The Photosensitizer Temoporfin (mTHPC) - Chemical, Pre-clinical and Clinical Developments in the Last Decade†‡

This review follows the research, development and clinical applications of the photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC, temoporfin) in photodynamic (cancer) therapy (PDT) and other medical applications. Temoporfin is the active substance in the medicinal product Foscan (R) authorized in the EU for the palliative treatment of head and neck cancer. Chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as clinical and other applications of temoporfin are addressed, including the extensive work that has been done on formulation development including liposomal formulations. The literature has been covered from 2009 to early 2022, thereby connecting it to the previous extensive review on this photosensitizer published in this journal [Senge, M. O. and J. C. Brandt (2011) Photochem. Photobiol. 87, 1240-1296] which followed its way from initial development to approval and clinical application.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the research, development, and clinical applications of the photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC, temoporfin) in photodynamic (cancer) therapy (PDT) and other medical applications. The review covers the chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of temoporfin, including the formulation development such as liposomal formulations. The literature covered spans from 2009 to early 2022 and is connected to a previous extensive review on this photosensitizer, which traces its development, approval, and clinical application.