BCG Therapy into the Bladder

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BCG therapy into the bladder is used to control early stage bladder cancer following surgery. It is designed to prevent recurrence of bladder cancer.

BCG works by stimulating the immune system within the lining of the bladder to destroy any residual bladder cancer cells.

In general BCG therapy is given on a weekly basis for 6 weeks.

BCG therapy generally takes about 2 hours to administer.

Procedure for BCG therapy:
A catheter is introduced into the bladder, and this may cause initial discomfort. It should not be extremely painful. The BCG is introduced into the bladder and left there for approximately 1 hour. During this time you may be rolled into different positions.

The BCG is then excreted through the urine.

Potential side effects of BCG therapy:
Burning whilst passing urine which should resolve in 24 hours

Blood in the urine, which may last up to 24 hours post treatment. The urine is usually only slightly discoloured.

Fevers and chills can occur up to 24 hours after treatment. Fever after that should be reported.

Reactivation of psoriasis.

After BCG therapy

After the BCG therapy a further cystoscopy (examination of the bladder) will be organised by the urologist.

If the treatment has been successful in preventing recurrence of bladder cancer, this treatment may be followed by monthly BCG treatment over the next year. This is done in order to consolidate the impact of the BCG in controlling the cancer.