8) | 26 (30) | 13 (15) |
| Cough | 5(6) | 8 (9) | 13 (15) | 11 (13) |
| Hemoptysis | 6(7) | 5 (6) | 14 (16) | 7 (8) |
| Pneumonia | 5(6) | 4 (5) | 10 (12) | 5 (6) |
| Bronchitis | 9(10) | 2 (2) | 9 (10) | 2 (2) |
| Productive cough | 4(5) | 5 (6) | 7 (8) | 6 (7) |
| Respiratory insufficiency | 0(0) | 0 (0) | 5 (6) | 1 (1) |
| Pleural effusion | 0(0) | 0 (0) | 4 (5) | 1 (1) |
| Pneumothorax | 0(0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 4 (5) |
| SKIN and SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS | ||||
| Photosensitivity reaction | 16(19) | 0 (0) | 18 (21) | 0 (0) |
| a Follow-up was 33% longer for the PDT group than for the Nd:YAG group, introducing a bias against PDT when adverse reactions are compared for the entire follow-up period. | ||||
The following adverse reactions were reported over the entire follow-up period in at least 5% of patients with superficial tumors (microinvasive or carcinoma in situ) who received the currently marketed formulation.
TABLE 8. Adverse Reactions Reported in 5% or More of Patientsa
with Superficial Endobronchial Tumors
| Adverse Reaction | N=90 n (%) |
| Patients with at Least One Adverse Reaction | 44 (49) |
| RESPIRATORY, THORACIC and MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS | |
| Exudate | 20 (22) |
| Bronchial mucus plug or bronchial obstruction | 19 (21) |
| Edema | 16 (18) |
| Bronchostenosis | 10 (11) |
| Bronchial ulceration | 8 (9) |
| Cough | 8 (9) |
| Dyspnoea | 6 (7) |
| SKIN and SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS | |
| Photosensitivity reaction | 20 (22) |
| a Based on adverse reactions reported at any time during the entire period of follow-up. | |
In patients with superficial endobronchial tumors, 44 of 90 patients (49%) experienced an adverse reaction, two-thirds of which were related to the respiratory system. The most common reaction to therapy was a mucositis reaction in one-fifth of the patients, which manifested as edema, exudate, and obstruction. The obstruction (mucus plug) is easily removed with suction or forceps. Mucositis can be minimized by avoiding exposure of normal tissue to excessive light [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Three patients experienced lifethreatening dyspnoea: one was given a double dose of light, one was treated concurrently in both mainstem bronchi and the other had had prior pneumonectomy and was treated in the sole remaining main airway [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Stent placement was required in 3% of the patients due to endobronchial stricture. Fatal massive hemoptysis occurred within 30 days of treatment in one patient with superficial tumors (1%).
Table 9 presents adverse reactions that were reported over the follow-up period in at least 5% of patients with HGD in BE in either controlled or uncontrolled clinical trials.
In the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group severe adverse reactions included chest pain of non-cardiac origin, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and heartburn. The severity of these symptoms decreased within 4 to 6 weeks following treatment.
The majority of the photosensitivity reactions occurred within 90 days following PHOTOFRIN injection and was of mild (68%) or moderate (24%) intensity. Fourteen (10%) patients reported severe reactions, all of which resolved. The typical reaction was described as skin disorder, sunburn or rash, and affected mostly the face, hands, and neck. Associated symptoms and signs were swelling, pruritis, erythema, blisters, burning sensation, and feeling of heat.
The majority of esophageal stenosis including strictures reported in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group were of mild (57%) or moderate (35%) intensity, while approximately 8% were of severe intensity. The majority of esophageal strictures were reported during Course 2 of treatment. All esophageal strictures were considered to be due to treatment. Most esophageal strictures were manageable through dilations [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
TABLE 9. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients
Treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT in the Clinical Trials on High-Grade Dysplasia in
Barrett's Esophagus
| SYSTEM ORGANCLASS/ Adverse Reaction | Treatment | Groups | ||
| HGDa PHOPDT +OM N=219 n (%) |
HGDb OM Only N=69 n (%) |
Otherc PHOPDT +OM N=99 n (%) |
Total PHOPDT +OM N=318 n (%) |
|
| Patients with at Least One Adverse Reaction | 206 (94) | 9 (13) | 97 (98) | 303 (95) |
| GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS | 163 (74) | 6 (9) | 83 (84) | 246 (77) |
| Nausea | 57 (26) | 1 (1) | 61 (62) | 118 (37) |
| Vomiting | 63 (29) | 1 (1) | 34 (34) | 97 (31) |
| Esophageal Strictured | 81 (37) | 0 | 33 (33) | 114 (36) |
| Esophageal Narrowinge | 71 (32) | 4 (6) | 24 (24) | 95 (30) |
| Dysphagia | 49 (22) | 0 | 26 (26) | 75 (24) |
| Constipation | 25 (11) | 1 (1) | 7 (7) | 32 (10) |
| Abdominal pain (Upper, lower, NOS) | 11 (5) | 1 (1) | 6 (6) | 17 (5) |
| Esophageal pain | 13 (6) | 0 | 9 (9) | 22 (7) |
| Dyspepsia | 10 (5) | 0 | 4 (4) | 14 (4) |
| Hiccups | 16 (7) | 0 | 1 (1) | 17 (5) |
| Odynophagia | 13 (6) | 0 | 4 (4) | 17 (5) |
| GENERAL and ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS | 110 (50) | 0 | 62 (63) | 172 (54) |
| Chest pain | 63 (29) | 0 | 37 (37) | 100 (31) |
| Pyrexia | 41 (19) | 0 | 13 (13) | 54 (17) |
| Chest discomfort | 13 (6) | 0 | 19 (19) | 32 (10) |
| Pain | 11 (5) | 0 | 7 (7) | 18 (6) |
| INJURY, POISONING and PROCEDURAL COMPLICATIONS | 24 (11) | 0 | 19 (19) | 43 (14) |
| Post procedural pain | 14 (6) | 0 | 14 (14) | 28 (9) |
| INVESTIGATIONS | 24 (11) | 0 | 11 (11) | 35 (11) |
| Weight decreased | 15 (7) | 0 | 2 (2) | 17 (5) |
| METABOLISM and NUTRITION DISORDERS | 28 (13) | 0 | 16 (16) | 44 (14) |
| Dehydration | 24 (11) | 0 | 8 (8) | 32 (10) |
| RESPIRATORY, THORACIC and MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS | 35 (16) | 0 | 18 (18) | 53 (17) |
| Pleural effusion | 22 (10) | 0 | 15 (15) | 37 (12) |
| SKIN and SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS | 115 (53) | 1 (1) | 28 (28) | 143 (45) |
| Photosensitivity reaction | 102 (47) | 0 | 16 (16) | 118 (37) |
| PHO: PHOTOFRIN a Includes all HGD patients in the Safety population from PHO BAR 02 (N=133), TCSC 93-07 (N=44), and TCSC 96-01 (N=42). b Includes all HGD patients in the Safety population from PHO BAR 02 (N=69). c Includes patients with Barrett's metaplasia, indefinite dysplasia, LGD, and adenocarcinoma at baseline in the Safety population from TCSC 93-07 (N=55) and TCSC 96-01 (N=44). d Esophageal stricture was defined as a dilated esophageal stenosis. e Esophageal narrowing was defined as an undilated esophageal stenosis. NOTE: Adverse reactions classified using MedDRA 5.0 dictionary with the exception of esophageal stricture and esophageal narrowing. |
||||
In patients with esophageal cancer, PDT with PHOTOFRIN may result in anemia due to tumor bleeding. No significant effects were observed for other parameters in patients with endobronchial carcinoma or with HGD in BE.
There have been no formal interaction studies of PHOTOFRIN and any other drugs. However, it is possible that concomitant use of other photosensitizing agents (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phenothiazines, sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, thiazide diuretics, griseofulvin, and fluoroquinolones) could increase the risk of photosensitivity reaction.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with PHOTOFRIN causes direct intracellular damage by initiating radical chain reactions that damage intracellular membranes and mitochondria. Tissue damage also results from ischemia secondary to vasoconstriction, platelet activation and aggregation and clotting. Research in animals and in cell culture has suggested that many drugs could influence the effects of PDT, possible examples of which are described below. There are no human data that support or rebut these possibilities.
Compounds that quench active oxygen species or scavenge radicals, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, β-carotene, ethanol, formate and mannitol would be expected to decrease PDT activity. Preclinical data also suggest that tissue ischemia, allopurinol, calcium channel blockers and some prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors could interfere with PHOTOFRIN PDT. Drugs that decrease clotting, vasoconstriction or platelet aggregation, e.g., thromboxane A2 inhibitors, could decrease the efficacy of PDT. Glucocorticoid hormones given before or concomitant with PDT may decrease the efficacy of the treatment.
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
If the esophageal tumor is eroding into the trachea or bronchial tree, the likelihood of tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula resulting from treatment is sufficiently high that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is not recommended.
Patients with esophageal varices should be treated with extreme caution. Light should not be given directly to the variceal area because of the high risk of bleeding.
Patients should be assessed for the possibility that a tumor may be eroding into a pulmonary blood vessel [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Patients at high risk for fatal massive hemoptysis (FMH) include those with large, centrally located tumors, those with cavitating tumors or those with extensive tumor extrinsic to the bronchus.
If the endobronchial tumor invades deeply into the bronchial wall, the possibility exists for fistula formation upon resolution of tumor.
PDT should be used with extreme caution for endobronchial tumors in locations where treatment-induced inflammation could obstruct the main airway, e.g., long or circumferential tumors of the trachea, tumors of the carina that involve both mainstem bronchi circumferentially, or circumferential tumors in the mainstem bronchus in patients with prior pneumonectomy.
The long-term effect of PDT on HGD in BE is unknown. There is always a risk of cancer or abnormal epithelium that is invisible to the endoscopist beneath the new squamous cell epithelium; these facts emphasize the risk of overlooking cancer in such patients and the need for rigorous continuing surveillance despite the endoscopic appearance of complete squamous cell reepithelialization. It is recommended that endoscopic biopsy surveillance be conducted every three months, until four consecutive negative evaluations for HGD have been recorded; further follow-up may be scheduled every 6 to 12 months, as per judgment of physicians. The follow-up period of the randomized study at the time of analysis was a minimum of two years (ranging from 2 to 5.6 years).
All patients who receive PHOTOFRIN will be photosensitive and must observe precautions to avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light (from examination lamps, including dental lamps, operating room lamps, unshaded light bulbs at close proximity, etc.) for at least 30 days. Some patients may remain photosensitive for up to 90 days or more. The photosensitivity is due to residual drug, which will be present in all parts of the skin. Exposure of the skin to ambient indoor light is, however, beneficial because the remaining drug will be inactivated gradually and safely through a photobleaching reaction. Therefore, patients should not stay in a darkened room during this period and should be encouraged to expose their skin to ambient indoor light. The level of photosensitivity will vary for different areas of the body, depending on the extent of previous exposure to light. Before exposing any area of skin to direct sunlight or bright indoor light, the patient should test it for residual photosensitivity. A small area of skin should be exposed to sunlight for 10 minutes. If no
photosensitivity reaction (erythema, edema, blistering) occurs within 24 hours, the patient can gradually resume normal outdoor activities, initially continuing to exercise caution and gradually allowing increased exposure. If some photosensitivity reaction occurs with the limited skin test, the patient should continue precautions for another 2 weeks before retesting. The tissue around the eyes may be more sensitive, and therefore, it is not recommended that the face be used for testing. If patients travel to a different geographical area with greater sunshine, they should retest their level of photosensitivity. Conventional ultraviolet (UV) sunscreens will only protect against UV light-related photosensitivity and will be of no value in protecting against induced photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.
Ocular discomfort, commonly described as sensitivity to sun, bright lights, or car headlights, has been reported in patients who received PHOTOFRIN. For 30 days, when outdoors, patients should wear dark sunglasses which have an average white light transmittance of < 4%.
If PDT is to be used before or after radiotherapy, sufficient time should be allotted between the two therapies to ensure that the inflammatory response produced by the first treatment has subsided before commencing the second treatment. The inflammatory response from PDT will depend on tumor size and extent of surrounding normal tissue that receives light. It is recommended that 2 to 4 weeks be allowed after PDT before commencing radiotherapy. Similarly, if PDT is to be given after radiotherapy, the acute inflammatory reaction from radiotherapy usually subsides within 4 weeks after completing radiotherapy, after which PDT may be given.
As a result of PDT treatment, patients may complain of substernal chest pain because of inflammatory responses within the area of treatment. Such pain may be of sufficient intensity to warrant the short-term prescription of opiate analgesics.
Patients with endobronchial lesions must be closely monitored between the laser light therapy and the mandatory debridement bronchoscopy for any evidence of respiratory distress. Inflammation, mucositis, and necrotic debris may cause obstruction of the airway. If respiratory distress occurs, the physician should be prepared to carry out immediate bronchoscopy to remove secretions and debris to open the airway.
Esophageal strictures as a result of PDT of HGD in BE are common adverse reactions. An esophageal stricture was defined as a fixed lumen narrowing with solid food dysphagia and requiring dilation.
Regardless of the indication, esophageal strictures were reported in 122 of the 318 (38%) patients enrolled in the three clinical studies. Overall, esophageal strictures occurred within six months following PDT and were manageable through dilations. Multiple dilations of esophageal strictures may be required, as shown in Table 5. Special care should be taken during dilation to avoid perforation of the esophagus.
A high proportion of patients who developed an esophageal stricture received a nodule pretreatment prior to developing the event (49%) and/or had a mucosal segment treated twice (82%). Therefore, nodule pretreatment and re-treating the same mucosal segment more than once may influence the risk of developing an esophageal stricture.
Hepatic or Renal impairment will likely prolong the elimination of porfimer sodium leading to higher rates of toxicity. Patients with severe renal impairment or mild to severe hepatic impairment should be clearly informed that the period requiring the precautionary measures for photosensitivity may be longer than 90 days.
TABLE 5. Esophageal Dilations in Patients with Treatment-Related
Strictures
| Number of Dilations |
Number of Patients with Strictures N=114 |
Percentage of Patients with Strictures |
| 1 2 Dilations | 32 | 28% |
| 3 5 Dilations | 32 | 28% |
| 6 10 Dilations | 24 | 21% |
| > 10 Dilations | 26 | 23% |
No long-term studies have been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of porfimer sodium.
In the presence of light, in vitro, porfimer sodium PDT did not cause mutations in the Ames test, nor did it cause chromosome aberrations or mutations (HGPRT locus) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Porfimer sodium PDT caused < 2-fold, but significant, increases in sister chromatid exchange in CHO cells irradiated with visible light and a 3-fold increase in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts irradiated with near UV light. Porfimer sodium PDT caused an increase in thymidine kinase mutants and DNA-protein cross-links in mouse L5178Y cells, but not mouse LYR83 cells Porfimer sodium PDT caused a light-dose dependant increase in DNA-strand breaks in malignant human cervical carcinoma cells, but not in normal cells. In the absence of light, porfimer sodium was negative in a Chinese hamster ovarian cells (CHO/HGPRT) mutation test. In vivo, porfimer sodium did not cause chromosomal aberrations in the mouse micronucleus test.
Porfimer sodium given to male and female rats intravenously, at 4 mg/kg/d (0.32 times the clinical dose on a mg/m² basis) before conception and through Day 7 of pregnancy caused no impairment of fertility. In this study, long-term dosing with porfimer sodium caused discoloration of testes and ovaries and hypertrophy of the testes. Porfimer sodium also caused decreased body weight in the parent rats.
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and wellcontrolled studies of PHOTOFRIN in pregnant women. Porfimer sodium had an embryocidal effect in rats and rabbits at maternal doses 0.64 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis. PHOTOFRIN should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Porfimer sodium given to rat dams during fetal organogenesis intravenously at 0.64 times the clinical dose on a mg/m² basis for 10 days caused no major malformations or developmental changes. This dose caused maternal and fetal toxicity resulting in increased resorptions, decreased litter size, delayed ossification, and reduced fetal weight. Porfimer sodium caused no major malformations when given to rabbits intravenously during organogenesis at 0.65 times the clinical dose on a mg/m² basis for 13 days. This dose caused maternal toxicity resulting in increased resorptions, decreased litter size, and reduced fetal body weight.
Porfimer sodium given to rats during late pregnancy through lactation intravenously at 0.32 times the clinical dose on a mg/m² basis for at least 42 days caused a reversible decrease in growth of offspring. Parturition was unaffected.
It is not known whether PHOTOFRIN is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from PHOTOFRIN, a decision should be made whether not to treat or to discontinue breastfeeding, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Approximately 70% of the patients treated with PDT using PHOTOFRIN in clinical trials were over 60 years of age. There was no apparent difference in effectiveness or safety in these patients compared to younger people. Dose modification based upon age is not required.
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
There is no information on overdosage situations involving PHOTOFRIN. Higher than recommended drug doses of two 2 mg/kg doses given two days apart (10 patients) and three 2 mg/kg doses given within two weeks (one patient), were tolerated without notable adverse reactions. Effects of overdosage on the duration of photosensitivity are unknown. Laser treatment should not be given if an overdose of PHOTOFRIN is administered. In the event of an overdose, patients should protect their eyes and skin from direct sunlight or bright indoor lights for 30 days. At this time, patients should test for residual photosensitivity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. PHOTOFRIN is not dialyzable.
Light doses of two to three times the recommended dose have been administered to a few patients with superficial endobronchial tumors. One patient experienced life-threatening dyspnoea and the others had no notable complications. Increased symptoms and damage to normal tissue might be expected following an overdose of light. There is no information on overdose of laser light following PHOTOFRIN injection in patients with esophageal cancer or in patients with high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
Cellular damage caused by photodynamic therapy (PDT) with PHOTOFRIN is a consequence of the propagation of radical reactions. Radical initiation may occur after porfimer sodium absorbs light to form a porphyrin excited state. Spin transfer from porfimer sodium to molecular oxygen may then generate singlet oxygen. Subsequent radical reactions can form superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Tumor death also occurs through ischemic necrosis secondary to vascular occlusion that appears to be partly mediated by thromboxane A2 release. As opposed to a thermal effect, the laser treatment with porfimer sodium induces a photochemical effect. The necrotic reaction and associated inflammatory responses may evolve over several days.
The cytotoxic and antitumor actions of PHOTOFRIN are light and oxygen dependent. PDT with PHOTOFRIN is a two-stage process. The first stage is the intravenous injection of PHOTOFRIN. Clearance from a variety of tissues occurs over 40-72 hours, but tumors, skin, and organs of the reticuloendothelial system (including liver and spleen) retain PHOTOFRIN for a longer period. Illumination with 630 nm wavelength laser light constitutes the second stage of therapy. Tumor selectivity in treatment occurs through a combination of selective retention of PHOTOFRIN and selective delivery of light.
Following a 2 mg/kg dose of PHOTOFRIN to 4 male cancer patients, the average peak plasma concentration was 15 ± 3 mcg/mL, the elimination half-life was 250 ± 285 hours, the steady-state volume of distribution was 0.49 ± 0.28 L/kg, and the total plasma clearance was 0.051 ± 0.035 mL/min/kg. The mean plasma concentration at 48 hours was 2.6 ± 0.4 mcg/mL. The influence of impaired hepatic function on PHOTOFRIN disposition has not been evaluated.
PHOTOFRIN was approximately 90% protein bound in human serum, studied in vitro. The binding was independent of concentration over the concentration range of 20100 mcg/mL.
The pharmacokinetics of PHOTOFRIN was also studied in 24 healthy subjects (12 men and 12 women) who received a single dose of 2 mg/kg PHOTOFRIN given via the intravenous route. The serum decay was bi-exponential, with a slow distribution phase and a very long elimination phase. The elimination half-life was 415 ± 104 hours (17 ± 4.3 days). The Cmax was determined to be 40 ± 11.6 mcg/mL and AUCinf was 2400 ± 552 mcg•hour/mL. Women had a lower Cmax and a higher AUC. The clinical significance of these differences is unknown. The Tmax was approximately 1.5 hours in women and 0.17 hours in men. At the time of intended photoactivation 40-50 hours after injection, the pharmacokinetic profiles of PHOTOFRIN in men and women were similar.
Clinical studies of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with PHOTOFRIN were conducted in patients with obstructing esophageal and endobronchial non-small-cell lung cancers, in patients with earlystage radiologically occult endobronchial cancer, and in patients with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE). In all clinical studies, the method of PDT administration was essentially identical. A course of therapy consisted of one injection of PHOTOFRIN (2 mg/kg administered as a slow intravenous injection over 35 minutes) followed by up to two non-thermal applications of 630 nm laser light. Light doses of 300 J/cm of diffuser length were used in esophageal cancer. Light doses of 200 J/cm of diffuser length were used in endobronchial cancer for both palliation of obstructing cancer and treatment of superficial lesions. For the ablation of HGD in BE, the light dose administered was 130 J/cm of diffuser length using a centering balloon for the first application and 50 J/cm of diffuser length without a centering balloon for the second application [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. In all cases, the first application of light occurred 4050 hours after PHOTOFRIN injection.
For treatment of esophageal cancer debridement of residua via endoscopy is optional 96120 hours after injection, after which any residual tumor could be retreated with a second laser light application at the same light dose used for the initial treatment. Additional courses of PDT with PHOTOFRIN were allowed after one month, up to a maximum of three courses.
For treatment of endobronchial cancer, debridement of residua was performed via bronchoscopy 96120 hours after injection, after which any residual tumor could be retreated with a second laser light application at the same light dose used for the initial treatment. Additional courses of PDT with PHOTOFRIN were allowed after one month, up to a maximum of three courses.
For ablation of HGD in BE, a second laser light application of 50 J/cm of diffuser length without a centering balloon could be given 96-120 hours after the PHOTOFRIN injection for untreated areas (“skip” areas). Additional courses of PDT with PHOTOFRIN were allowed after three months, up to a maximum of three courses.
PDT with PHOTOFRIN was utilized in a multicenter, singlearm study in 17 patients with completely obstructing esophageal carcinoma. Assessments were made at 1 week and 1 month after the last treatment procedure. As shown in Table 10, after a single course of therapy, 94% of patients obtained an objective tumor response and 76% of patients experienced some palliation of their dysphagia. On average, before treatment these patients had difficulty swallowing liquids, even saliva. After one course of therapy, there was a statistically significant improvement in mean dysphagia grade (1.5 units, p < 0.05) and 13 of 17 patients could swallow liquids without difficulty 1 week and/or 1 month after treatment. Based on all courses, three patients achieved a complete tumor response (CR). In two of these patients, the CR was documented only at Week 1 as they had no further assessments. The third patient achieved a CR after a second course of therapy, which was supported by negative histopathology and maintained for the entire follow-up of 6 months.
Of the 17 treated patients, 11 (65%) received clinically important benefit from PDT. Clinically important benefit was defined hierarchically as a complete tumor response (3 patients), achievement of normal swallowing (2 patients went from Grade 5 dysphagia to Grade 1), or achievement of a marked improvement of two or more grades of dysphagia with minimal adverse reactions (6 patients). The median duration of benefit in these patients was 69 days. Duration of benefit was calculated only for the period with documented evidence of improvement. All of these patients were still in response at their last assessment and, therefore, the estimate of 69 days is conservative. The median survival for these 11 patients was 115 days.
Two randomized multicenter Phase III studies were conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of PHOTOFRIN PDT versus Nd:YAG laser therapy for reduction of obstruction and palliation of symptomatic patients with partially or completely obstructing endobronchial non-small-cell lung cancer. Assessments were made at 1 week and at monthly intervals after treatment. Table 11 shows the results from all randomized patients in the two studies combined. Objective tumor response rates (CR + PR), which demonstrate reduction of obstruction, were 59% for PDT and 58% for Nd:YAG at Week 1. The response rate at 1 month or later was 60% for PDT and 41% for Nd:YAG.
Patient symptoms were evaluated using a 5- or 6-grade pulmonary symptom severity rating scale for dyspnoea, cough, and hemoptysis. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms are those most in need of palliation. Improvements of 2 or more grades are considered to be clinically significant. Table 12 shows the percentages of patients with moderate to severe symptoms at baseline who demonstrated a 2grade improvement at any time during the interval evaluated.
TABLE 10. Course 1 Efficacy Results in Patients with Completely
Obstructing Esophageal Cancer
| EFFICACY PARAMETER | PDT N=17 |
| OBJECTIVE TUMOR RESPONSEa (% of patients) | |
| Week 1 | 82% |
| Month 1 | 35%b |
| Any assessment c | 94% |
| IMPROVEMENTd IN DYSPHAGIA (% of patients) | |
| Week 1 | 71% |
| Month 1 | 47% |
| Any assessment c | 76% |
| MEAN DYSPHAGIA GRADEe AT BASELINE (units) | 4.6 |
| MEAN IMPROVEMENTe IN DYSPHAGIA GRADE (units) | |
| Week 1 | 1.4 |
| Month 1 | 1.5 |
| MEAN NUMBER OF LASER APPLICATIONS (units) | 1.4 |
| a CR+PR, CR = complete response
(absence of endoscopically visible tumor), PR = partial response (appearance
of a visible lumen). b Eight of the 17 treated patients did not have assessments at Month 1. c Week 1 or Month 1. d Patients with at least a one-grade improvement in dysphagia grade. e Dysphagia Scale: Grade 1 = normal swallowing; Grade 2 = difficulty swallowing some hard solids, can swallow semisolids; Grade 3 = unable to swallow any solids, can swallow liquids; Grade 4 = difficulty swallowing liquids; Grade 5 = unable to swallow saliva. |
|
TABLE 11. Efficacy Results from Studies in Late-stage Obstructing
Endobronchial Cancer All Randomized Patientsa
| EFFICACY PARAMETER | PDT N=102 % Patients |
Nd:YAG N=109 % Patients |
| OBJECTIVE TUMOR RESPONSEb | ||
| Week 1 | 59% | 58% |
| Month 1 or later | 60% | 41%a |
| ATELECTASIS IMPROVEMENTc | n=60 | N=71 |
| Week 1 | 35% | 18% |
| Month 1 or later | 35% | 20% |
| a Statistical comparisons were
precluded by the amount of missing data at Month 1 or later (e.g., for
tumor response, PDT 28% missing, Nd:YAG 38%). b CR+PR where CR = complete response (absence of bronchoscopically visible tumor) and PR = partial response (increase of ≥ 50% in the smallest luminal diameter; or any appearance of a lumen for completely obstructing tumors). c In patients with atelectasis at baseline. |
||
TABLE 12. Efficacy Results from Studies in Late-stage Obstructing
Endobronchial Cancer Clinically Significant Improvements in Patients with
Moderate to Severe Symptoms at Baselinea
| CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOM IMPROVEMENTb |
PDT N=102 % Patients |
Nd:YAG N=109 % Patients |
| ANY SYMPTOM | n=89 | n=89 |
| Week 1 | 25% | 29% |
| Month 1 or later | 40% | 27%a |
| DYSPNOEA | n=60 | n=68 |
| Week 1 | 15% | 18% |
| Month 1 or later | 23% | 13% |
| COUGH | n=63 | n=65 |
| Week 1 | 6% | 9% |
| Month 1 or later | 24% | 8% |
| HEMOPTYSIS | n=24 | n=31 |
| Week 1 | 58% | 29% |
| Month 1 or later | 79% | 35% |
| a Statistical comparisons were
precluded by the amount of missing data at Month 1 or later. b Dyspnoea was graded on a 6-point severity rating scale; cough and hemoptysis on a 5-point scale. Clinically significant improvement was defined as a change of at least two grades from baseline. |
||
In a separate retrospective analysis, patients were individually evaluated to identify those patients whose benefit to risk ratio was most favorable, i.e., those who obtained clinically important benefit with minimal adverse reactions. Clinically important benefit was defined as one of the following:
A substantial improvement in pulmonary symptoms at Month 1 or later (dyspnoea ≥ 2 grades, hemoptysis ≥ 3 grades, cough ≥ 3 grades or increase in FEV1 > 40%);
A moderate improvement in symptoms at Month 2 or later (dyspnoea 1 grade, cough 2 grades, hemoptysis 2 grades or increase in FEV1 ≥ 20%); or
A durable objective tumor response (CR or PR maintained to Month 2 or longer).
Thirty-six (36) of the 99 PDT-treated patients (36%) and 23 of the 99 Nd:YAG-treated patients (23%) received clinically important benefit with only minimal or moderate toxicities of short duration. Thirty-four (34) of 99 PDT-treated patients demonstrated improvements in 2 or more efficacy endpoints (dyspnoea, cough, hemoptysis, sputum, atelectasis, pulmonary function tests of FEV1 or FVC, Karnofsky Performance Score or tumor response) and 29 patients had improvements in 3 or more.
The median duration of documented benefit in the 36 patients was 63 days. In these patients with late-stage obstructing lung cancer, median survival was 174 days in PDT-treated patients and 161 days in Nd:YAG-treated patients.
The efficacy of PHOTOFRIN PDT was also evaluated in the treatment of microinvasive endobronchial tumors in 62 inoperable patients in three noncomparative studies. Microinvasive lung cancer is defined histologically as disease, which invades beyond the basement membrane but not through or into the cartilage. For 11 of the 62 patients, it was clearly documented that surgery and radiotherapy were not indicated. These 11 patients were all inoperable for medical or technical reasons. Radiotherapy was not indicated due to prior highdose radiotherapy (7 patients), poor pulmonary function (2 patients), multifocal multilobar disease (1 patient), and poor medical condition (1 patient). As shown in Table 13, the complete tumor response rate, biopsy-proven at least 3 months after treatment, was 50%, median time to tumor recurrence was more than 2.7 years, median survival was 2.9 years and disease-specific survival was 4.1 years.
TABLE 13. Overall Efficacy Results in Patients with Superficial
Endobronchial Tumors
| EFFICACY PARAMETER | PDT | |
| n=11 | n=62 | |
| COMPLETE TUMOR RESPONSE, BIOPSY PROVEN AT 3 MONTHS | ||
| Number of Patients (%) | 3 (27) | 31 (50)a |
| TIME TO TUMOR RECURRENCE IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE RESPONSE | ||
| Number of Patients (%) with Recurrences | 1 (33) | 11 (35) |
| Median Time to Tumor Recurrence | >2.7 years | |
| [95% Confidence Interval] | [1.6, b] | |
| SURVIVAL | ||
| Number of Patients (%) who Died of Any | 4 (36) | 32 (52) |
| Cause | ||
| Median Survival | 2.9 years | |
| [95% Confidence Interval] | [2.1, 5.7] | |
| DISEASE-SPECIFIC SURVIVAL | ||
| Number of Patients (%) who Died of Lung | 3 (27) | 22 (35) |
| Cancer | ||
| Median Disease-Specific Survival | 4.1 years | |
| [95% Confidence Interval] | [2.5, b] | |
| a Not included are an additional
18 patients (6 patients not eligible for surgery or radiotherapy) who
had complete tumor responses which were documented earlier than 3 months
after treatment. b The upper limit of the confidence interval could not be estimated due to an insufficient number of patients whose tumors recurred (Time to Tumor Recurrence) or who died (Survival). |
||
The safety and efficacy of PDT with PHOTOFRIN in ablation of HGD in patients with BE was assessed in one controlled randomized clinical study and two supportive studies.
A multicenter, pathology blinded, randomized, controlled study was conducted in North America and Europe to assess the efficacy of PDT with PHOTOFRIN for Injection plus omeprazole (PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM) in producing complete ablation of HGD in patients with BE compared to control patients receiving omeprazole alone (OM Only). A total of 485 patients with the diagnosis of HGD were screened for the study; 208 (43%) were randomized to treatment, 237 (49%) were excluded because the diagnosis of HGD was not confirmed and 40 (8%) did not meet other screening criteria or declined to participate in the study. The high patient exclusion rate re-enforces the recommendation by the American College of Gastroenterology that the diagnosis of HGD in BE should be confirmed by an expert GI pathologist. Patients were centrally randomized in a 2:1 proportion to receive PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM (138 patients) or OM Only (70 patients). All patients underwent rigorous systematic quarterly endoscopic biopsy surveillance. Four-quadrant jumbo biopsies at every 2 cm of the entire Barrett's mucosa were obtained at each follow-up visit (every three months or six months if four consecutive quarterly follow-up endoscopic biopsy results were negative for HGD). All histological assessments were carried out at a central pathology laboratory and read by pathologists blinded to the treatment administered.
A total of 208 patients who had biopsy-proven HGD in BE were enrolled in the initial 2-year phase of the study. Of those, 199 patients were considered evaluable: 130 of 138 (94%) patients randomized to the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group and 69 of 70 (99%) randomized to the OM Only group had no esophageal invasive cancer, suspicion of esophageal invasive cancer, lymph node involvement, or metastases, and had received at least one PHOTOFRIN PDT course or one week of OM treatment, respectively. A disproportionate percentage of patients were discontinued from the OM Only group during the initial 2-year phase leaving 81 (59%) patients in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group and 21 (30%) patients in the OM Only group at the end of the 2-year phase. Consequently, a total of 102 patients who completed the initial 2-year phase were eligible for continuation into the long-term phase until completion of 5 years; of those, 48 (59%) patients from the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group and 13 (62%) patients from the OM Only group consented to pursue the long-term phase until completion of 5 years. The mean age was 66 years (38 to 89 years) in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group, and 67 (36 to 88 years) in the OM Only group. The patients in both treatment groups were predominantly male (85%), Caucasian (99%), and former smokers (64%). These characteristics are typical of patients with HGD in BE. Patients randomized to the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM treatment received up to three courses of treatment separated by at least 90 days. Each course consisted of intravenous administration of 2.0 mg/kg of PHOTOFRIN followed 40-50 hours later by a 630 nm laser light dose of 130 J/cm of diffuser length delivered using a centering balloon. A second laser light dose of 50 J/cm of diffuser length could be administered without a centering balloon 96-120 hours after the injection of PHOTOFRIN for treatment of “skip” areas. Since centering balloons are up to 7 cm in length, patients with more extensive HGD were treated with two or three courses. Both the PHOTOFRIN PDT treatment group and the control group received 20 mg of omeprazole BID to decrease reflux esophagitis. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 34 months (0-67 months) for the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group and 25 months (0-65 months) for the OM Only group.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the Complete Response rate (CR3 or better) at any one of the endoscopic assessment time points. The CR3 or better response was defined as the complete ablation of HGD and referred to as a composite of the following three response levels.
Additional efficacy endpoints included:
Table 14 presents the overall clinical response for both treatment groups in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population whose response was CR3 or better at any one of the evaluation time points. Overall, PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM was effective in eliminating HGD in patients with BE. The proportion of responders was significantly higher in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group than in the OM Only group (77% vs. 39%, respectively; p < 0.0001).
The quality of response in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group was significantly better than that measured in the OM Only group at all response levels (p < 0.0001). Seventy-two (52%) patients in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group achieved a CR1 response as compared to only five (7%) patients in the OM Only group. Eighty-one (59%) patients in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group achieved a CR2 or better response as compared to ten (14%) patients in the OM Only group.
TABLE 14. Complete Response Rates After a Minimum Follow-
Up of 24 Months in the ITT Population
| Treatment Groups | ||||
| Responders | PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM |
OM Only | p-valuea | |
| Numbers of patients | N | 138 | 70 | |
| CR3 or betterb | n | 106 | 27 | |
| Proportion | ||||
| (%) | 0.768 (76.8) | 0.386 (38.6) | < 0.0001 | |
| 95% CI | (0.689, 0.836) | (0.272, 0.510) | ||
| a Fisher's Exact test. b CR3 or better: Ablation of all areas of HGD. NOTE: Six patients in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group and three patients in the OM Only group without post-baseline biopsy data are considered as non-responders. |
||||
At the end of the long-term phase, the median response duration was 44.6 months (95% CI: 15.0-not reached, months) in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group compared to 3.2 months (95% CI: 3.03.4, months) in the OM Only group.
At the end of the initial 2 year phase, the time to progression to cancer was significantly longer in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group compared to the OM Only group (HR=0.36 (95% CI: 0.19-0.69), a hazard ratio less than 1 favors the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group). The proportion of patients' progression to cancer was lower in the PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM group than in the OM Only group: 13% (18 of 138 patients) vs. 28% (20 of 70 patients).
Complete response was influenced by the following factors: treatment with PHOTOFRIN PDT + OM (vs. OM Only), single focus of HGD (vs. multiple foci), and prior omeprazole intake of at least 3 months (yes vs. no). Complete response was not influenced by the duration of HGD, length of BE, nodular conditions, gender, age, smoking history, and study center's size.
Two uncontrolled, supportive studies were conducted that were physician-sponsored, single center Phase II trials. Both studies included patients that had low-grade dysplasia (LGD), HGD and early adenocarcinoma. All HGD in BE patients were treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT and omeprazole.
The first study enrolled 99 patients (44 with HGD); the purpose of this study was to determine the required light dose to produce effective results. The second study enrolled 86 patients (42 with HGD), who were randomized to receive either PHOTOFRIN PDT with prednisone or PHOTOFRIN PDT without prednisone to determine whether steroid treatment would reduce the incidence and severity of esophageal strictures.
A CR3 or better response was demonstrated in 93% of 44 patients with HGD in the first study and in 95% of 42 patients with HGD in the second study after a minimum follow-up of 12 months. A CR2 or better response was achieved in 82% of patients in the first study and in 91% of patients in the second study. A CR1 response occurred in 57% of patients in the first study and in 60% of the second study. Progression to cancer during the above follow-up period occurred in 18% of patients in the first study and in 7% of patients in the second study. No reduction in the incidence or severity of esophageal strictures was found in the prednisone group in the second study.
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
Patients should be warned to avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for at least 30 days following injection with PHOTOFRIN.
Patients should be informed that photosensitivity might last for more than 90 days if patients suffer from liver impairment.
Patients should be instructed to wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses when outdoors, which have an average white light transmittance of < 4%.
Patients should be encouraged to expose their skin to ambient indoor light to facilitate elimination of PHOTOFRIN from their skin.
Patients should be informed that treatment with photodynamic therapy might lead to adverse reactions which include ocular sensitivity, chest pain, respiratory distress or esophageal strictures. In such cases, patients should call their physicians.
Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2008
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
PORFIMER SODIUM - INJECTION
(POR-fi-mer SO-dee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Photofrin
USES: This medication is used along with laser light treatment to treat certain esophagus problems (cancer, Barrett's esophagus) and a certain type of lung cancer (endobronchial non-small-cell type). It works by making the cancer cells sensitive to the laser light treatment, causing the cells to die.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Learn all preparation and usage instructions for this product. Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluid. Do not mix porfimer sodium with other medications in the same solution. Shake the product well until dissolved. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use the medication immediately after mixing. Protect the drug from bright light by covering with foil or a dark sleeve. If you have questions about the preparation or use of this medication, consult the doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid getting the medication in the eyes or on the skin while preparing or using this medication. It may cause the eyes/skin to become sensitive to bright light. Tell your doctor immediately if you get the medication in your eyes or on your skin.
The dosage is based on your weight. This medication is usually given 2 days (40 to 50 hours) before the laser light treatment or as directed by your doctor. Extra laser light treatments may be given as directed by your doctor.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pain/swelling at injection site, skin reactions due to sun/bright light (e.g., swelling, blistering, redness), trouble swallowing, chest pain, swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety), stomach/abdominal pain, signs of infection (e.g., fever), unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: coughing/vomiting blood, trouble breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using porfimer sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to certain natural pigments (porphyrins); or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), certain esophagus problems (tracheoesophageal/brochoesophageal fistula, esophageal varices, esophageal ulcers), a certain stomach problem (gastric varices).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: radiation treatment.
This medication will make your eyes and skin more sensitive to the sun and bright indoor light (e.g., unshaded light bulbs, dental lamps) for at least 30 days. Some patients have been sensitive to light for 90 days or more. Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses when outdoors. Sunscreens will not protect your skin from this type of sun sensitivity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any light sensitivity reactions (e.g., blistered/red/swollen skin). Also, talk with your doctor about how and when to test whether your skin is still sensitive to the sun or bright light.
Exposure of the skin to normal indoor lighting will help to decrease the amount of active drug in the skin. Therefore, do not avoid indoor lighting, and expose your skin to this type of light.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: other drugs that can make your skin sensitive to the sun (e.g., griseofulvin, tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline, sulfa antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfonylureas such as glipizide, thiazide diuretics/"water pills" such as hydrochlorothiazide).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopic biopsy) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store the vials of powder at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Photofrin sorted by most helpful. 
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.
 |
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Updated & New