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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Bladder Cancer

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Posted on Tue, 14 Mar 2017
Question: I have had recurrent bladder cancer now for the 3rd time. Approx. 10 years ago I took Cytoxin Forrester 2 years for a lung problem that is now resolved. The biopsies always show the same type of Ca....transional high grade. I am about to start BCG for 6 weeks and then have BCG for 3 wks every 6 months because of the reoccurence....my concern is...is it dangerous to have BCG this many times and the other problem , I cannot hold the BCG in my bladder for more than 45 min to 1 YYYY@YYYY thank you XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not dangerous

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Incidentally unless ALL the cancer cells can be removed, it tends to come back.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the main intravesical immunotherapy for treating bladder cancer. BCG is a germ that is related to the one that causes tuberculosis (TB), but it doesn’t usually cause serious disease. BCG is put directly into the bladder through a catheter. The body’s immune system cells are attracted to the bladder and activated by BCG, which in turn affects the bladder cancer cells. Treatment is usually started a few weeks after a TURBT and is given once a week for 6 weeks. Sometimes long-term maintenance BCG therapy is given.

It is not dangerous and you need not worry. It is ok if you cannot hold it for more than an hour.

Regards
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Bladder Cancer

Brief Answer: Not dangerous Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Incidentally unless ALL the cancer cells can be removed, it tends to come back. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the main intravesical immunotherapy for treating bladder cancer. BCG is a germ that is related to the one that causes tuberculosis (TB), but it doesn’t usually cause serious disease. BCG is put directly into the bladder through a catheter. The body’s immune system cells are attracted to the bladder and activated by BCG, which in turn affects the bladder cancer cells. Treatment is usually started a few weeks after a TURBT and is given once a week for 6 weeks. Sometimes long-term maintenance BCG therapy is given. It is not dangerous and you need not worry. It is ok if you cannot hold it for more than an hour. Regards