The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) is funding a study to determine the effectiveness of Photodynamic surgery in the treatment of bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is a common disease in the UK, with over 10,500 cases diagnosed each year. The most common form of bladder cancer affects the lining of the bladder and accounts for 8 out of every 10 cases. Known as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), tumours can be removed by an operation using a telescope likeinstrument called a cystoscope.
Unfortunately, NMIBC frequently returns after initial treatment and many patients require regular cystoscopies and therapy.
An estimated one-in-three patients who suffer a recurrence had disease that was not visible or had been overlooked during the original surgery under the standard white light.
“Photodynamic surgery uses a blue light and is a treatment that could result in the long term reduction of recurrence and progression of NMIBC for patients. This is because blue light causes tumours to fluoresce, making identification and removal easier,” said lead researcher Professor Rakesh Heer, from the University of Newcastle.
According to Professor Heer the results of the study will enable patients and clinicians to be better informed and policy-makers to decide whether the extra cost of photodynamic surgery as part of the treatment of bladder cancer is worthwhile.
