Blue Light Cystoscopy Assists in Treatment of Bladder Cancer at LVHN

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, continues to celebrate key milestones in treatments for bladder cancer. Since early 2023, LVHN has been the only health network in our region to offer blue light cystoscopy for treatment of bladder cancer. In that time, urologist Joseph Feliciano, MD, has completed more than 400 procedures, with 160 of those occurring in 2024 alone.

During the procedure, a special imaging solution highlights bladder cancer cells, allowing the edges of a tumor to be highly visible prior to surgery. Blue light cystoscopy gives urologists visibility into where cancer cells are so they can be more easily removed. It allows for increased accuracy and lower occurrences of the cancer returning.

“Think of this in terms of driving down the road at night and seeing a deer on the side of the road. The car headlights spot just that one deer, but if infrared light is used, you see all the other deer farther back off the road,” Dr. Feliciano says. “Being able to better see the edges of bladder tumors means they can be more completely removed, reducing chances for recurrence.”

Not only are the edges of known tumors more visible, but blue light cystoscopy also allows urologists to see tumors they may not have been able to see before. In addition to using this treatment, Dr. Feliciano collaborates with a team of specialists to determine the best plan of treatment for each patient.

“I am a member of a genitourinary cancer multidisciplinary consultation team,” Dr. Feliciano says. “Together we review patients’ diagnostic information and provide written opinions reflecting conditions and recommendations for care.”

What was a revolutionary treatment just a few years ago is quickly becoming the standard of care. Jefferson Health also utilizes the technology and was an early adopter as far back as 2012.

This noninvasive procedure is performed at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks.