How does BCG help prevent bladder cancer recurrence?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 66 and was recently diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after noticing blood in my urine. I had a TURBT, and the pathology came back as high-grade carcinoma. My doctor started me on weekly intravesical BCG treatments, and while I know it is meant to lower the chance of recurrence, it has been tough; each session leaves me with burning and a constant urge to pee.

Can you please explain, in simple terms, how BCG actually works? How long will I need to keep doing this, and how will we know if it’s helping? I am really anxious about the side effects and the cancer coming back. Even if it stays superficial, is there still a chance it could spread?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) is a type of weakened bacteria used to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Although it is live, it does not cause disease. Instead, it is placed directly into your bladder through a thin tube called a catheter, where it activates your immune system to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery.

This treatment usually follows a procedure called TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor), where doctors remove visible tumors from the bladder using instruments passed through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). BCG helps prevent the cancer from returning by creating a strong immune response in the bladder.

The initial course, called the induction phase, involves one BCG treatment per week for six weeks. Based on your risk level, your doctor may recommend maintenance therapy, which can continue for several months or up to three years.

You might feel burning when urinating or an urgent need to go; these are common side effects due to inflammation in the bladder. They are usually temporary, and your doctor can help manage them. To check if treatment is working, you will have regular cystoscopies (a tiny camera used to examine your bladder) and urine tests every few months.

Even though your cancer is on the surface, high-grade tumors can sometimes spread. That is why sticking to the treatment schedule and follow-up visits is so important. If you develop a fever, chills, or worsening symptoms, let your doctor know right away. You are not alone; support is always here.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.