Biologically Active Substance
aminolevulinic acid
Brand Names:
Ameluz
Effect:
Photosensitizing Activity
May Treat:
Keratosis, Actinic
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to aminolevulinic acid:
  • A compound produced from succinyl-CoA and GLYCINE as an intermediate in heme synthesis. It is used as a PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY for actinic KERATOSIS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • A topically administered metabolic precursor of protoporphyrin IX. After topical administration, aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) which is a photosensitizer. When the proper wavelength of light activates protoporphyrin IX, singlet oxygen is produced, resulting in a local cytotoxic effect. (NCI04)
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The active ingredient in a drug used to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer). The drug is also being studied in the treatment of squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers and other types of cancer. When aminolevulinic acid is taken up by cells, including cancer cells, and then exposed to certain types of light, it becomes active and kills the cells. It is a type of photosensitizing agent.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.