Dihematoporphyrin ether-induced photosensitivity in laryngeal papilloma patients

• Published in: Lasers in surgery and medicine Vol. 10; no. 4; p. 349
• Main Authors: Mullooly, V M, Abramson, A L, Shikowitz, M J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1990
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Dihematoporphyrin Ether; Female; Hematoporphyrins - administration & dosage; Hematoporphyrins - adverse effects; Hematoporphyrins - therapeutic use; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Laryngeal Neoplasms - drug therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Papilloma - drug therapy; Photochemotherapy - adverse effects; Photosensitivity Disorders - chemically induced
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.1900100408

Twenty-six patients with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis received 2.5 mg/kg of Dihematoporphyrin Ether (DHE) intravenously prior to photodynamic therapy. All patients experienced some degree of photosensitivity, the only known side effect of DHE. Reported reactions included mild erythema and inflammation (88%), swelling (58%), blistering (23%), ocular discomfort (61.5%), pruritus (38%), and skin hyperpigmentation (46%). Length of sensitivity ranged from 4-17 weeks, with an average duration of 9 weeks. No long-term debilitating sequelae were noted. Degree of skin reaction mainly depended on how compliant the patient was in following precaution instructions. Although restrictive precautions were often difficult to strictly adhere to, most patients felt the potential benefits of the therapy far outweighed any inconvenience.