BCG Bladder Cancer Treatment

BCG bladder cancer treatment is used with biological therapy in order to kill cancer cells in the bladder. BCG stands for bacillus Calmette-Guerin solution. BCG solution contains weakened bacteria that stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells in the bladder. BCG bladder cancer treatment is usually done once a week for 6 weeks. Side effects of BCG bladder cancer treatment include (but are not limited to) irritation of the bladder, an urgent need to urinate, and the need to urinate frequently.

 

BCG for Bladder Cancer Treatment: An Overview

Biological treatment for bladder cancer uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight cancer. This type of bladder cancer treatment is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy.
 
Biological treatment is most often used after transurethral resection (TUR) for superficial bladder cancer. This helps prevent the cancer from coming back.
 
(Click Bladder Cancer Treatment for more information about other treatment options for bladder cancer.)
 
The doctor may use intravesical biological therapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) solution. BCG solution contains live, weakened bacteria that stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells in the bladder. The doctor will use a catheter to put the solution in the bladder and the patient will need to hold the solution in the bladder for about 2 hours. BCG bladder cancer treatment is usually done once a week for 6 weeks.
 

Side Effects of BCG Bladder Cancer Treatment

Side effects of BCG bladder cancer treatment may include:
 
  • Irritation of the bladder
  • An urgent need to urinate
  • The need to urinate frequently
  • Pain, especially when urinating
  • Fatigue
  • Blood in the urine
  • Nausea
  • A low-grade fever
  • Chills.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD