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PUVA (8-MOP + UVA)
PUVA therapy uses 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) as a photosensitizing agent combined with UVA radiation to induce apoptosis in malignant T cells and suppress immune-mediated skin inflammation.
PUVA combines 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a photosensitizing agent, with UVA radiation to create DNA cross-links in rapidly dividing cells, inducing apoptosis in malignant lymphocytes. Used for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides), Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, Severe psoriasis.
At a glance
| Generic name | PUVA (8-MOP + UVA) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Madrilenian Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas |
| Drug class | Photochemotherapy agent |
| Target | DNA (non-specific cross-linking) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
8-MOP is an oral psoralen that intercalates into DNA when activated by UVA light (320-400 nm), creating thymine dimers and generating reactive oxygen species that trigger apoptosis in cutaneous lymphocytes. This mechanism is particularly effective against malignant T cells in cutaneous lymphomas while also providing immunosuppressive effects that benefit inflammatory skin conditions. The combination of photochemical DNA damage and immune modulation makes PUVA effective for both neoplastic and inflammatory cutaneous disorders.
Approved indications
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides)
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Lichen planus
- Polymorphous light eruption
Common side effects
- Erythema and phototoxic burn
- Pruritus
- Nausea
- Cataracts (with long-term use)
- Photoaging and skin atrophy
- Increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer
Key clinical trials
- Photopheresis in GvHD After Hematopoietic Transplantation: Characteristics of the Procedure and of the Cell Product
- Extracorporeal Photopheresis for Acute Graft Versus Host Disease (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- MORPHEE : Mechanisms of Cell Death Induced by Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy (NA)
- Multicenter Analysis of Efficacy and Outcomes of Extracorporeal Photopheresis as Treatment of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
- Study of Pegylated Interferon-Alfa 2b in Combination With PUVA Therapy In CTCL (NA)
- PUVA Maintenance Therapy in Mycosis Fungoides (PHASE3)
- Ultraviolet Light Therapy Using Methoxsalen With or Without Bexarotene in Treating Patients With Mycosis Fungoides (PHASE3)
- Photochemotherapy and Graft-versus-leukemia in Acute-leukemia
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- PUVA (8-MOP + UVA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- PUVA (8-MOP + UVA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Madrilenian Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas portfolio CI