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Photodynamic Therapy for Bladder Cancer

Light-activated photosensitiser treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer recurrence.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Üroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Photodynamic Therapy for Bladder Cancer?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a targeted oncological treatment that combines a photosensitising agent (5-aminolevulinic acid, hexaminolevulinate or porfimer sodium) with controlled-wavelength laser light delivered through a fibre-optic probe inside the bladder.

Activation generates reactive oxygen species causing selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells; main indications are recurrent or BCG-refractory non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) including diffuse carcinoma in situ (CIS) and high-grade T1, where bladder preservation is preferred over radical cystectomy.

PDT can be combined with hexaminolevulinate-guided blue-light cystoscopy to improve detection of CIS; common side effects include dysuria, urgency, transient haematuria and prolonged photosensitivity requiring sun protection for several weeks after systemic photosensitiser.

Symptoms

Recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
BCG-refractory or BCG-intolerant NMIBC
Diffuse carcinoma in situ (CIS)
High-grade Ta or T1 disease
Patient unfit for radical cystectomy
Persistent haematuria after standard therapy
Multifocal bladder lesions

Risk Factors

Smoking and aromatic amine exposure
Recurrent NMIBC after intravesical BCG
Diffuse CIS not amenable to focal therapy
Bladder preservation preferred over cystectomy
Failed mitomycin C or gemcitabine
Genetic predisposition (FGFR3, TP53)
Immunosuppression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent haematuria after BCG therapy
  • New high-grade lesion at follow-up cystoscopy
  • Diffuse CIS on biopsy
  • BCG-refractory NMIBC

Treatment Methods

01
Multidisciplinary urology-oncology assessment
02
Photosensitiser administration (intravesical or systemic)
03
Laser fibre-optic delivery during cystoscopy
04
Whole-bladder light dose calibration
05
Postoperative photosensitivity precautions
06
Surveillance cystoscopy and biopsy at 3 months
07
Salvage cystectomy if recurrence or progression

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Üroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.