Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 01/25/2007
  • Updated: 05/16/2011

Aminolevulinic Acid

listen 1  (uh-MEE-noh-LEH-vyoo-LIH-nik A-sid)

This page contains brief information about aminolevulinic acid and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Levulan
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Aminolevulinic acid is approved to be used in photodynamic therapy to treat:

Aminolevulinic acid is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.

More About Aminolevulinic Acid

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Aminolevulinic Acid 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Aminolevulinic Acid 4 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


Back to TopBack to Top



Glossary Terms

actinic keratosis (ak-TIH-nik KAYR-uh-TOH-sis)
A thick, scaly patch of skin that may become cancer. It usually forms on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, back of the hands, or chest. It is most common in people with fair skin. Also called senile keratosis and solar keratosis.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
photodynamic therapy (FOH-toh-dy-NA-mik THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that become active when exposed to light. These activated drugs may kill cancer cells.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/705571.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=42648
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607062.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=42648&idtype=1
5http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
6http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
7http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access