BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer
Topic at a Glance
- BCG therapy is an immunotherapy treatment commonly used for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
- The treatment is delivered directly into the bladder through a catheter to encourage the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
- BCG therapy is typically given once a week for six weeks, followed by maintenance treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Common side effects may include bladder irritation, frequent urination, mild flu-like symptoms, and discomfort during urination.
BCG therapy is an effective way to treat bladder cancer. This article explains what this treatment is and how it is performed.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified urologists provide several treatment options for bladder cancer. Contact us today at one of our offices throughout Georgia.
What Is BCG?
The letters BCG stand for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. It is the name of an intravesical therapy used to treat high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It is made from a weakened form of the live bacteria called Mycobacterium Bovis, which is commonly used as a vaccine for tuberculosis.
This immunotherapy drug is directly deposited in the bladder through a catheter. BCG works by prompting an immune response. As the immune cells attack the bacteria, they also destroy the surrounding bladder cancer cells.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our expert urologists offer several treatment options for bladder cancer. BCG therapy is often recommended as an early-stage bladder cancer treatment.
If the cancer is already advanced, your doctor may suggest a removal procedure such as transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), or partial or radical cystectomy. Our surgeons can perform these procedures using the latest minimally invasive techniques.
Is BCG Treatment a Form of Chemotherapy?
BCG treatment and chemotherapy are different types of treatment that work very differently from one another.
Chemotherapy works by sending the medication throughout the whole body to fight cancer cells. However, BCG treatments are administered directly into the bladder. Once there, they stimulate your body’s immune system to attack cancer cells in the bladder lining.
The American Cancer Society states that BCG treatment is usually used for stage 0 and stage 1 cancers, whereas chemotherapy can be used for any stage cancer if deemed necessary.
How is BCG Treatment Done?
BCG treatment is delivered directly to your bladder using a urinary catheter. The thin tube is inserted via the urethra (the tube that passes urine through the urinary system), and the BCG solution is passed through to the bladder.
The catheter is usually removed once the solution is inside the bladder. You must not pass urine for 2 hours. Sometimes you are asked to change position so that the solution can reach all areas of your bladder.
Since BCG is a live vaccine, you must take certain precautions to prevent others from being exposed to it. You will be asked to:
- Sit down to pass urine
- Wash the skin in and around your genital area with soap and water after you pass urine
- Sanitize the toilet bowl after you have passed urine
- Wash your hands thoroughly after passing urine with soap and water.
You will also be asked to increase your fluid intake to flush the drug out of your bladder.
How Long Does BCG Treatment Last?
BCG treatment is usually done once a week for six weeks to begin with. This is called induction therapy. To prevent the cancer from returning, you will likely have maintenance therapy, where BCG is administered every few weeks or months for the next 1-3 years.
What Are the Side Effects of BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer?
The potential side effects of BCG treatment include the following:
- An irritated bladder, similar to the feeling of a urinary infection
- Urinating more frequently
- Seeing blood or debris in your urine
- Flu-like symptoms for 1 or 2 days after each treatment
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine
Your doctor or nurse may be able to relieve some of these symptoms. If you develop severe pain, high fever, or other signs of infection, you must contact your healthcare provider right away.
What is the Success Rate of BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer?
The American Cancer Society states that the 5-year relative survival rate for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is high. For cancers in situ, the rate of survival is 98%, and for those who have localized cancer (anywhere within the bladder), it is 73%.
These figures are from statistics representing the years between 2015 and 2021. It is recognized that cancer treatments have improved since those statistics were evaluated.
BCG Treatment in Georgia
If you have concerns about bladder cancer or would like to know about the available options, then make an appointment to speak to one of our board-certified urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Our offices can be found throughout Georgia.
FAQs About BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer
What does BCG stand for?
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. It is a treatment that uses a weakened form of bacteria to treat bladder cancer.
Is BCG treatment the same as chemotherapy?
No. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, while BCG therapy stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells inside the bladder.
How is BCG treatment administered?
BCG is placed directly into the bladder through a thin urinary catheter inserted through the urethra.
How long does BCG treatment last?
Initial treatment usually takes place once a week for six weeks. Many patients also receive maintenance treatments over the next 1-3 years.
What are the side effects of BCG therapy?
Possible side effects include bladder irritation, frequent urination, blood in the urine, flu-like symptoms, and discomfort when urinating.
