Early, accurate detection of superficial bladder cancer with Olympus PDD

With Olympus photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), superficial bladder cancer can be detected earlier, easier and more accurately. Bladder cancer is diagnosed by cystoscopy, the endoscopic introduction of a light source through the urethra (transurethral) into the bladder. The imaging technology PDD uses blue light to increase the contrast between tumour tissue (red) and healthy tissue (blue). Thus, PDD also highlights satellite tumours in contrast to conventional white-light cystoscopy (WLC). Accordingly, studies have shown that PDD reduces five-year recurrence in early-stage non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) three- to five-fold, and it prolongs recurrence-free survival significantly. This diagnostic technology provides optimal early and long-term cancer management to minimise the progress and recurrence of malignant tissue.

Furthermore, Olympus has developed an innovative, safe and efficient bipolar transurethral resection (TURis) technology for improved bladder cancer treatment. This bipolar resection technology provides significant improvement in the removal of early-stage bladder cancer. In contrast to monopolar resection, bipolar TURis irrigates using physiological saline. Therefore, bipolar resection reduces bleeding and the occurrence of TUR syndrome, preventing potential severe post-operative problems. Both catheterisation and hospitalisation times are shortened and the patients' healing is improved.

The combination of early and accurate cancer tissue detection (fluorescent diagnosis) together with safe and efficient cancer tissue removal (bipolar removal technology) promises optimal future bladder cancer treatment. Bladder cancer can be diagnosed earlier, aggressive carcinoma in situ lesions can be detected more easily, and post-surgical residual cancer cells are detected and removed more accurately. Thus, the patient can recover faster after surgery to live a longer life, free of bladder cancer recurrence.

Studies from 2010 indicate that Olympus bipolar plasma vaporization using novel electrode technology represents a promising endoscopic early-stage cancer treatment alternative with good efficacy, reduced morbidity, shorter hospitalisation and good post-operative parameters.

Source Olympus