Can the burden of follow-up in low-grade noninvasive bladder cancer be reduced by photodynamic diagnosis, perioperative instillations, imaging, and urine markers?

Purpose of review Reduce the burden of follow-up for patients and healthcare providers in noninvasive bladder cancer (NIBC). The evolution of intraoperative tumor detection, imaging modalities, urinary markers, and intravesical instillation regimens as a possibility to improve tumor eradication, enhance noninvasive tumor monitoring and thus to reduce costs is reviewed. Recent findings On the basis of current evidence, the recurrence and progression of patients with NIBC can significantly be improved by fluorescence-guided transurethral resection and perioperative chemoinstillation. Virtual cystoscopic modalities based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging as well as a combination of urine biomarkers, which improve the sensitivity of conventional urine cytology, has the potential to reduce discomfort and pain associated with conventional cystoscopy. Recent meta-analyses have furthermore demonstrated that risk-adapted instillation regimens for immediate, induction and maintenance therapy using immuno-instillation and chemoinstillation therapy improve significantly recurrence-free and progression-free survival rates. Summary Emerging technologies in the field of tumor visualization in combination with urinary markers and effective instillation regimens can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and progression in the long-term whilst providing less patient discomfort and simplifying the follow-up in patients of NIBC.