Long-Term Results and Complications of Intracavitary Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Therapy for Bladder Cancer

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Abstract
Clinical studies on intracavitary HCG therapy for bladder cancer have been conducted at this institution for > 10 yr. The 82 patients treated for prophylaxis of multiple superficial recurrences, residual tumors or carcinoma in situ have been followed for 2-7 yr after treatment. The long-term results confirm previous studies showing the effectiveness of BCG in the prophylaxis and therapy of superficial vesical neoplasms. Some decrease is observed in the population free of disease with a prolonged followup. Recent modifications in the original protocol were introduced to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine. Side effects during or shortly after treatment were minor and self-limiting in the large majority of patients (fever, bladder irritability and hematuria). Mild, transient hepatic dysfunction was noted in 2 patients. Hematological disturbances were insignificant. No patient had permanent structural or functional alterations of the bladder.