Seven-Year Complete Response of BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC Patient Treated with Theralase’s Ruvidar and TLC-3200 System
Toronto, Ontario – Theralase Technologies Inc., a pioneering clinical-stage pharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of light, radiation, sound, and drug-activated small molecules and their formulations, aimed at the safe and effective destruction of various cancers, bacteria, and viruses, is thrilled to share the latest development from its Phase Ib Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) clinical study. A patient diagnosed with BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC Carcinoma In-Situ (CIS) has achieved and sustained a complete response (CR) for over seven years.
Background
NMIBC is a type of bladder cancer that does not penetrate the muscle layer of the bladder wall. However, in some cases, this cancer can progress and become muscle-invasive, leading to more severe complications. BCG-unresponsive NMIBC refers to patients whose cancer does not respond to standard BCG therapy, which is the first-line treatment for this condition. Carcinoma In-Situ (CIS) is a high-grade, non-invasive form of bladder cancer that can develop into invasive cancer if left untreated.
Therapeutic Intervention
The patient in question was treated with a therapeutic dose of Theralase’s lead small molecule, Ruvidar, which was subsequently activated with the TLC-3200 medical laser system. The photodynamic therapy (PDT) approach used in this treatment involves the administration of a photosensitizer (Ruvidar) that becomes active when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. The TLC-3200 medical laser system delivers these wavelengths of light to the tumor site, resulting in the destruction of cancer cells.
Clinical Outcome
The patient has maintained a CR status, as evidenced by negative cystoscopy and urine cytology results, for over seven years following the treatment. This outcome is particularly significant as BCG-unresponsive NMIBC patients often face a higher risk of disease recurrence and progression.
Implications for Patients
For patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC or CIS, the current standard of care involves multiple BCG instillations, which can result in various side effects and require frequent hospital visits. The successful seven-year CR of the patient treated with Ruvidar and the TLC-3200 system offers a potential alternative treatment option with fewer side effects and less frequent hospital visits. However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach for a larger patient population.
Global Impact
The successful outcome of this patient not only represents a significant milestone for Theralase but also has the potential to impact the global fight against bladder cancer. According to the World Health Organization, bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 549,000 new cases and 200,000 deaths annually. The development of effective, less invasive treatment options, such as the Ruvidar and TLC-3200 system, could significantly improve the quality of life for patients and reduce the overall healthcare burden associated with bladder cancer.
Conclusion
Theralase’s Phase Ib clinical study demonstrates the potential of the Ruvidar and TLC-3200 system as a promising alternative treatment option for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC and CIS patients. The seven-year CR of the treated patient offers hope for those facing this condition and highlights the importance of continued research and development in the field of cancer treatment.
- Theralase’s Phase Ib clinical study shows a seven-year CR for a BCG-unresponsive NMIBC patient treated with Ruvidar and the TLC-3200 system.
- This outcome offers a potential alternative treatment option with fewer side effects and less frequent hospital visits.
- The global impact could significantly improve the quality of life for patients and reduce the overall healthcare burden associated with bladder cancer.
