Methoxsalen (Uvadex)
General information
Class/mechanism: Psoralen/furocoumarin. Photoactive substance used for palliative photopheresis/extracorporeal phototherapy of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Exact mechanism of action unknown, but photoactivation of methoxsalen is believed to result in its conjugation and formation of covalent bonds with DNA and possibly proteins. Additions to single strands of DNA and crosslinking of methoxsalen to two strands of DNA occur.[1][2][3]
Route: IV (other formulations of methoxsalen also available in PO & topical forms)
Extravasation: no information
For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.[1]
Diseases for which it is used
Patient drug information
- Patient information about Therakos photopheresis[4]
- Methoxsalen (Uvadex) patient drug information (UpToDate)[5]
History of changes in FDA indication
- 1999-02-25: Initial FDA approval for extracorporeal administration with the UVAR Photopheresis System in the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment. (Based on Edelson et al. 1987)
- 2013-10-31: Indication revised for extracorporeal administration with the UVARTM XTSTM or THERAKOSTM CELLEXTM Photopheresis System in the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment. (No supporting studies are cited)
History of changes in EMA indication
- 1958-03-31: EURD
Also known as
Photopheresis systems that methoxsalen is used with may be called UVAR XTS, Therakos, or Therakos Cellex.
- Generic names: 8-MOP, methoxypsoralen
- Brand names: Ammoidin, Oxsoralen, Oxsoralen-Ultra, Uvadex, Xanthotoxin, Deltasoralen, Dermox, Geralen, Geroxalen, Meladinina, Meladinine, Metoxaleno, Mopsoralen, Puvasoralen, Ultramop