Bladder Cancer: Long-Term Benefits of Blue Light Cystoscopy and HD Detection Unveiled at AUA 2024

Photocure ASA, also known as the Bladder Cancer Company, recently participated in the American Urological Association Annual Congress 2024 held in San Antonio, Texas, USA, from May 3-6, 2024. During this event, Photocure presented significant findings related to the efficacy of Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC®) in bladder cancer detection and treatment.

A highlight of the congress was the BRAVO study conducted within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. This study evaluated the outcomes of Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC) compared to White Light Cystoscopy (WLC) in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The BRAVO study involved 626 veterans, equally divided into two groups: those receiving BLC and those undergoing WLC. Results revealed that patients who received BLC had a 40% lower risk of recurrence (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.29-0.61) and a significantly reduced risk of progression (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.99). Additionally, overall survival improved (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.30-0.72) in the BLC group compared to the WLC group. The study underscores the benefits of BLC in providing equitable and effective cancer care within the VA’s equal-access healthcare setting.

Dr. Sanjay Das presented the BRAVO study results on May 5, 2024, under the title "Use of Blue Light Cystoscopy Among Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients and Outcomes in an Equal Access setting: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis." The findings highlighted the practical advantages of BLC in reducing recurrence, progression, and improving survival rates. Dr. Steven Williams, the Principal Investigator of the BRAVO study, emphasized that these results demonstrate the importance of BLC in enhancing tumor visualization, which aids in making informed decisions regarding intravesical therapy use, such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

Another significant presentation at the congress was made by Dr. Hailong Hu on May 6, 2024. The poster titled "Blue Light Cystoscopy versus White Light Cystoscopy for the Detection of Bladder Cancer using modern HD 4K equipment: An Analysis of Pivotal Trial and Real-World Data" compared the detection rates of bladder cancer using BLC with Cysview (Hexaminolevulinate HCl) and WLC. The pooled meta-analysis included 177 patients, revealing that BLC significantly outperformed WLC in detecting bladder cancer lesions. For instance, among patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS), BLC identified additional lesions in 80% of the cases that WLC missed. The study confirmed that BLC is superior even when using advanced HD 4K WLC equipment, proving crucial in identifying high-risk, difficult-to-see lesions.

Photocure's participation in AUA 2024 not only showcased these pivotal findings but also provided attendees with practical demonstrations of the BLC with Cysview procedure using Saphira HD equipment. Photocure has positioned itself as a leader in improving bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment, leveraging its unique technology that makes cancer cells glow bright pink under blue light for better detection and resection outcomes.

Bladder cancer remains a significant health issue globally, with high recurrence rates necessitating multiple cystoscopic examinations for patients. The disease is classified into non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), each requiring different treatment approaches. Photocure's advancements in BLC are set to have a profound impact on enhancing patient outcomes and managing this challenging disease more effectively.

Photocure continues to innovate in the bladder cancer space, affirming its commitment to improving patient care through advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.