Temoporfin (Specialist drug)

How it works

It accumulates in tumour tissue and, on activation by laser light of a specific wavelength, generates reactive oxygen species that cause localised cytotoxic and vascular damage.

Prescribing in practice

• Patients become markedly photosensitive and must strictly avoid skin and eye exposure to direct sunlight and bright indoor light for a prolonged period after administration.
• It is administered by slow intravenous injection into a free-flowing line, with care to avoid extravasation, which can cause severe local damage and prolonged local photosensitivity.
• Illumination is performed only after a defined drug-light interval, using calibrated laser equipment by appropriately trained specialists.

Monitoring

Monitor for treatment-site reactions, pain and signs of localised tissue necrosis, alongside careful assessment of light-avoidance compliance.

Counselling the patient

• Stay out of direct sunlight and bright light and protect your skin and eyes for the period your team specifies.
• Tell your team straight away about pain, swelling or skin reddening at or around the injection or treatment site.
• Reintroduce light exposure only gradually and as advised by your specialist team.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is guided by the manufacturer's SPC and specialist oncology protocols for palliative head and neck cancer.