If you see a urologist for suspicion or treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), do your research. According to the official treatment guideline*, urologists are encouraged to “offer blue light cystoscopy (BLC®) at the time of TURBT, if available, to increase detection and decrease recurrence.” While many facilities throughout the U.S. perform this procedure, there are many where it is still not available. Ask your urologist if BLC is available where you go for treatment.
How it works
During a Blue Light Cystoscopy, the urology healthcare professional (HCP) uses both white and blue light to examine the lining of the bladder. One hour before the procedure, an optical imaging agent called Cysview® (hexaminolevulinate HCl) gets instilled into the patient’s bladder through a catheter.
Later, during the procedure, Cysview makes tumor cells glow bright pink in blue light, but it is not a dye. It is a variant of a naturally occurring molecule in the body that results in increased production of another natural compound. Unhealthy cells do not process out the compound as quickly as healthy cells; the resulting accumulation creates a pink glow in blue light.
As a result, the HCP can see tumors more clearly to remove or biopsy them. Test results on the tissue aid in proper diagnosis and treatment.
BLC can be performed in the operating room for a TURBT and in the physician office or clinic for follow-up visits and surveillance. Facilities that offer this state-of-the art technology in both locations are able to have improved tumor visibility throughout the entire continuum of care for patients with NMIBC.
Product Indication
Cysview is an optical imaging agent indicated for use in the cystoscopic detection of carcinoma of the bladder, including carcinoma in situ (CIS), among patients suspected or known to have lesion(s) on the basis of a prior cystoscopy, or in patients undergoing surveillance cystoscopy for carcinoma of the bladder. Cysview is used with the KARL STORZ D-Light C Photodynamic Diagnostic (PDD) system to perform Blue Light Cystoscopy as an adjunct to White Light Cystoscopy.
Important Risk & Safety Information
Cysview is not a replacement for random bladder biopsies or other procedures used in the detection of bladder cancer.
Anaphylactoid shock, hypersensitivity reactions, bladder pain, bladder inflammation (cystitis), and abnormal urine tests have been reported after administration of Cysview. The most common adverse reactions seen in clinical trials were bladder spasm, trouble urinating, discomfort when urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and bladder pain.
Cysview should not be used in patients with large amounts of blood in their urine, any known allergy to Cysview or any derivative of aminolevulinic acid, or porphyria, a condition that means you already have high levels of porphyrins in your body. No specific drug interaction studies have been performed.