Overview

Introduction

Metvix® is a non-invasive topical treatment option for pre-cancerous and skin cancer lesions such as actinic keratoses (AKs), basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and Bowen's disease (BD).

Metvix® has been extensively clinically investigated. Long-term follow-up data have confirmed the valuable role of Metvix® as a reliable and effective treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) within the range of effectiveness of other standard therapies.1 Significantly many patients with experience of other standard NMSC treatments prefer Metvix® due to improved healing and markedly less scarring.

The procedure is relatively simple to perform and potential side effects are generally transient, predictable and manageable.

What is Metvix®?

The active ingredient of Metvix® cream is methyl aminolevulinate (MAL; molecular weight 181.6). MAL is a topical photosensitiser molecule that permits effective topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) for NMSC.  Metvix® cream contains 160 mg/g MAL (16%). Click here for a full list of ingredients.

How Does PDT Work?

Topical application of Metvix® results in the selective accumulation of photoactive molecules in the neoplastic tissue. Exposure to red light in the presence of oxygen generates reactive oxygen species which kill neoplastic cells. Healthy surrounding tissue that has not accumulated the photoactive porphyrins is spared.

Specifically:

  • When Metvix® is applied, the active ingredient, MAL, is absorbed by tumour cells, inducing the selective accumulation of photoactive porphyrins (PAPs) and rendering the tumour cells sensitive to light. The accumulation of PAPs following topical application of MAL is about 20 times higher in tumour cells than in normal tissue.
  • When exposed to the red light (e.g. Aktilite ® (by clicking on this link you will be leaving this site - Galderma is not responsible for the content), at a total dose of 37J/cm2) in the presence of oxygen, the resulting photodynamic reaction leads to the formation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen and the selective destruction of the tumour cells.2 The reactive oxygen species, which damage cellular membranes, particularly in the mitochondria, lead to selective cell death (apoptosis and necrosis).
  • Healthy tissue does not accumulate PAPs , is not sensitive to light and therefore left undamaged.

Click here for a video illustrating the mechanism of action.

Aktilite®

Aktilite® (by clicking on this link you will be leaving this site - Galderma is not responsible for the content) is a convenient LED  (Light Emitting Diode) light source specifically designed for use in PDT with Metvix®. It produces homogeneous, narrow band, heat-free and visible red light of exactly the correct wavelength (634 nm) to optimise the activity of Metvix®. This wavelength enables deep penetration into the skin, sufficient for the treatment of the majority of AK and BCC lesions.3,4

Where is Metvix® Approved for Use?

Metvix® is registered in approximately 30 countries worldwide, including the majority of European countries, Australia and New Zealand.

What is Metvix® Indicated For?

The exact indications vary between regions, however it is typically approved for the treatment of:

  • Superficial and/or nodular BCCs (sBCC/nBCC) unsuitable for other available therapies.
  • Thin or non-hyperkeratotic and non-pigmented AK on the face and scalp when other therapies are considered less appropriate. 
  • BD when surgical excision is less appropriate.

For further information on Metvix please click here

Always refer to local prescribing information for the approved indications in your region.

References