Safety of hexaminolevulinate for blue light cystoscopy in bladder cancer. A combined analysis of the trials used for registration and postmarketing data.

Objective: To detail and put into perspective, safety of hexaminolevulinate blue light cystoscopy (HAL-BLC), including repeated use, based on combined data of controlled trials used for registration of HAL and postmarketing experience.

Methods: Safety data of 2 randomized comparative studies (group 1) and 4 within patient control studies (group 2) were combined. Postmarketing data from >200,000 patients were analyzed.

Results: In group 1, 533 patients were examined with HAL-BLC and 499 with white light (WL) cystoscopy. In group 2, 791 patients were examined with both WL and HAL-BLC. Between 73% and 93% of these patients had concomitant diseases. Between 41% and 58% of the patients had at least 1 adverse event (AE), although predominantly mild to moderate. The majority was considered as not related to HAL-BLC and reported in the urinary tract. No serious adverse events (SAEs) were considered definitely related to HAL-BLC, but in 6 patients serious AEs were of an uncertain relationship. Four possibly related hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Repeated use did not reveal additional toxicity, also supported by data from 3 European centers.

Conclusion: This combined and detailed analysis of patients from 6 HAL-BLC studies with very comparable criteria shows that HAL-BLC is safe and poses very little additional risks other than expected for WL cystoscopy for bladder tumor resection in this specific patient population. This is supported by 9 years of postmarketing experience. Repeated use also seems safe.