Methyl aminolevulinate

Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a drug used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of certain types of skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, and basal cell carcinoma. It is a prodrug that is metabolized into protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a photosensitizer, in the targeted cells.

Etymology

The term "methyl aminolevulinate" is derived from its chemical structure. "Methyl" refers to the presence of a methyl group (-CH3) in the molecule. "Amino" refers to the presence of an amino group (-NH2). "Levulinate" is derived from levulinic acid, a compound that is part of the molecule's structure.

Pharmacology

Methyl aminolevulinate is a prodrug, which means it is metabolized in the body to produce its active form. In the case of MAL, it is metabolized into protoporphyrin IX, a photosensitizer. This compound, when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, produces a form of oxygen that can kill cells. This property is used in photodynamic therapy to selectively destroy abnormal cells.

Uses

Methyl aminolevulinate is used in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of certain skin conditions. These include actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition caused by long-term exposure to sunlight; Bowen's disease, a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ; and basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, methyl aminolevinate can cause side effects. The most common side effects are skin reactions at the site of application, including redness, swelling, and pain. These reactions are usually mild and go away on their own after treatment is finished.

See Also

• Photodynamic therapy
• Protoporphyrin IX
• Actinic keratosis
• Bowen's disease
• Basal cell carcinoma

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