Photocure ASA: Enhanced cystoscopy including Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview®/Hexvix® is recommended in the New AUA/SUO Bladder Cancer Guideline

2 mei 2016

Oslo, Norway, May 2, 2016: Photocure ASA announced today the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Society of Urological Oncology (SUO) have included enhanced cystoscopy in the 2016 Guidelines for the management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Enhanced cystoscopy including Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC) with Cysview ^® /Hexvix ^® is recommended for increasing the detection and reducing recurrence of NMIBC. The full guidelines are available: AUA NMIBC Guidelines
"I am pleased that the new guideline recognizes the added benefits which BLC with Cysview provides in improved tumor detection and more complete resection of NMIBC. This is critical to reducing the risk of recurrence and progression," says Gary Steinberg, MD, FACS, The Bruce and Beth White Family Professor, Vice Chairman and Director of Urologic Oncology, University of Chicago. "I believe that urologists greatly overestimate the quality and accuracy of their cystoscopy and transurethral resections of bladder cancer tumors (TURBT) and underestimate the importance of a high quality initial TURBT. This may lead to understaging, misdiagnosis and incomplete resection. In addition, an overreliance on intravesical therapy may lead to less optimal treatment, worse cancer outcomes and increased cost."

In addition to improved detection and management of the patient, BLC with Cysview leads to overall cost savings as patients are likely to have longer recurrence-free intervals therefore requiring less frequent TURBTs than patients who receive white light cystoscopy only.

"We are very excited that the AUA/SUO has recognized the critical role of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, based on clinical evidence, expert experience and the positive impact that enhanced cystoscopy has on the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer," says Kjetil Hestdal, MD, PhD, President and CEO, Photocure ASA. "The recommendation in the new AUA/SUO guideline now makes Hexvix/Cysview part of the major guidelines including those by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK."

About Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the fourth most common cancer found in men in the US. In 2016, it is estimated that 76,960 new cases of bladder cancer will occur along with 16,390 deaths due to bladder cancer. Risk factors for bladder cancer include advancing age, cigarette smoking, occupational exposure to dyes, tar, rubber and solvent, chronic bladder irritation and infections, and prior diagnosis of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is one of the most expensive cancers to manage, accounting for approximately $3.7 billion in direct costs each year.

Bladder cancer is classified into two types, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), depending on the depth of invasion in the bladder wall. NMIBC is still in the inner layer of cells. These cancers are the most common (75%) of all bladder cancer cases and include the subtypes Ta, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and T1 lesions. MIBC is when the cancer has grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall. These cancers, including subtypes T2, T3 and T4, are more likely to spread and are harder to treat.

Cysview ^® is tradename in U.S. and Canada, Hexvix ^® in Europe

About Photocure ASA

Photocure, headquartered in Oslo Norway, is a specialty pharmaceutical company and world leader in photodynamic technology. Based on our unique proprietary Photocure Technology ^® platform, Photocure develops and commercializes highly selective and effective solutions within disease areas with high unmet medical need, such as bladder cancer, HPV and precancerous cervical lesions, and skin conditions. Our aim is to provide solutions which can improve health outcomes for patients worldwide. Photocure is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). Information about Photocure is available at  www.photocure.com .


For more information, please contact:

Media relations:
Amanda Merced
MCS Healthcare Public Relations
Tel: +1 908 234 9900
Email: amandam@mcspr.com

Company contacts:
Kjetil Hestdal
President and CEO
Tel: +47 913 19 535
Email: kh@photcure.no

Erik Dahl
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +47 450 55 000
Email: ed@photocure.no

Investor relations:
Trout International LLC
Lauren Williams
Tel: +44 20 3780 4972
Email: lwilliams@troutgroup.com

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