In October 2001, Foscan® was approved in the European Union, Norway & Iceland as a local therapy for the palliative treatment of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer who have failed prior therapies and are unsuitable for radiotherapy, surgery or systemic chemotherapy.

The aims of treatment with Foscan® may include preservation of organ function, local tumour destruction, relief of symptoms and avoidance of disease-related complications.

As part of the PDT process, Foscan® requires oxygen and laser light of a specific wavelength of 652 nm for activation. There is a delay of 4 days between injection of Foscan® into the bloodstream and activation with laser light. This allows time for accumulation of Foscan® in the cancer cells.

As with other photosensitizing agents, administration of Foscan® results in patients becoming highly sensitive to light. This lasts 7 to 15 days and, therefore, appropriate light exposure precautions should be followed during this period. For details, please refer to the European Medicines Agency.

Health professionals:
For further information about Foscan®, including the Foscan monograph, clinical development, chemistry, administration and much more please contact us:

biolitec Pharma Ltd.
Jena Office
Otto Schott Str 15
07745 Jena, Germany

Phone: +49 3641 5195 330
Fax:+49 3641 5195 33
Email: info@biolitecpharma.com