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Immunotherapy of superficial bladder cancer with BCG

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Summary

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has achieved an important role in the prophylaxis and treatment of superficial bladder cancer. It has been found effective in the prevention of recurrences after endoscopic surgery as well as in the treatment of residual tumors. The most dramatic responses have been consistently demonstrated in the treatment of carcinoma in situ. Recent experience suggests that prolongation of treatment beyond the 6 weeks advocated in early protocols, significantly increases the anti-tumor activity of BCG. The side effects of intravesical administration of the vaccine are, in the vast majority of patients, well-tolerated, minimal and self-limiting. No permanent functional or structural damage of the bladder has been observed. The effectiveness of BCG is primarily dependent on the strain used as well as the dose, duration and frequency of its administration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Alvaro Morales & J. Curtis Nickel

Authors
  1. Alvaro Morales
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  2. J. Curtis Nickel
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Morales, A., Nickel, J.C. Immunotherapy of superficial bladder cancer with BCG. World J Urol 3, 209–214 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00632180

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