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BCG Therapy for Bladder Cancer

BCG is a bacterium called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. It is marketed under the brand names TICE BCG and TheraCys. It is used to treat bladder cancer. BCG is often used after the cancer has been removed through bladder surgery to prevent a recurrence. BCG is also used to treat the early stages of superficial bladder cancer that do not require surgery.

  1. How it Works

    • According to the University of Michigan Health System, it is not fully understood how BCG works to treat bladder cancer. It is thought it might trigger an immune response or cause an inflammation in the bladder that kills cancer cells. This type of cancer treatment is called immunotherapy or biotherapy.

    Administration

    • BCG therapy is administered in a doctor's office. It is delivered directly into the bladder through flexible tubing called a catheter. The BCG solution is held in the bladder for 2 hours. During that time, the patient is instructed to lay on his back, stomach and each side for 15 minutes at a time in an effort to coat the entire bladder with the solution. BCG treatments are usually given weekly for 6 weeks.

      Patients should drink extra fluids for several hours after treatment in order to flush the bladder. According to drugs.com, patients should dilute their urine with household bleach for 6 hours after treatment in order to kill any live BCG bacteria. Bleach should be added to the toilet after urinating and allowed to sit for 15 minutes before flushing.

    Side Effects

    • The possible side effects of BCG therapy include increased frequency of urination, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, painful urination, chills, fever and joint aches. According to the University of Michigan Health System, BCG may also cause serious side effects like hepatitis, pneumonitis, allergic reaction, lowered white blood cell count, blood in the urine, bladder contractions and abscess.

    Precautions

    • BCG is used with caution in patients with weakened immune systems. This includes patients with HIV and AIDS, as well as those receiving treatments that compromise the immune system like radiation therapy and certain cancer medications. According to Drugs.com, health care workers should handle BCG with care so they do not become infected with the bacteria.

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