At the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium held in San Francisco, Photocure ASA, The Bladder Cancer Company, presented clinical data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) BRAVO study. This data showed that by using Blue Light cystoscopy (BLC®) with Cysview® instead of White Light cystoscopy (WLC) alone, the risk of recurrence and the time to recurrence were significantly reduced. This is a major breakthrough in bladder cancer treatment that could potentially benefit patients around the world.
ASCO GU is an incredible gathering of healthcare professionals from around the world, focused on genitourinary cancers. With up to 5,000 attendees, it’s an invaluable opportunity to learn the latest scientific advances in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. The atmosphere is highly interactive with multidisciplinary perspectives, and is sure to provide a wealth of inspiring ideas and experiences. Don’t miss this chance to make the most of your expertise and stay ahead of the latest developments in the field.
Dr. Steven Williams of the University of Texas-Medical Branch in Galveston presented a fascinating study abstract examining the effects of blue light cystoscopy use on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients in an equal access setting. The study explored the implications of recurrence and time to recurrence stratified by race, providing valuable insight into the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
This study explored non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) outcomes and the impact of blue light cystoscopy (BLC®) with Cysview® among patients receiving treatment at the United States Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA). By assessing patients diagnosed with NMIBC who received BLC, the researchers were able to determine recurrence rates, as well as the association between race and recurrence, progression, and overall survival outcomes. Funded by Photocure, this study provides valuable insight into the treatment of NMIBC in an equal access setting.
A total of 378 patients were included in a study that aimed to compare the efficacy of Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS) with Wide Local Excision (WLE) in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. The results showed that patients who underwent BCS had significantly longer median time to first recurrence (40 vs. 26 months, p<0.001) and a significantly lower risk of recurrence compared to those who chose WLE (HR, 0.70, p=0.005). Interestingly, no significant difference was observed between African American and Caucasian patients for recurrence, progression and overall survival.
Our research has uncovered encouraging evidence in favor of blue light cystoscopy (BLC) to reduce bladder cancer recurrence and provide equal access to healthcare. These results are in line with the American Urological Association/Society of Urological Oncology guidelines, which recommend the usage of BLC in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to raise detection rates and lower recurrence. According to Dr. Steven Williams, Professor and Chief of the Division of Urology at the University of Texas-Medical Branch and one of the authors of the study, “These data support current AUA/SUO guidelines recommending BLC usage in patients with NMIBC to increase detection and decrease recurrence.”