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Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)

Diagnosis:

Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (includes Ta, T1, CIS tumors)

Treatment Category:

Immunotherapy

Treatment:

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)

Suitable for:

To treat non-invasive bladder cancer that has not spread into the bladder muscle wall

How it works:
  • BCG is a type of bacteria that can help to activate the immune system
  • The medicine is put directly into the bladder to activate the immune cells there to find and kill the bladder cancer cells
How it is typically used:
  • Often used to treat high-grade (aggressive) tumors that are more likely to spread
  • Can be given as the first treatment
  • If it works well, it can also be used as a maintenance therapy to slow growth of non-invasive bladder cancer
How it is administered:

Liquid medication is put directly into the bladder via a thin tube, called a catheter

Side effects:
  • Flu-like symptoms, including mild fever, aches, chills, fatigue
  • Burning feeling in the bladder
  • Needing to urinate more often
  • Blood in the urine
Is this given with other treatments?

Often given after TURBT procedure, once healed

Disclaimer: Information and services provided by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) are for informational purposes only. The information and services are not intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are ill, or suspect that you are ill, seek professional medical attention immediately! BCAN does not recommend or endorse any specific physicians, treatments, procedures or products even though they may be mentioned on this site.

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