Fluorescence cystoscopy: is it ready for use in routine clinical practice?

To review the recent literature on the use of fluorescence cystoscopy in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer.

Recent advances have been made in fluorescence cystoscopy with the use of newer fluorescence agents (hexylester aminolevulinate and hypericin) and their application to flexible cystoscopy. Within several hours of intravesical administration of these agents, bladder tumors can be detected using fluorescence cystoscopy resulting in improved cancer detection and lower short-term recurrence rates than white light cystoscopy. Preliminary results with flexible fluorescence cystoscopy suggest that this technique can be used for office-based cystoscopy.

Significant advances have been made in the field of fluorescence cystoscopy. The currently available fluorescence agents in recent phase II and III trials outperform white light cystoscopy in terms of cancer detection and recurrence-free survival. Fluorescence cystoscopy should be considered as an adjunctive tool for the diagnosis and management of superficial bladder cancer.