University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) has seen a reduction in the number of patients requiring cystoscopies thanks to a pioneering new non-invasive test for bladder cancer, offering patients a faster, more convenient and less stressful way to be assessed.
The new test, known as GALEAS Bladder, is being piloted at the Trust. The simple urine-based kit can be completed in the comfort of patients’ own homes. It analyses 23 genes associated with bladder cancer, delivering highly accurate results without the need for a hospital procedure.
Traditionally, patients with suspected bladder cancer undergo a cystoscopy, a procedure that involves inserting a camera into the bladder. The introduction of this innovative test means many patients may be able to avoid hospital visits altogether, reducing stress and unnecessary travel.
By providing rapid and reliable results, the test can also help alleviate anxiety sooner, particularly for patients who do not have cancer.
UHL was the first Trust in England to roll out the tests, developed by healthcare company Nonacus, in May. The introduction marked a significant step forward in modernising patient care and supporting the NHS ambition to move more services closer to home.
Jayne Douglas‑Moore, Consultant Urological Surgeon at UHL, said: “This test represents a major advancement in bladder cancer diagnosis, offering a highly sensitive, non‑invasive and patient‑friendly alternative to traditional methods.
“It provides a significantly better experience for our patients by reducing anxiety and removing the need for many to attend hospital for uncomfortable procedures. I am delighted that we are leading the way in rolling this out, and I have already seen the positive impact it is having for our patients.”
Since May, around 380 patients have benefited from the new urine test, with data showing that more than 250 cystoscopies have been avoided. This has freed up valuable clinical time for other priority pathways and helped reduce waiting lists.
Alongside improving patient experience, the test is expected to ease pressure on hospital services, freeing up specialist staff and increasing capacity across urology departments.
The introduction of the test aligns closely with the NHS long-term vision of delivering more care in the community and using innovative diagnostics to improve outcomes and efficiency.
Seventy-two-year-old Karen is currently undergoing regular monitoring after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025. Following successful treatment to remove the cancer, she now has routine cystoscopies to check for any signs of it returning.
She said: “I’m monitored every three months, and I think this new test is fantastic. It means patients may not have to come into hospital for a cystoscopy and can do the test themselves at home.
“I have regular cystoscopies myself, so it could also mean I’m seen sooner because fewer people will need the procedure.
“I think it’s brilliant. Anything that makes care easier and less worrying for patients is incredibly valuable. The whole team in Leicester has been amazing throughout my treatment and care.”
This pilot demonstrates UHL’s continued commitment to adopting cutting‑edge technologies that put patients first, improving access, experience and clinical outcomes.
Jeff Bousfield, Nonacus Chief Executive, said: “Bladder cancer can be treated very effectively when caught early, so getting people to the right diagnosis quickly really matters. Most people referred with symptoms won’t have cancer, but they still enter the same pathway as those who do.
“We developed GALEAS Bladder to help change that. Seeing UHL use it in everyday NHS care, with more than 380 patients already benefiting and over 250 cystoscopies avoided, shows how we can get people with cancer diagnosed and treated faster while reducing pressure on stretched services.”