Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for Bladder Cancer
| Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) |
TheraCys BCG, TICE BCG |
It is not clear how Bacillus
Calmette-Guerin (BCG) works to treat
bladder cancer. It may stimulate an immune response or
cause inflammation of the bladder wall that destroys cancer cells within the
bladder. BCG may be used to treat early-stage cancer, but it is used most commonly to prevent the return
(recurrence) of noninvasive bladder cancer. It is most often used after cancer
has been removed from the bladder using
transurethral resection (TUR) surgery.
BCG is also used in some countries as a vaccine to provide protection
against
tuberculosis (TB).
When it is used to treat bladder cancer, BCG is given through a
urinary catheter (intravesically) into the
bladder.
- Limit your fluid intake for 4 hours before the
procedure, so you will be able to hold the medicine in your bladder during the
treatment.
- BCG is given through a urinary catheter. You will be asked
not to urinate for 2 hours and to change position every 15 to 20 minutes so the
medicine washes the entire bladder wall.
- For 6 hours after
treatment, wash your genital area after every urination to avoid skin
irritation.
- Treatment is usually given once a week for 6 weeks. After this,
you may be treated again every month for 6 to 12 months or every 3 to 6 months over the next 2
years.
BCG is used following TUR surgery for
noninvasive bladder cancer in people who are at medium or high risk for
recurrence of cancer. It can also be used following TUR surgery in people who
cannot have a
cystectomy procedure for bladder cancer, but its
usefulness in these cases is limited.
BCG greatly reduces the chance that
cancer will progress after TUR surgery for noninvasive bladder cancer.
1
Side effects from BCG may include:
- Burning or pain with urination, a sense of needing to
urinate often, or urinating small amounts often.
- Fatigue, joint aches, skin
rash, or fever of less than
101°F (38°C).
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
More severe side effects may include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
Research continues to determine the
most effective strain of BCG and the best dosage schedule for the treatment of
bladder cancer. Dosage schedules vary and are determined by your doctor.
If you have major side effects from BCG treatment, you may need more
treatment with
antibiotics and
corticosteroids.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
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to help you understand this medication.
Citations
-
Sylvester RJ, et al. (2004). Intravesical Bacillus
Calmette-Guerin reduces the risk of progression in patients with superficial
bladder cancer: A meta-analysis of the published results of randomized clinical
trials. Journal of Urology, 168 (5):
1964–1970.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
|
Last Revised
| May 2, 2011 |
Last Revised:
May 2, 2011
Sylvester RJ, et al. (2004). Intravesical Bacillus
Calmette-Guerin reduces the risk of progression in patients with superficial
bladder cancer: A meta-analysis of the published results of randomized clinical
trials. Journal of Urology, 168 (5):
1964–1970.
