INTRAVESICAL ADMINISTRATION OF BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT SUPERFICIAL CARCINOMA OF THE URINARY-BLADDER - REPORT OF A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED TRIAL

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  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 69  (1) , 47-53
Abstract
In an attempt to prevent, delay or reduce further tumor occurrence, 88 patients with recurrent, superficial carcinoma of the urinary bladder were randomly assigned to receive either standard therapy (cystoscopy with fulguration) or standard therapy and BCG. BCG was administered intravesically and percutaneously once weekly for 6 wk. No serious toxicity was seen. There were 43 evaluable patients in each of the 2 groups. Results in the BCG group vs. the control group were as follows: reduction in the number of recurrent tumors (43 vs. 27 patients [P < 0.001]); conversion to negative cytology (11 of 33 vs. 3 of 34 patients [P < 0.05]); and tumor progression requiring cystectomy (3 vs. 15 patients [P < 0.001]). Disease-free interval (P < 0.001), time with negative cytology (P < 0.001), and time to progression of disease (P < 0.003) were longer in patients treated with BCG. The combination of standard therapy and BCG is more effective than standard therapy alone in patients with recurrent superficial bladder tumors.