Some skin conditions can be as simple as a small pimple, while others can be a little more serious. Sometimes these can even develop into skin cancer. However, today's medical science is so advanced that there are effective treatments for these diseases. Today, we are going to talk about a slightly different treatment for a specific skin cancer condition. The name of this drug is Methoxsalen.
Simply put, what is Methoxsalen?
Methoxsalen is not like a regular pill or a shot. It's a light-sensitizing drug. Specifically, it's used to control the symptoms of a specific type of cancer that affects the skin called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) .
This treatment is not given alone. It is also given along with ultraviolet radiation. The name for this entire treatment process is Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP). Although this may sound like a complicated term, the process is very simple once you understand it.
So how is this ECP treatment done?
Think about it, this is not like giving medicine to a sick person. This is a special procedure performed in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff.
1. Blood collection: First, some blood is taken from your body and sent through a special machine.
2. Cell separation: This machine separates only the white blood cells from your blood. The remaining parts of the blood (such as red blood cells and plasma) are then put back into your body.
3. Adding the drug: Now, a drug called Methoxsalen is added to the separated white blood cells.
4. Light therapy: Next, the white blood cells that have been mixed with this medicine are exposed to a special type of ultraviolet A (UVA) light inside the machine. Because of the medicine Methoxsalen, the cancer cells become very sensitive to this light and begin to die.
5. Cell reinfusion: Finally, the white blood cells that have been treated in this way are infused back into your body, like saline.
This entire process can take several hours, but you can sit in a chair and read a book or listen to a song during this time.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before treatment
Before deciding if this treatment is right for you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Your medical condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Eye problems (e.g. cataracts, aphakia if the lens has been removed) | Because this medication makes the eyes sensitive to light, pre-existing eye conditions may be aggravated. |
| Heart disease, liver disease | Because the treatment process can put some strain on the body, care must be taken with the functioning of these organs. |
| Skin diseases such as lupus, porphyria, and xeroderma | These conditions can already make the skin hypersensitive to light, and Methoxsalen can make it even more so. |
| Having a history of skin cancer or having received X-ray/arsenic treatment | This information is important to assess the risk of developing skin cancer in the future. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medication is not recommended in these cases, as it may affect the unborn baby. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | Be aware of the possibility of an allergy to Methoxsalen or any of its ingredients. |
It is important to give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you are taking (over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements). Some medications may interact with Methoxsalen.
Things you should pay special attention to during treatment
There are several things you need to follow for your safety while undergoing this treatment.
Sun protection - this is the most important thing!
Methoxsalen makes not only your skin but also your eyes very sensitive to light. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible for 24 hours after receiving the treatment .
- Don't leave the house: stay indoors as much as possible.
- If you go outside: Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, a hat, and cover your body well.
- Sunscreen is a must: Apply a good sunscreen to all areas of skin exposed to the sun.
- Sunglasses: This is a must! Wear 100% UV-blocking, wrap-around sunglasses whenever you are exposed to even a little light (even indoors, if the light is coming through a window) for the first 24 hours after treatment . This is very important to prevent possible eye damage.
- Avoid artificial light: Do not use things like sun lamps and tanning beds.
Other things to consider
- Medical Checkups: Attend regular checkups as prescribed by your doctor.
- Eye exams: If you notice any changes in your vision, tell your doctor immediately. See an ophthalmologist at regular intervals to have your eyes checked.
- Cancer risk: This treatment may slightly increase your risk of developing other types of skin cancer in the future. Don't worry about this. Your doctor will talk to you about this risk and advise you to have regular skin checks.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any treatment, side effects can occur. Some should be reported immediately, while others are usually not serious.
| Notify your doctor or treating hospital immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Changes in eyesight | Blurred vision, seeing differently than usual. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness , blue eyes when getting up. |
| Usually not serious, but notify your doctor if it persists. | |
| Dizziness , headache | It may occur some time after treatment. |
| Dry skin, itching | It can be caused by skin sensitivity to light. |
| Thinning of the skin, wrinkles | May be seen in long-term treatments. |
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is administered by medical professionals in a hospital, there is little chance of overdose. However, if you suspect anything like this, immediately inform the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). If necessary, you can seek advice from the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Take-Home Message
- Methoxsalen is not a regular injection, it is a special treatment given together with ultraviolet light.
- Tell your doctor completely about all other medications you take and all medical conditions you have.
- It is extremely important to protect yourself from the sun for 24 hours after treatment. It is especially important to wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Follow all instructions given by the doctor and be sure to attend scheduled tests and clinics.
- If you are concerned about a problem or side effect, never be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
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