Photofrin
RxNorm 242166· PORFIMER SODIUM· INTRAVENOUS
Pinnacle Biologics, Inc.
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PHOTOFRIN is a photoactivated radical generator indicated for: Esophageal Cancer ( 1.1 ) 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 Endobronchial Cancer ( 1.2 ) Treatment of microinvasive endobronchial non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients for whom surgery and radiotherapy are not indicated Reduction of obstruction and palliation of symptoms in patients with completely or partially obstructing endobronchial NSCLC High-Grade Dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus ( 1.3 ) Ablation of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) patients who do not undergo esophagectomy 1.1 Esophageal Cancer 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 healthcare provider, cannot be satisfactorily treated with Nd:YAG laser therapy. 1.2 Endobronchial Cancer 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. 1.3 High-Grade Dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus PHOTOFRIN is indicated for the ablation of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus patients who do not undergo esophagectomy.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION PHOTOFRIN ( 2.1 ) PHOTOFRIN administration: 2 mg/kg intravenous Photoactivation ( 2.2 ) Esophageal Cancer Laser light dose of 300 J/cm of fiber optic diffuser length 40–50 hours following injection with PHOTOFRIN; repeated, if needed, 96-120 hours after initial injection Endobronchial Cancer Laser light dose of 200 J/cm of fiber optic diffuser length 40–50 hours following injection with PHOTOFRIN; repeated, if needed, after gentle debridement of residual tumor 96-120 hours after initial injection High-Grade Dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus Laser light dose of 130 J/cm of fiber optic diffuser length 40–50 hours following injection with PHOTOFRIN; repeated, if needed, with a light dose of 50 J/cm of fiber optic diffuser length 96-120 hours after initial injection 2.1 Important Administration Instructions 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 40–50 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 ( 2.2 )] . 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. Healthcare providers should be fully familiar with the patient’s condition and trained in the safe and efficacious treatment of esophageal or endobronchial cancer, or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s esophagus (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 Barrett’s mucosa to be 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. 2.2 PHOTOFRIN Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of PHOTOFRIN is 2 mg/kg of body weight administered as a single slow intravenous injection over 3 to 5 minutes. Preparation and Administration 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. Discard unused portion. 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. Management of Extravasation Precautions should be taken to present extravasation at the injection site. If extravasation occurs, care must be taken to protect the area from light. There is no known benefit from injectin…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastroesophageal Fistula and Perforation : Do not initiate PHOTOFRIN with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with esophageal tumors eroding into the trachea or bronchial tree or bronchial wall. ( 5.1 ) Pulmonary and Gastroesophageal Hemorrhage : Assess patients for tumors eroding into a pulmonary blood vessel and esophageal varices. Do not administer light directly to an area with esophageal varices. ( 5.2 ) High-Grade Dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) : After treatment of HGD in BE, conduct endoscopic biopsy surveillance every 3 months, until 4 consecutive negative evaluations for HGD have been recorded. ( 5.3 ) Photosensitivity and Ocular Photosensitivity : Observe precautions to avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for at least 30 days. Instruct patients when outdoors to wear dark sunglasses which have an average light transmittance of <4% for at least 30 days and until ocular sensitivity resolves. ( 5.4 , 5.5 ) Use Before or After Radiotherapy : Allow 2-4 weeks between PDT and subsequent radiotherapy. ( 5.6 ) Chest Pain : Substernal chest pain can occur ( 5.7 ) Airway Obstruction and Respiratory Distress : Administer with caution to patients with tumors in locations where treatment- induced inflammation can obstruct the main airway. Monitor patients closely between the laser light therapy and the mandatory debridement bronchoscopy for any evidence of respiratory distress. ( 5.8 ) Esophageal Strictures : Esophageal strictures can occur ( 5.9 ) Hepatic and Renal Impairment : Patients with hepatic or renal impairment may need longer precautionary measures for photosensitivity. ( 5.10 ) Thromboembolism : Thromboembolic events can occur. ( 5.11 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : May cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.12 , 8.1 ) 5.1 Gastroesophageal Fistula and Perforation Serious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal and esophageal necrosis and perforation can occur following treatment with PHOTOFRIN with PDT. Do not initiate PHOTOFRIN with PDT in patients with esophageal tumors eroding into the trachea or bronchial tree or bronchial wall because of the high likelihood of tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula. 5.2 Pulmonary and Gastroesophageal Hemorrhage Patients with large, centrally located tumors, cavitating tumors, or extensive tumors extrinsic to the bronchus are at high risk for fatal massive hemoptysis. Assess patients for tumors eroding into a pulmonary blood vessel [ see Contraindications ( 4 )] and esophageal varices. Do not administer light directly to an area with esophageal varices because of the high risk of hemorrhage. 5.3 High-Grade Dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) 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. Conduct endoscopic biopsy surveillance every 3 months, until 4 consecutive negative evaluations for HGD have been recorded; further follow-up may be scheduled every 6 to 12 months, as per judgment of healthcare providers. The follow-up period of the randomized study at the time of analysis was a minimum of 2 years (range 2 to 5.6 years). 5.4 Photosensitivity 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 wil…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PHOTOFRIN is contraindicated in patients with porphyria. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is contraindicated in patients with an existing tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula. PDT is contraindicated in patients with tumors eroding into a major blood vessel. PDT is not suitable for emergency treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory distress caused by an obstructing endobronchial lesion because 40 to 50 hours are required between injection with PHOTOFRIN and laser light treatment. PDT is not suitable for patients with esophageal or gastric varices, or patients with esophageal ulcers >1 cm in diameter. Porphyria ( 4 ) Existing tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula ( 4 , 5.1 ) Tumors eroding into a major blood vessel ( 4 , 5.2 ) Emergency treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory distress caused by an obstructing endobronchial lesion because 40 to 50 hours are required between injection of PHOTOFRIN and laser light treatment ( 4 ) Esophageal or gastric varices or esophageal ulcers >1 cm in diameter ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Other Photosensitizing Agents : May increase the risk of photosensitivity reaction ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Use with Other Photosensitizing Agents PHOTOFRIN can cause photosensitivity. The concomitant use of PHOTOFRIN with other photosensitizing agents (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phenothiazines, sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, thiazide diuretics, griseofulvin, and fluoroquinolones) may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction. Avoid the concomitant use of PHOTOFRIN with other products known to cause photosensitivity.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal studies, PHOTOFRIN may cause embryo-fetal toxicity when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on PHOTOFRIN use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Intraveneous administration of porfimer sodium to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at dose levels approximately 0.64 times the recommended human dose of PHOTOFRIN based on body surface area (BSA) resulted in increased fetal resorptions, decreased litter size, and reduced fetal weight, but did not cause fetal malformations. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively. Data Animal Data Intravenous administration of porfimer sodium to pregnant rats for 10 days during the period of organogenesis at dose levels 0.64 times the recommended human dose of PHOTOFRIN based on BSA resulted in maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity resulting in increased resorptions, decreased litter size, delayed ossification, and reduced fetal weight but did not cause major fetal malformations. Intravenous administration of porfimer sodium to pregnant rabbits for 13 days during the period of organogenesis at dose levels 0.65 times the recommended human dose of PHOTOFRIN based on BSA caused maternal toxicity resulting in increased resorptions, decreased litter size, and reduced fetal body weight but did not cause major fetal malformations. Intravenous administration of porfimer sodium to rats for at least 42 days during late pregnancy (post- organogenesis, GD17-PND21) through lactation at dose levels 0.32 times the recommended human dose of PHOTOFRIN based on BSA caused a reversible decrease in growth of offspring. Parturition was unaffected.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- off label use71
- cholangitis42
- oesophageal stenosis28
- dyspnoea19
- hypotension19
- sepsis15
- photosensitivity reaction14
- pneumonia14
- post procedural complication14
- deep vein thrombosis12
- nausea11
- pyrexia11
- swelling face11
- atrial fibrillation10
- fatigue10
- gastrointestinal haemorrhage10
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Gastroesophageal Fistula and Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Pulmonary and Gastroesophageal Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] High-Grade Dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Ocular Sensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Use Before or After Radiotherapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Chest Pain [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Airway Obstruction and Respiratory Distress [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Esophageal Strictures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Most common adverse reactions (>10%) are Esophageal Cancer : Anemia, pleural effusion, pyrexia, constipation, nausea, chest pain, pain, abdominal pain, dyspnea, photosensitivity reaction, pneumonia, vomiting, insomnia, back pain, pharyngitis ( 6.1 ) Obstructing Endobronchial Cancer : Dyspnea, photosensitivity reaction, hemoptysis, pyrexia, cough, pneumonia ( 6.1 ) Superficial Endobronchial Tumors : Exudate, photosensitivity reaction, bronchial obstruction, edema, bronchostenosis ( 6.1 ) High-Grade Dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus : Photosensitivity reaction, esophageal stenosis, vomiting, chest pain, nausea, pyrexia, constipation, dysphagia, abdominal pain, pleural effusion, dehydration ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pinnacle Biologics, Inc. at 1-866-248-2039 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 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. Overall Adverse Reaction Profile 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 ( 5.4 ) ]. Photosensitivity reactions occurred in approximately 20% of cancer patients and in 69% of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barretts esophagus (BE) patients treated with PHOTOFRIN. Typically, these reactions were mostly mild to moderate erythema, but they also included swelling, pruritus, 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 unde…
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