A review of the role of Hexvix® fluorescence cystoscopy in bladder cancer is published in Nature Clinical Practice, Urology. The review compares Photocure's latest product Hexvix®  to the traditional method of white light cystoscopy, and is written by Prof Fred Witjes, University Medical Center, St Radboud, Nijmegen, Netherlands.

The review is of 23 published articles in the field of fluorescence cystoscopy from 2000 - 2007. The main results in the review are the following:

-          Hexvix® found additional tumors (Ta class) in 29% of the patients compared to white light cystoscopy.

-          Fluorescence cystoscopy led to improved treatment in 22% of the patients compared to white light cystoscopy

-          The proportion of lesions detected ranges from 87 to 97% for fluorescence cystoscopy and 46 to 84% for white light cystoscopy.

-          The sensitivity for detecting patients with flat tumors (CIS class) is 96% for Hexvix® fluorescence cystoscopy and ranging from 73 to 77% for white light cystoscopy.

The review concludes that. "The high cost of diagnosing, monitoring and treating bladder cancer emphasizes the need for improvements in the detection and management of bladder cancer patients. Fluorescence cystoscopy using Hexvix® to assist visualization improves the detection rate of bladder tumors, particularly CIS, compared to white light cystoscopy. This leads to improved treatment in a significant number of patients. "

Dr. Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO of Photocure, comments: "We are pleased to see a review that unequivocally concludes on the efficacy of Hexvix® and supports the need for Hexvix® in the diagnosis of bladder cancer."