BCG(Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) for Superficial Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

Park, Choal Hee; Lee, Sung Choon

Abstract

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin(BCG) Has been shown to be effective therapy and prophylaxis against recurrent tumor in patients with superficial bladder cancer(stages O and A), including carcinoma in situ. Tice-Chicago strain bacillus Calmette-Guerin was used to treat superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in 26 patients between July, 1985 and March, 1988. A variety of different BCG treatment regimens have been used that vary in intensity. In general, treatment results have been more favorable with intensive regimens. However, the toxicity also has been substantially greater with intensive regimens. The optimal regimen has yet to be determined. Our treatment regimen of 120mg. Tice-Chicago strain BCG weekly for 6 weeks and then monthly for 3 months was well tolerated. 20 patients had a complete response and 6 patients had a tumor recurrence at 21 months mean follow-up, resulting in 77% of response rate. Side effects during or shortly after treatment were minor and self- limiting in the majority of patients(fever, bladder irritability and hematuria). This experience supports the efficacy of bacillus Calmette-Guerin as a cost-effective, well- tolerated treatment modality for patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.