Can BCG cure bladder cancer?

Can BCG cure bladder cancer?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or BCG is the most common intravesical immunotherapy for treating early-stage bladder cancer. It’s used to help keep the cancer from growing and to help keep it from coming back. BCG is a germ that’s related to the one that causes tuberculosis (TB), but it doesn’t usually cause serious disease.

How long is BCG treatment for bladder cancer?

BCG is in a liquid solution that is put into the bladder with a catheter. The person then holds the solution in the bladder for two hours before urinating. The treatment is usually given once per week for six weeks, starting approximately two to three weeks after the last TURBT.

How successful are BCG treatments?

A recent study was published evaluating maintenance BCG therapy [23]. The authors observed a three-year recurrence free survival of 75.3% and disease-free survival of 96.1%. However, they reported a high complication rate of 81.5%.

What is the life expectancy for someone with bladder cancer?

The general 5-year survival rate for people with bladder cancer is 77%. However, survival rates depend on many factors, including the type and stage of bladder cancer that is diagnosed. The 5-year survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%.

How quickly does bladder cancer recur?

Conclusions. Nearly three-fourths of patients diagnosed with high-risk bladder cancer will recur, progress, or die within ten years of their diagnosis. Even though most patients do not die of bladder cancer, the vast majority endures the morbidity of recurrence and progression of their cancer.

Can bladder cancer be completely cured?

Bladder cancer in the early stages can often be cured. The type of bladder cancer cells and how they look under a microscope. Whether there is carcinoma in situ in other parts of the bladder. The patient’s age and general health.