The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid and its derivatives in photodynamic therapy and diagnosis

Abstract

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is used as a drug in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of cancer. Combined with irradiation at the appropriate wavelength, it is used as a photosensitizer precursor to identify/kill tumour cells. In cells, 5-aminolevulinic acid is converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which is the precursor of hemin. Internal application of 5-ALA induces the overproduction of the endogenous photosensitizer, PpIX, which can subsequently be activated by light at the appropriate wavelength. 5-ALA can be applied internally to trans-mutated areas or be injected directly into them. Chemical derivatives of 5ALA have the potential to improve bioavailability, enhance stability and lead to better therapeutic outcomes for treated patients. 5-ALA is currently the most commonly used drug in the photodynamic therapy and diagnosis (PDT/PDD) of cancers. Keywords: photodynamic therapy, photodynamic diagnosis, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5- ALA), esters of 5-aminolevulinic acid, cancer.