State-of-the-Art Procedure at Nashville General Hospital Improves Detection of Bladder Cancer

Nashville, TN (June 17, 2025) – Nashville General Hospital is proud to be among a select number of institutions nationwide offering Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC®) with Cysview®, a cutting-edge technology that significantly enhances detection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This advanced procedure allows for more precise identification of bladder tumors—especially flat lesions known as carcinoma in situ (CIS)—that are often missed with traditional white light cystoscopy alone.

In June 2025, Dr. Altenbern, a board-certified urologist at Nashville General Hospital, began using Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview. “As a urologist specializing in cancer treatment, I want to give patients the confidence that I’ve removed as much of the cancer as possible,” said Dr. Altenbern. “From the moment I turned on the blue light, I could see additional lesions I couldn’t detect with white light alone. Patients appreciate this technology, and I know it’s making a real difference in their care.”

How It Works

During a standard cystoscopy, a urologist examines the inside of the bladder using white light. In a Blue Light Cystoscopy, the patient first receives an instillation of Cysview into the bladder. After about an hour, under blue light, cancerous cells—due to their inability to process the compound—glow bright pink. This dramatic contrast helps the physician better visualize and remove tumors.

Cysview is not a dye. It stimulates production of a natural compound in bladder cells, which accumulates more in cancerous cells. When exposed to blue light, the accumulated compound fluoresces, making tumors more visible.

Value to Patients

Cysview is FDA-approved for use during transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) and during follow-up cystoscopies. For eligible bladder cancer patients, it improves detection and can lead to more complete tumor removal and better disease monitoring.

“Providing access to innovative, evidence-based care is central to our mission,” said Dr. Veronica Elders, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Nashville General Hospital. “We are proud to offer this powerful diagnostic tool to improve outcomes for our patients facing bladder cancer.”

More than 750,000 people in the U.S. are living with bladder cancer, and over 80,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. With the addition of BLC with Cysview, Nashville General Hospital continues its commitment to delivering high-quality, leading-edge care for all Nashvillians.

For more information about Cysview, visit Cysview.com.
To learn more about bladder cancer, visit BCAN.org.

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About Nashville General Hospital:

Founded in 1890, Nashville General Hospital is the city’s only public hospital and a critical safety-net provider. NGH offers high-quality, compassionate care to all Nashvillians, regardless of ability to pay, and is nationally recognized for its innovation in health equity and population health initiatives.

Contact:

Cathy Poole, Public Information Officer
cathy.poole@nashvilleha.org