New from NCP
05 October 2007
Improved detection of bladder cancer
A new method for detecting bladder tumours will provide improvements for patients' treatment and a reduction in cancer recurrence rates. In a review article appearing online in Nature Clinical Practice Urology this week, J Alfred Witjes and Jude Douglass compare this method with traditional methods and suggest that it could also prove more cost-effective in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer detection is still not perfect – despite the introduction of urinary markers the recurrence of tumours remains high. It is thought that this is partly the result of tumour cells being left behind following surgery. Fluorescence cystoscopy offers better visualization of bladder tumours than the traditional method of white-light cystoscopy, facilitating a more complete removal of the tumours during surgery. Studies have also confirmed that more tumours are detected by this method leading to reduced recurrence rates.
The authors discuss two types of fluorescence cystoscopy in their comparison with traditional white-light cystoscopy: Hexaminolevulinate (HAL) and 5-aminolevulinic (ALA) fluorescence cystoscopy. They argue that HAL offers several advantages over ALA for cystoscopy in patients with suspected bladder tumours as it is easier to use and improves the visibility of tumours. They also point out that fluorescence cystoscopy is associated with a small increase in the number of false positives compared to the traditional white-light technique. Studies into methods of reducing the false positive rate with HAL are underway.
Author contact:
J Alfred Witjes (University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands)
Tel: +31 24 361 6712; E-mail: f.witjes@uro.umcn.nl
Editor contact:
Alexandra Hay (Senior Editor, Nature Clinical Practice Urology)
Tel: +44 20 7843 4841; E-mail: a.hay@nature.com
PRESS CONTACTS…
Ruth Francis, Nature London
Tel: +44 20 7843 4562; E-mail: r.francis@nature.com
Katherine Anderson, Nature London
Tel: +44 20 7843 4502; E-mail: k.anderson@nature.com
The Nature Clinical Practice journals
Nature Clinical Practice journals deliver timely, authoritative interpretations of key research developments, translating the latest findings into clinical practice. Each of the eight titles in the series is published monthly. Content includes editorial and opinion pieces, highlights from the current literature, commentaries on the application of recent research to practical patient care, thorough reviews, and in-depth case studies. The journals' Editors-in-Chief and international advisory boards ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the year, with discussion of topical issues included as soon as possible after publication of the original research.
The first four Nature Clinical Practice journals were launched in November 2004 and a further four were launched in November 2005. For a full list of journal titles and for more information, visit www.nature.com/clinicalpractice
About Nature Publishing Group
Nature Publishing Group (NPG) is a division of Macmillan Publishers Ltd, dedicated to serving the academic, professional scientific and medical communities. NPG's flagship title, Nature, was first published in 1869. Other publications include Nature research journals, Nature Reviews, Nature Clinical Practice, a range of prestigious academic journals, including society-owned publications. NPG also provides news content through Nature News and scientific career information through Naturejobs.
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