Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a vision for the future

Abstract

The management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has evolved from the first reports on bladder endoscopy and transurethral resection to the introduction of adjuvant intravesical treatment. However, disease recurrence and progression remain an ongoing risk, placing a heavy burden on healthcare resources and on patients’ quality of life. Deeper understanding of the molecular basis of the disease and developments in optics, lasers and computer science are already offering opportunities to revolutionize care and improve long-term prognosis. This article discusses developments likely to cause a paradigm shift towards the delivery of personalized care and reduced burden of disease in NMIBC.

Keywords:

• Biomarkers
• bladder cancer
• cost effectiveness
• diagnosis
• flexible cystoscopy
• laser
• medicotechnology

Disclosure statement

PUM has provided services as a speaker in meetings funded by Photocure ASA, Oslo, Norway, and acts as an adviser for Photocure. SA and MB act as advisers for Photocure. PJB has received honoraria for consultancy from Astellas, Janssen and Olympus, and for advisory board participation from Photocure, Amgen, Astellas, Janssen and Bristol-Myers Squibb. BM has received consultancy fees from Olympus, Ipsen and Cepheid. DZ has received honoraria from Photocure and Ipsen, and has participated on an expert panel for Ipsen. GGH has provided services as a speaker in meetings funded by Photocure and acts as an adviser for Photocure.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Photocure ASA, Oslo, Norway