Norwegian Photocure and German specialists collaborate on bladder cancer care

In Norway, Photocure is at the forefront of bladder cancer efforts. Founded in 1997 at Norwegian Radium Hospital (now part of Oslo University Hospital), and a member of the Oslo Cancer Cluster, Photocure began as a developer of photodynamic technology and has evolved into a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company focused on bladder cancer and precision diagnostics.

Photocure’s diagnostic product is used in blue light cystoscopy of the bladder, which is adjunct to standard white light cystoscopy in order to aid in diagnosis and management of bladder cancer in patients with known or suspected bladder cancer.

Complex in nature, bladder cancer is characterised by a variable prognosis which has not improved in decades. Identification of patients with bladder cancer and accuracy of the diagnosis are crucial for patient management and outcomes. Consequently, there is a shift towards more precise diagnosis and personalised treatment in bladder cancer.

“Despite the evolving field of biomarkers and other technologies to diagnose, predict treatment response and prognosis in bladder cancer, actual diagnosis still requires visualising malignant lesions in the bladder and removing suspicious tumours during transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). This procedure combines diagnosis and surgery in one procedure,” says Anders Neijber, Photocure’s Chief Medical Officer.

Germany has been instrumental in the development and adoption of Photocure’s technology. From the early 2000s, German urologists played a crucial role in clinical trials, including the pivotal Phase III study that led to European approval.

Even before the product launch, Germany had many blue light systems in place, demonstrating a strong existing foundation for adoption. Experts in bladder cancer were excited about the technology and contributed significantly to Photocure’s success, both in trial phases and in training other specialists. When the technology launched, bladder cancer specialists from different countries were brought to Munich for specialised training in blue light cystoscopy, further strengthening ties between Norwegian and German urology experts.

From the very beginning, Photocure established close collaboration with German clinics and medical specialists to unlock the full potential of its photodynamic technology. The first blue light-enabled endoscopic equipment was developed in partnership with KARL STORZ – a renowned, family-owned medical device company based in Tuttlingen, Germany, and a global pioneer in endoscopic innovation. Over the years, this technology has advanced significantly and is now supported by nearly all major manufacturers of endoscopic equipment.

Photocure’s commitment to advancing bladder cancer diagnosis doesn’t stop at the initial breakthrough. Together with Richard Wolf, a leading German medical technology company in the field of endoscopy, Photocure is developing a new high-definition flexible version of the blue light cystoscopy equipment. This next-generation solution aims to expand the reach of precision diagnostics and provide clinicians worldwide with a unique tool for early cancer detection and treatment monitoring, with a focus on outpatient care.

Despite its significant global burden, bladder cancer has received less public, clinical and research attention than many other major cancers. Therefore, since 2021 Photocure has been hosting the Bladder Cancer Roadshow, a tour to hospitals and urology congresses, with the goal of giving this disease the stage it needs and strengthening ties with medical professionals in Germany and Austria.

With a specially equipped bus, Photocure and other business partners travel for weeks to hospitals and urology events and present the latest technologies for diagnostics, resection and therapy of bladder cancer, offering exclusive training and promoting the targeted transfer of knowledge.

The mobile concept originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to healthcare professionals was limited. Determined to continue delivering education and training, Photocure brought the medical innovation directly to hospitals and clinics via a fully equipped bus. The concept proved so effective that it has drawn more interest from additional industry partners, leading to an even more robust initiative in 2023 and 2025.

In 2025, the Bladder Cancer Roadshow marked a milestone in collaborative healthcare: for the first time, Photocure joined forces with industry leaders MSD and Olympus to raise awareness of bladder cancer. The tour, which wrapped up in late June, included 20 destinations at hospitals and congresses in Germany and Austria. Each stop featured customised, hands-on programmes tailored to the specific needs of the local specialised centre – combining the latest technologies with practical training and expert exchange.

At its core, the Bladder Cancer Roadshow is about uniting innovation, expertise and awareness to improve outcomes for patients. Through this powerful partnership, the initiative aims to drive lasting change in how bladder cancer is perceived, diagnosed and treated.

“Photocure’s journey from research in the Norwegian Radium Hospital to a leading force in uro-oncologic precision diagnostics is a testament to innovation, collaboration, and perseverance. We are committed to improving patient care in bladder cancer, raising awareness in public and supporting our customers in their daily challenges,” concludes Jane Healy, Vice President and General Manager EMEA at Photocure.