Photodynamic Diagnosis for the Identification of Intestinal-Type Gastric Cancers and High-Grade Adenomas

Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in Japan. The incidence of gastric cancer remains high owing to the increase in the elderly population. Endoscopy outperforms radiography in identifying early gastric cancer (EGC). Furthermore, image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) has been developed and implemented worldwide in clinical practice. Magnifying IEE images can help to visualize the microvascular pattern and microstructure architecture, which is used for the characterization of EGC. However, accurate endoscopic diagnosis requires the experience and skill of endoscopists, making an objective and simple diagnostic method desirable. In this retrospective study, we investigated the diagnostic yield of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) for identifying gastric cancers and high-grade adenomas. In total, 52 lesions from 43 patients were ultimately included in the study. We detected 5-ALA-mediated protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in 45 of the 52 lesions that were initially intended for PDD, resulting in a detection rate of 86.5%, whereas each signet ring cell carcinoma was negative using 5-ALA PDD. In eight of the patients with multiple lesions, 17 lesions were identified using 5-ALA PDD. Again, we took biopsies from six areas that we suspected as new lesions. While 4 lesions were gastric neoplasms resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection, two other lesions were normal. Preoperative 5-ALA-PDD could provide additional diagnostic yields to detect such multiple lesions simultaneously. No severe adverse events were observed. Prospective multicenter studies are warranted to confirm the usefulness of 5-ALA PDD for EGC identification.

Bladder cancer prospective cohort study on high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after photodynamic diagnosis-assisted transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (BRIGHT study)

Objectives

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor with photodynamic diagnosis has been reported to result in lower residual tumor and intravesical recurrence rates in non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of photodynamic diagnosis‐transurethral resection of bladder tumor combined with oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride for high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Methods

High‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer patients with an initial photodynamic diagnosis‐transurethral resection of bladder tumor (photodynamic diagnosis group) were prospectively registered between 2018 to 2020. High‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer cases with a history of initial white‐light transurethral resection of bladder tumor (white‐light group) were retrospectively registered. Propensity score‐matching analysis was used to compare residual tumor rates, and factors that could predict residual tumors at the first transurethral resection of bladder tumor were evaluated.

Results

Analyses were conducted with 177 and 306 cases in the photodynamic diagnosis and white‐light groups, respectively. The residual tumor rates in the photodynamic diagnosis and white‐light groups were 25.7% and 47.3%, respectively. Factor analysis for predicting residual tumors in the photodynamic diagnosis group showed that the residual tumor rate was significantly higher in cases with a current/past smoking history, multiple tumors, and pT1/pTis. When each factor was set as a risk level of 1, cases with a total risk score ≤1 showed a significantly lower residual tumor rate than cases with a total risk score ≥2 (8.3% vs 33.3%, odds ratio 5.46 [1.81–22.28]).

Conclusions

In high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer cases, the odds of a residual tumor after initial photodynamic diagnosis‐transurethral resection of bladder tumor were 0.39‐fold that of the odds of those after initial white‐light transurethral resection of bladder tumor. A risk stratification model could be used to omit the second transurethral resection of bladder tumor in 27% of the cases.

Blue versus white light for transurethral resection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Disease recurrence and progression remain major challenges in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Blue light-enhanced transurethral resection of bladder cancer (TURBT) is an approach to improve staging and achieve a complete resection of NMIBC.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of blue light-enhanced TURBT compared to white light-based TURBT in the treatment of NMIBC.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched several medical literature databases, including the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase, as well as trial registers, including ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We performed a comprehensive search with no restrictions on language of publication or publication status until March 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials using blue light versus white light TURBT. Included participants had a high level of suspicion based on imaging or 'visible diagnosis' for primary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder or recurrent urothelial carcinoma of the bladder upon cytoscopy. We excluded studies in which blue light was used in a surveillance setting.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Our primary outcomes were time to disease recurrence, time to disease progression, and serious surgical complications. Secondary outcomes were time to death from bladder cancer, any adverse events, and non-serious complications. We rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 16 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 4325 participants in the review. The studies compared blue light versus white light TURBT for treatment of NMIBC.  Primary outcomes Blue light TURBT may reduce the risk of disease recurrence over time (hazard ratio (HR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.81; low-certainty evidence) depending on baseline risk. For participants with low-, intermediate-, and high-risk NMIBC, this corresponded to 48 (66 fewer to 27 fewer), 109 (152 fewer to 59 fewer), and 147 (211 fewer to 76 fewer) fewer recurrences per 1000 participants when compared to white light TURBT, respectively.  Blue light TURBT may also reduce the risk of disease progression over time (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.84; low-certainty evidence) depending on baseline risk. For participants with low-, intermediate-, and high-risk NMIBC, this corresponded to 1 (1 fewer to 0 fewer), 17 (25 fewer to 8 fewer), and 56 (81 fewer to 25 fewer) fewer progressions per 1000 participants when compared to white light TURBT, respectively. Blue light TURBT may have little or no effect on serious surgical complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.54, 95% CI 0.14 to 2.14; low-certainty evidence). This corresponded to 10 fewer (19 fewer to 25 more) surgical complications per 1000 participants with blue light TURBT.  Secondary outcomes Blue light TURBT may have little or no effect on the risk of death from bladder cancer over time (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.61; low-certainty evidence). This corresponded to 22 deaths per 1000 participants with white light TURBT and 10 fewer (17 fewer to 13 more) deaths per 1000 participants with blue light TURBT.   We are very uncertain how blue light TURBT affects the outcome adverse events of any grade (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.33; low-certainty evidence).  No analysis was possible for the outcome non-serious surgical complications, as it was not reported by any of the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Blue light-enhanced TURBT for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer compared to white light-based TURBT may reduce the risk of disease recurrence and disease progression over time depending on baseline risk. There may be little or no effect on serious surgical complications. The certainty of evidence for our findings was low, meaning that future studies are likely change to the reported estimates of effect. Frequent issues that led to downgrading of the certainty of the evidence were study limitations, inconsistency, and imprecision.

Current Status of Photodynamic Diagnosis for Gastric Tumors

Although the recent development and widespread use of image-enhanced endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy have improved endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer, it is somewhat complicated, requires a higher level of expertise, and is still subjective. Photodynamic endoscopic diagnosis (PDED) is based on the fluorescence of photosensitizers that accumulate in tumors, which enables objective evaluation independent of the endoscopist’s experience, and is useful for tumor detection. The objective of this work was to perform a narrative review of PDED for gastric tumors and to introduce our approach to PDED in gastric tumors in our hospital. In our review there have been case reports of PDED for gastric cancer, but its usefulness has not been established because no prospective studies evaluating its usefulness have been performed. In our previous study, 85.7% (42/49) of gastric tumors exhibited fluorescence in PDED. PDED may be useful in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer. Our previous studies were pilot studies in cancer patients; therefore, future prospective studies are required to verify the usefulness of PDED.

Novel Visualization Methods Assisted Transurethral Resection for Bladder Cancer: An Updated Survival-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Photodynamic diagnosis and narrow-band imaging could help improve the detection rate in transurethral resection (TUR) of bladder cancer. It remained controversial that the novel visualization method assisted transurethral resection (VA-TUR) could elongate patients' survival compared to traditional TUR.

Methods

We performed electronic and manual searching until December 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials comparing VA-TUR with traditional TUR, which reported patients' survival data. Two reviewers independently selected eligible studies, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted according to subgroups of types of visualization methods (A) and clinical stage of participants. Publication bias was detected.

Results

We included 20 studies (reported in 28 articles) in this review. A total of 6,062 participants were randomized, and 5,217 participants were included in the analysis. Only two studies were assessed at low risk of bias. VA-TURB could significantly improve the recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.79, P <0.00001, I² = 42%) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.82, P <0.0008, I² = 0%) compared with TUR under white light. The results remain stable whatever the type of visualization method. The difference could be observed in the non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) population (P <0.05) but not in the mixed population with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) participants (P >0.05).

Conclusion

VA-TUR could improve RFS and PFS in NMIBC patients. No significant difference is found among different types of VA-TUR. VA-TUR may be not indicated to MIBC patients.

Effects of fluorescent light cystoscopy in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefits of fluorescent light (FL) cystoscopy with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or hexaminolevulinate (HAL) in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) have been mentioned in many trials. Meanwhile, several problems need to be addressed such as the rate of residual disease following these procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of FL cystoscopy compared with white light (WL) cystoscopy on the rate of residual Ta, T1, and carcinoma in situ (CIS) tumors, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

METHODS

A search in the databases PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and China Biology Medicine (CBM) was undertaken. Studies were included if their outcomes included the residual tumor rate, PFS or RFS. The data was analyzed by REVMAN 5.3 and STATA 14.0.

RESULTS

The residual tumor rate of the FL group was lower than that of the WL group (relative risk [RR] 0.42; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.80; P = 0.007), which was consistent with the residual Ta rate (RR 0.44; 95 % CI 0.28-0.69; P = 0.0004), the residual T1 rate (RR 0.42; 95 % CI 0.21-0.83; P = 0.01) and the residual CIS rate (RR 0.39; 95 % CI 0.19-0.80; P = 0.01). RFS at the 12-month follow-up (RR 1.15; 95 % CI 1.08-1.28; P = 0.0002) and 24-month follow-up (RR 1.26; 95 % CI 1.17-1.35; P < 0.00001) in the FL group was significantly higher than that in the WL group. However, no statistically significant differences were found in PFS at the 12-month follow-up (RR 1.01; 95 % CI 0.99-1.03; P = 0.17) or 24-month follow-up (RR 1.00; 95 % CI 0.97-1.03; P = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

FL cystoscopy was related to a reduced residual tumor rate compared with WL cystoscopy in NMIBC, which was also consistent with the Ta, T1 and residual CIS rates. RFS was higher in patients with FL cystoscopy at the 12- to 24-month follow-up.

Photodynamic diagnosis and therapy for urothelial carcinoma and prostate cancer: new imaging technology and therapy

Photodynamic technology using light-sensitive and fluorescent substances has an important role in an accurate diagnosis for a variety of malignancies, including bladder cancer and prostate cancer. Light-sensitive and fluorescent substances accumulate specifically in tumor cells compared to normal tissue, and by light irradiation and excitation at each specific wavelength, tumor lesion, blood flow, lymph node and so on show fluorescence. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) into mitochondria. PpIX is excited by blue light, red fluorescence is emitted in the mitochondria. This phenomenon is the mechanism of ALA-mediated photodynamic diagnosis (ALA-PDD). ALA-PDD has made it possible to visualize smaller lesions and flat lesions that were previously difficult to visualize by endoscope using a white-light source. So accurate diagnosis and complete resection become possible during operation. The accumulation of PpIX in the mitochondria also induces direct mitochondrial damage and subsequent cell death by red and green light. This biological reaction is the ALA-mediate photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT). ALA-PDT has been developed as a modality for minimum invasive cancer treatment that utilizes low-energy light and photosensitizer. Vascular-activated photosensitizer induces rapid tumor ablation by PDT involving direct tumor cell killing as well as damage to the exposed microvasculature. We summarize the clinical outcomes of PDD and PDT for urothelial carcinoma and prostate cancer.

5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic diagnosis using fluorescence ureterorenoscopy for urinary upper tract urothelial carcinoma ∼Preliminary prospective single centre trial∼

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of 5- aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic diagnosis (ALA-PDD) for upper urinary tract tumor (UTUC) including carcinoma in situ (CIS) lesions using flexible fluorescence ureterorenoscopy.

METHODS

A solution of ALA was orally administrated at 20 mg/kg body weight at 3 h prior to surgery. Fluorescence observation was carried out with IMAGE1S OPAL1 PDD system. Positive lesions that were identified as abnormal changes under white light and/or blue light were biopsied, followed by cold-cup biopsy of negative lesions that were normal-looking mucosa under white light and/or blue light. Diagnostic accuracy was analysed by comparing ureterorenoscopic observations under white light or blue light with pathological analysis results.

RESULTS

A total of 31 biopsy specimens were obtained from 10 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for PDD to detect UTUC was 100 %, 50 %, 52.4 % and 100 %, respectively. The sensitivity of PDD ureterorenoscopy was significantly higher than that of white light ureterorenoscopy by statistics (p < 0.05). Especially, 5 CIS lesions were detected only by ALA-PDD ureterorenoscopy (p < 0.05). Of 10 patients, one patient (10 %) experienced hypotension during the ALA-PDD.

CONCLUSIONS

ALA-PDD for UTUC is a feasible and safe techniques with acceptable adverse events. Additional advantage of ALA-PDD for UTUC is the high sensitivity to detect CIS lesions with blue light mode.

Comparative Effectiveness of Fluorescent Versus White Light Cystoscopy for Initial Diagnosis or Surveillance of Bladder Cancer on Clinical Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

We systematically reviewed the comparative effectiveness of fluorescent vs white light cystoscopy on bladder cancer clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic literature searches of Ovid MEDLINE® (January 1990 through September 2015), Cochrane databases and reference lists were performed. A total of 14 randomized trials of fluorescent cystoscopy using 5-aminolevulinic acid or hexaminolevulinic acid vs white light cystoscopy for the diagnosis of initial or recurrent bladder cancer that reported bladder cancer recurrence, progression, mortality and harms were selected for review.

RESULTS

Fluorescent cystoscopy was associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer recurrence vs white light cystoscopy at short-term (less than 3 months, 10 trials, RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.88, I²=69%), intermediate-term (3 months to less than 1 year, 6 trials, RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.88, I²=19%) and long-term followup (1 year or more, 12 trials, RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.93, I²=49%). However, the findings were inconsistent, and potentially susceptible to performance and publication bias (strength of evidence low). There were no differences between cystoscopic methods in risk of mortality (3 trials, RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.95, I²=41%) (strength of evidence low) or progression (9 trials, RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.03, I²=0%) (strength of evidence moderate). Estimates for short-term recurrence (6 trials, RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.00), long-term recurrence (7 trials, RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.92) and progression (4 trials, RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.96) were statistically significant in the subgroup of trials that used hexaminolevulinic acid, but there were no statistically significant interactions based on the photosensitizer used. Fluorescent cystoscopy was not associated with a decreased risk of long-term recurrence in 3 trials that used methods to reduce performance bias with initial cystoscopy (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.18, I²=36%). Data on harms were sparse.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorescent cystoscopy was associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer recurrence vs white light cystoscopy. However, additional trials that adequately guard against performance bias are needed to confirm these findings. Fluorescent cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinic acid may be associated with a decreased risk of progression, but more studies with long-term followup are needed to better understand the effects of the photosensitizer used on progression.

Management of T1 Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: What Do We Know and What Do We Need To Know?

T1 bladder cancer constitutes approximately 25% of incident bladder cancers, and as such carries an important public health impact. Notably, it has a heterogeneous natural history, with large variation in reported oncologic outcomes. Optimal risk-stratification is essential to individualize patient management, targeting those at greatest risk of progression for aggressive therapies such as early cystectomy, while allowing others to safely pursue bladder-preserving approaches including intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerrin (BCG). Current strategies for diagnosis, risk-stratification, and treatment are imperfect, but emerging technologies and molecular approaches represent exciting opportunities to advance clinical paradigms in management of this disease entity.

[Usefulness of endoscopic evaluation with fluorescence after endovesical BCG in the management of non-invasive bladder tumors]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the usefulness of fluorescence during cystoscopy after BCG-therapy in the management of non-invasive bladder tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients were enrolled: Ta (15 cases), T1 (27 cases) carcinoma in situ (CIS) alone (12 cases) or associated (14 cases). Urine cytology was of high grade and a second look was systematically performed in case of lamina propria infiltration. Initial therapy with 6 intravesical BCG instillations (81 mg) was performed with histologic and endoscopic bladder evaluation 3 months after initial resection using hexylaminolevulinate fluorescence (Hexvix(®) 85 mg).

RESULTS

Urine cytology was negative in 27 cases, suspicious in 12 cases and positive in 15 cases. With standard endoscopy under white light, mucosal bladder was normal in 32 cases, the use of fluorescence detected 8 tumour lesions confirmed with histology (CIS). When mucosal bladder was suspect under white light (22 patients), fluorescence was positive in 16 cases with 10 matching histological analysis (CIS and/or residual tumoral lesion). Therefore, despite high false positive rate with persistent mucosal bladder inflammation (38%), fluorescence guided endoscopy has allowed the diagnosis of suspect lesions not detected with white light with negative urine cytology.

CONCLUSION

Hexvix(®) fluorescence after intravesical BCG instillations may improve persistent carcinoma in situ detection when performed 3 months after induction treatment. However, a multicenter prospective study will be necessary in future to confirm these preliminary results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Blue-light cystoscopy in the evaluation of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Bladder carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract. Two distinct groups can be identified: non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma. At initial resection about 75-85% of the patients will be diagnosed with NMIBC. This subgroup has a recurrence rate up to 70-80%, and a subsequent chance of disease progression. This means that patients with NMIBC require adequate treatment and thorough follow up. This high recurrence rate also means that apparently current diagnosis and treatment can be improved. It is thought that photodynamic diagnosis, by the use of a photosensitizing drug and blue-light cystoscopy, can improve the detection of tumor and therefore affect outcome for patients with NMIBC. In this paper we will discuss the role of blue-light cystoscopy in NMIBC in different aspects of the disease by reviewing the latest literature.

Value of fluorescence cystoscopy in high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Photodynamic Diagnosis (PDD), an adjunct to white light cystoscopy, has been shown to improve detection and thoroughness of resection of bladder cancer by enhancing visualisation of malign lesions during transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT) compared to the sole use of standard white light cystoscopy. The PDD also has been shown to improve recurrence of free survival in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Little data on its impact on outcome in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer of high risk of progression is available however. The few trials and studies available demonstrate improved accuracy of diagnosis especially of flat malign lesions. In addition, improved recurrence rates have been suggested without an impact on progression rates in early invasive bladder cancer indicating little influence of thoroughness of resection on the tumour biology in those tumour stages. While no specific and larger data on impact of PDD on cancer specific survival exist to date and the few long-term data suggest little impact, improved accuracy of diagnosis is suggested to be beneficial for clinical decision making and thus a value of PDD is postulated in the management of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Hexyl aminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a critical review of the current literature

CONTEXT

Controversy exists regarding the therapeutic benefit and cost effectiveness of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or hexyl aminolevulinate (HAL) in addition to white-light cystoscopy (WLC) in the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits and economic considerations of PDD in NMIBC detection and treatment.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a critical review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in October 2012 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Identified reports were reviewed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) criteria. Forty-four publications were selected for inclusion in this analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Included reports used 5-ALA (in 26 studies), HAL (15 studies), or both (three studies) as photosensitising agents. PDD increased the detection of both papillary tumours (by 7-29%) and flat carcinoma in situ (CIS; by 25-30%) and reduced the rate of residual tumours after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT; by an average of 20%) compared to WLC alone. Superior recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates and prolonged RFS intervals were reported for PDD, compared to WLC in most studies. PDD did not appear to reduce disease progression. Our findings are limited by tumour heterogeneity and a lack of NMIBC risk stratification in many reports or adjustment for intravesical therapy use in most studies. Although cost effectiveness has been demonstrated for 5-ALA, it has not been studied for HAL.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderately strong evidence exists that PDD improves tumour detection and reduces residual disease after TURBT compared with WLC. This has been shown to improve RFS but not progression to more advanced disease. Further work to evaluate cost effectiveness of PDD is required.

Innovations in the endoscopic management of bladder cancer: is the era of white light cystoscopy over

Bladder cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary tract, with a worldwide incidence of 8.6 x 100000 in men and 2.6 x 100000 in women (1). The majority of patients (75-85%) present as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); within this category the most represented stage is Ta (70%), followed by T1 (20%) and, less frequently, carcinoma in situ (CIS) (10%) (2). The diagnosis of NMIBC and, more generally, of bladder cancer, depends on urine cytology and endoscopic examination with histological evaluation of the resected tissue. Clearly, an optimal cystoscopy with accurate transurethral resection (TUR) is of great importance in order to improve the detection rate and to reduce the probability of recurrence and progression. Today the cystoscopy is routinely performed with the white light technique (WLC), the same of about 80 years ago (3). Several studies have demonstrated that an initial TUR with WLC can miss small papillary lesions and, particularly, flat lesions such as CIS. Moreover, recurrence rates of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are directly related to the possibility of achieving a complete resection: residual cancer is present in a large percentage of re-TUR, showing a not so good performance of resection with this method. For these reasons new methodologies have been investigated in order to improve the sensitivity and specificity of WLC, such as photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), narrow band imaging (NBI), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and CT virtual cystoscopy. Some of them have been well established and supported by consistent literature while others are still to be viewed as experimental. The purpose of this review is to investigate the state of the art of these new techniques.

New optical imaging technologies for bladder cancer: considerations and perspectives

PURPOSE

Bladder cancer presents as a spectrum of different diatheses. Accurate assessment for individualized treatment depends on initial diagnostic accuracy. Detection relies on white light cystoscopy accuracy and comprehensiveness. Aside from invasiveness and potential risks, white light cystoscopy shortcomings include difficult flat lesion detection, precise tumor delineation to enable complete resection, inflammation and malignancy differentiation, and grade and stage determination. Each shortcoming depends on surgeon ability and experience with the technology available for visualization and resection. Fluorescence cystoscopy/photodynamic diagnosis, narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography address the limitations and have in vivo feasibility. They detect suspicious lesions (photodynamic diagnosis and narrow band imaging) and further characterize lesions (optical coherence tomography and confocal laser endomicroscopy). We analyzed the added value of each technology beyond white light cystoscopy and evaluated their maturity to alter the cancer course.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Detailed PubMed® searches were done using the terms "fluorescence cystoscopy," "photodynamic diagnosis," "narrow band imaging," "optical coherence tomography" and "confocal laser endomicroscopy" with "optical imaging," "bladder cancer" and "urothelial carcinoma." Diagnostic accuracy reports and all prospective studies were selected for analysis. We explored technological principles, preclinical and clinical evidence supporting nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer detection and characterization, and whether improved sensitivity vs specificity translates into improved correlation of diagnostic accuracy with recurrence and progression. Emerging preclinical technologies with potential application were reviewed.

RESULTS

Photodynamic diagnosis and narrow band imaging improve nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer detection, including carcinoma in situ. Photodynamic diagnosis identifies more papillary lesions than white light cystoscopy, enabling more complete resection and fewer residual tumors. Despite improved treatment current data on photodynamic diagnosis do not support improved high risk diathetic detection and characterization or correlation with disease progression. Prospective recurrence data are lacking on narrow band imaging. Confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography potentially grade and stage lesions but data are lacking on diagnostic accuracy. Several emerging preclinical technologies may enhance the diagnostic capability of endoscopic imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

New optical imaging technologies may improve bladder cancer detection and characterization, and transurethral resection quality. While data on photodynamic diagnosis are strongest, the clinical effectiveness of these technologies is not proven. Prospective studies are needed, particularly of narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography. As each technology matures and new ones emerge, cost-effectiveness analysis must be addressed in the context of the various bladder cancer types.

[Endourological imaging with narrow band imaging]

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an optical diagnostic procedure which utilizes the narrowing of the wavelength of visible light in the range between 415 and 550 nm. The NBI is mostly used for the diagnostics of inflammation or tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. The first investigations for diagnostics of bladder cancer using NBI date from 2008. Currently data on resection, follow-up and recurrence behavior of bladder cancer are available. In all publications NBI was tested against white light. A randomized study comparing NBI with photodynamic diagnostics has not yet been carried out. In this article current study results on the application of NBI for bladder cancer will be presented.

[Fluorescence cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate: our preliminary experience of 184 procedures]

INTRODUCTION

Fluorescence cystoscopy (FC) with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) is a recently introduced technique of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), which aims to improve the accuracy of white light cystoscopy (WLC) in the diagnosis of superficial bladder tumors (NMIBC), and especially of flat urothelial lesions (dysplasia and Ca in situ). We report our experience of a number of cases of WLC and FC in a single moment with HAL in the diagnosis and follow-up of NMIBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The method was applied to 184 selected patients with a diagnosis or clinical suspicion - instrumental or early recurrence of bladder neoplasia. The lesions found in white light (WL) and/or blue light (FC) were sampled separately for histological examination. We evaluated the results in terms of diagnostic gain compared to treatment with one WL, false positivity and recurrence-free survival compared to historical reference group treated with WL only.

RESULTS

26.1% of the lesions were found only by the PDD method. The false positivity due to the method adopted was 21.2%. The gain in terms of recurrence-free survival (compared with historical reference group treated only with WL) was 22.3% at 12 months and 24.4% at 20 months. It did not show any systemic side effects.

DISCUSSION

The PDD is a technique that can significantly increase the diagnostic accuracy of NMIBC.

The enlightenment of bladder cancer treatment: origin and progress of photodynamic diagnosis

Compared with prostate cancer, which exclusively affects male patients, urothelial bladder cancer is the most common urogenital carcinoma affecting both men and women. In approximately 75% of cases, bladder cancer occurs as multifocal nonmuscle-invasive papillary tumor that demonstrates high rates of recurrence, leading to frequent transurethral resections with the need of hospitalization. These cases have paved the way for photodynamic diagnosis. Since the 1990s, this technique has been used to identify bladder tumors, especially highly aggressive carcinoma in situ, in an easier and more complete way compared with conventional white-light cystoscopy. This article gives an up-to-date review of the method, indication and results of photodynamic diagnosis for treatment of urothelial bladder cancer.

Current and future clinical applications for optical imaging of cancer: from intraoperative surgical guidance to cancer screening

Optical imaging is an inexpensive, fast, and sensitive imaging approach for the noninvasive detection of human cancers in locations that are accessible by an optical imaging device. Light is used to probe cellular and molecular function in the context of cancer in the living body. Recent advances in the development of optical instrumentation make it possible to detect optical signals produced at a tissue depth of several centimeters. The optical signals can be endogenous contrasts that capture the heterogeneity and biological status of different tissues, including tumors, or extrinsic optical contrasts that selectively accumulate in tumors to be imaged after local or systemic delivery. The use of optical imaging is now being applied in the clinic and operating room for the localization and resection of malignant tumors in addition to screening for cancer.

Fluorescence-guided transurethral resection of bladder tumours reduces bladder tumour recurrence due to less residual tumour tissue in Ta/T1 patients: a randomized two-centre study

OBJECTIVES

•To compare the bladder tumour recurrence rate in stage Ta and T1 tumours after conventional transurethral resection of the bladder in white light (WL TURB) and after fluorescence-guided TURB (HAL TURB) using hexaminolaevulinate (HAL: Hexvix®, Photocure, Norway) for photodynamic diagnosis during 12 months of follow-up. •As secondary objectives, to relate the tumour recurrence rate to fluorescence-detected residual tumour after WL TURB and to assess the false positive rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

•This was a prospective, comparative, randomized, open-label study carried out in hospital outpatient urology clinics and the operating theatre. A total of 233 patients presenting with suspected superficial bladder tumour were recruited. Both patients with new tumours and patients with recurrent tumours were included. •The study duration was 2.5 years with follow-up cystoscopic investigations at 4, 8 and 12 months. •Patients were randomized to cystoscopy and WL TURB (118 patients) or WL TURB followed immediately by HAL TURB (115 patients). Cystoscopy/TURB and bladder biopsies were performed under general anaesthesia. No patients had intravesical chemotherapy immediately after TURB. •Recurrences were verified histologically.

RESULTS

•The two groups were similar regarding age and previous bladder cancer history. •In all, 90 patients from the HAL TURB group had bladder tumour. Fluorescence-guided cystoscopy after complete WL TURB identified residual tumour tissue in 44 of 90 patients (49%). In 37 of 83 (45%) residual Ta tumour was found; in three of seven residual T1 was found and in four cases carcinoma in situ. •True (and false) positive detection rate of photodynamic diagnosis was 64% (25%) and of white light 83% (16%). •In all, 145 patients were eligible for analysis of tumour recurrence. Twelve patients had their last follow-up after 4 months. The recurrence rate in patients followed for 12 months was 47.3% (35/74) after WL TURB and 30.5% (18/59) after HAL TURB (P= 0.05). •Kaplan-Meier analyses comprising data from all 145 patients showed that the recurrence-free period was significantly longer in the HAL TURB group than in the WL TURB group (P= 0.02).

CONCLUSION

•WL TURB often leaves residual tumour in the bladder. HAL TURB improves the detection of Ta/T1 tumours of the bladder resulting in more complete TURB procedures and thus a reduced recurrence rate.

Narrow band imaging-assisted transurethral resection for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer significantly reduces residual tumour rate

Purpose

To investigate whether narrow band imaging (NBI)-assisted transurethral resection (TUR) (NBI-TUR) has an impact on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) residual tumour rate compared to white light (WL)-assisted TUR (WL-TUR).

Methods

Patients with NMIBC treated with either NBI- or WL-TUR were compared in a frequency-matched index-control setting. During NBI-TUR, all suspicious lesions identified by either WL or NBI were resected. Index patients (NBI-TUR, n = 40) were prospectively recruited and control patients (WL-TUR, n = 120) were retrospectively collected, whilst being blinded for their first follow-up (fFU)-status. Non-radical TUR cases, patients without evidence of urothelial carcinoma in the pathology specimen and those with isolated carcinoma in situ or muscle invasive disease were excluded. Matching was based on the risk of tumour recurrence defined by (a) the EORTC risk score for recurrence and (b) the administration or not of one single chemotherapeutic intravesical instillation immediately after TUR. All patients underwent routine follow-up with WL cystoscopy supplemented with cytology at 3 months or re-TUR in selected cases. The residual tumour rates at fFU (RR-fFU) of patients with NMIBC submitted to either NBI- or WL-TUR were compared.

Results

Baseline patient and tumour characteristics were comparable between groups. The RR-fFU for WL- and NBI-TUR was 30.5% (36 out of 118 patients) and 15.0% (6 out of 40 patients), respectively (OR: 2.7, one-sided 95% CI: 1.2–6.1; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

NBI-TUR decreases residual tumour rate significantly when compared to a matched cohort of WL-TUR.

New Italian guidelines on bladder cancer, based on the World Health Organization 2004 classification

OBJECTIVE To provide evidence-based recommendations on bladder cancer management METHODS A multidisciplinary guideline panel composed of urologists, medical oncologists, radiotherapists, general practitioners, radiologists, epidemiologists and methodologists conducted a structured review of previous reports, searching the Medline database from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008. The milestone papers published before January 2004 were accepted for analysis. The level of evidence and the grade of the recommendations were established using the GRADE system. RESULTS In all, 15 806 references were identified, 1940 retrieved, 1712 eliminated (specifying the reason for their elimination) and 971 included in the analysis, as well as 241 milestone reports. A consensus conference held to discuss the discrepancies between the scientific evidence and the clinical practice was then attended by 122 delegates of various specialities. CONCLUSION Recommendations on bladder cancer management are provided.

Photodynamic diagnosis in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and cumulative analysis of prospective studies

CONTEXT

The clinical benefit of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) with 5-aminolevulinic acid or hexaminolevulinate in addition to white-light cystoscopy (WLC) in bladder cancer has been discussed controversially.

OBJECTIVE

To assess in a systematic review the effect of PDD in addition to WLC on (1) the diagnosis and (2) the therapeutic outcome of primary or recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer investigated by cystoscopy or transurethral resection.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

An electronic database search of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and CancerLit was undertaken, plus hand searching of relevant congress abstracts and urologic journals. Trials were included if they prospectively compared WLC with PDD in bladder cancer. The review process followed the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. Two reviewers evaluated independently both trial eligibility and methodological quality and data extraction.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The primary end point of diagnostic accuracy was additional detection rate. The primary end points of therapeutic outcome were residual tumour at second resection and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Seventeen trials were identified. Twelve diagnostic trials used WLC and PDD with the same patients. Seven reported results for the subgroup of patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Five randomised trials studied therapeutic outcome. The results were combined in random effects meta-analyses if end points, designs, and populations were comparable. Twenty percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 8-35) more tumour-positive patients were detected with PDD in all patients with non-muscle-invasive tumours and 39% (CI, 23-57) more when only CIS was analysed. Heterogeneity was present among diagnostic studies even when the subgroup of patients with CIS was investigated. Residual tumour was significantly less often found after PDD (odds ratio: 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15-0.52; p<0.0001). RFS was higher at 12 and 24 mo in the PDD groups than in the WLC-only groups. The combined p value of log-rank tests of RFS was statistically significant (0.00002).

CONCLUSIONS

PDD detects more bladder tumour-positive patients, especially more with CIS, than WLC. More patients have a complete resection and a longer RFS when diagnosed with PDD.

[Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Literature review]

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent and incident neoplastic conditions in the Western world. Its clinical management involves significant costs for health systems. Diagnosis and treatment are based on direct visualization of the disease and on detection of flat forms having no specific morphology and which are sometimes overlooked. Prognosis of NMIBC often depends on quality of transurethral resection and on early detection of undifferentiated flat forms. Cystoscopy using photosensitive substances such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or hexyl aminolevulinic acid (HAL) achieves overdetection rates of 29 % for bladder neogrowths and 59% for carcinoma in situ. This overdetection ability results in an increased disease-free survival and a longer time to the first relapse. Increased costs resulting from use of these resources are compensated by a lower number of or delayed performance of cystectomies, resections, and instrumentations. It is concluded that PDD should be universally used, rather than in high risk patients only.that has been shown in both animal studies and human tumors.

Bladder cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the diagnosis and management of all stages of bladder cancer with an emphasis on studies and developments within the last year.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cystoscopy remains the mainstay in the detection and surveillance of bladder cancer, though fluorescent light may enhance detection as well as prolong recurrence-free survival. Urine cytology remains the gold standard for diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer; however, there are continued efforts in the development of urinary bladder cancer markers. Transurethral resection and instillation of perioperative chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for superficial bladder cancer in most patients. Data supports the use of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (including a maintenance regimen) for those at high risk for disease progression. Radical cystectomy with thorough pelvic lymphadenectomy remains the gold standard for management of muscle invasive disease. Research on the use of laparoscopy, robot-assisted laparoscopy, the effect on patient's health-related quality of life, and the potential role for bladder preservation strategies is ongoing. The value of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy around the time of cystectomy is still debated, though the best level-one evidence supports the use of neoadjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin followed by cystectomy. Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents are most commonly used in the community setting. Work is ongoing to develop new regimens, especially in patients who cannot take cisplatin. Research in the development of targeted therapies alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic regimens continues and will hopefully broaden our treatment strategy for patients with advanced/metastatic disease.

SUMMARY

We are encouraged by the progress in bladder cancer diagnosis and management; however, continued research is needed in order to improve the lives of our patients with this disease.

Recurrence and progression of disease in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: from epidemiology to treatment strategy

CONTEXT

This review focuses on the prediction of recurrence and progression in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and the treatments advocated for this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current status of epidemiology, recurrence, and progression of NMIBC and the state-of-the art treatment for this disease.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search in English was performed using PubMed and the guidelines of the European Association of Urology and the American Urological Association. Relevant papers on epidemiology, recurrence, progression, and management of NMIBC were selected. Special attention was given to fluorescent cystoscopy, the new World Health Organisation 2004 classification system for grade, and the role of substaging of T1 NMIBC.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

In NMIBC, approximately 70% of patients present as pTa, 20% as pT1, and 10% with carcinoma in situ (CIS) lesions. Bladder cancer (BCa) is the fifth most frequent type of cancer in western society and the most expensive cancer per patient. Recurrence (in < or = 80% of patients) is the main problem for pTa NMIBC patients, whereas progression (in < or = 45% of patients) is the main threat in pT1 and CIS NMIBC. In a recent European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer analysis, multiplicity, tumour size, and prior recurrence rate are the most important variables for recurrence. Tumour grade, stage, and CIS are the most important variables for progression. Treatment ranges from transurethral resection (TUR) followed by a single chemotherapy instillation in low-risk NMIBC to, sometimes, re-TUR and adjuvant intravesical therapy in intermediate- and high-risk patients to early cystectomy for treatment-refractory high-risk NMIBC.

CONCLUSIONS

NMIBC is a heterogeneous disease with varying therapies, follow-up strategies, and oncologic outcomes for an individual patient.

Therapeutic options in the management of intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers form a heterogeneous group of tumours with varying recurrence and progression rates. Recently low-, intermediate- and high-risk categories, based on tumour stage and grade, have been used to predict prognosis and guide treatment. Whilst the therapeutic options for the low- and high-risk groups are well defined, the optimal treatment for patients in the intermediate-risk group is unknown. We review current treatment options, recent advances and future developments in the treatment of patients with intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Should fluorescence cystoscopy be used for transurethral resection in patients with high-grade T1 bladder cancer?

This Practice Point commentary discusses the study by Denzinger et al. in which patients with high-grade T1 (HGT1) bladder cancer were treated by transurethral resection with either white-light cystoscopy or fluorescence cystoscopy. Over a median follow-up duration >7 years, the recurrence-free survival was significantly improved in the fluorescence cystoscopy group. No difference was observed between the two groups, however, in the rate of progression to muscle-invasive disease, although the low number of progression events limited the power of this comparison. As such, a low threshold for radical cystectomy should be maintained in transurethrally resected HGT1 disease, regardless of the visualization technique used. Importantly, fluorescence cystoscopy represents a more costly and time-consuming procedure than does white-light cystoscopy. Larger clinical trials, as well as research at the molecular level, are needed to define the potential role of fluorescence cystoscopy in the treatment of HGT1 disease.