Cutaneous phototoxic occurrences in patients receiving Photofrin

Incidence of cutaneous phototoxic reactions induced by intravenous injection of Photofrin polyporphyrin was assessed in a series of 180 patients (266 injections) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute during the period 1986–1989. In addition to the usual verbal questions regarding phototoxic reactions solicited at follow‐up, forty‐two patients in this group also responded to a written questionnaire designed to solicit answers to specific questions. Photofrin doses ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg. Overall, 20‐40% of patients reported some type of phototoxic response.