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Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is primarily known for its role as a biosynthetic precursor to heme
-ALA is used in medical therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) for certain types of cancer and skin conditions.
- Inside the cells, ALA enters the heme biosynthetic pathway and is converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a potent photosensitizer.
-The light activates the accumulated PpIX, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
-FDA approved June 2017 as a photo-imaging tool during neurosurgery for malignant glioma. The patient takes an oral dose of Gleolan 3 hours before surgery.