IME Moving Up Beautifully this Am! Conventional endoscopes have relied on white light
The current treatment of bladder cancer is based on a tumor’s clinical stage, size and grade, determined by the results of exams, cystoscopies (using an endoscope that enters the bladder), and imaging tests, however accurate they may be. The conventional endoscopes work with white light, a technology used for decades to illuminate tissues and provide the physician with an image to help detect, assess and remove suspicious lesions. But white light cannot penetrate the tissue or blood, nor can it illuminate tumors beneath the skin’s surface that may be covering premalignant and malignant tissues, making the path of treatment uncertain.
Blue Light and Chemical Imaging
Blue light was introduced in conjunction with imaging agents, or chemical dyes, for use in cystoscopes. This combination improved the ability to detect even flat cancers and to visualize their margins for more complete removal. (See images below). However, the high dose of chemicals required can cause dangerous side effects in patients, such as anaphylaxis shock and hypersensitivity reactions. For this reason, the FDA restricted the use of this technique to one-time per patient, which poses challenges for follow-up exams. Additionally, this method requires that the surgeon “switch” back and forth between a white light image and a blue light image to accurately assess the tumor, an inconvenience to the surgeon and the OR staff. There is no question that the need for ultrasensitive imaging instruments to correctly and safely diagnose and treat bladder cancer is acute.
Our advanced ultrasensitive imaging technology is based upon improved optical designs and components and advanced light sensors. The company believes the resulting increase in sensitivity and specificity will allow physicians to accurately visualize and completely remove cancers, including premalignant lesions and tumor tissues along the margins, thus reducing the chances of recurrence. Additionally, both the i/Blue and i/Red Imaging Systems will provide “dual imaging”, which automatically blends the white light images with those that arise from blue or red light, so only one image is necessary. This patented technology frees the surgeon and members of the O.R. staff from having to switch back and forth between different monitors to view the tumors.
- Adapts to white light method with added unique fluorescence wavelengths
- Increases sensitivity to an estimated 5 orders of magnitude (100,000 x)
- Reduces the need for chemical contrasting agents
- Eliminates the need to “switch” back and forth between white light and blue light screens with Dual Imaging Technology that blends both images into one
- Adapts seamlessly to most types of endoscopes on the market today
- Contrast between normal/cancer tissue is potentially related to difference in porphyrin content within the cells, which in turn relates to the difference in metabolism of the cancer cells
- Eliminates the need for contrasting agents and uses the fluorescence produced by the body and tumor itself
- Eliminates the need to “switch” back and forth between white light and blue light screens with Dual Imaging technology that blends both images into one
- Adapts seamlessly to most types of endoscopes on the market today
- Dramatically expands the market to all cancers accessed by endoscopes
*Cysview® is a trademark of Photocure ASA, and is a trade name for hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride (HAL-BLC)
**Initial prototypes of this system were successfully used at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. The company’s current strategy is to focus on the i/Blue Imaging System and in 2017 begin the development of the i/Red Imaging System.