ABSTRACT
Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is the methyl ester of 5-aminolevulinic acid. A prodrug, it is metabolised to protopor-phyrin IX, a photosensitizer, and is used in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) of non-melanoma skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma) and solar keratoses. Topical application as methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride results in an accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in the skin lesions to which the cream has been applied. This chapter provides monographs of methyl aminolevulinate which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
