BCG Identification
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. It is often used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, and it is made from an attenuated strain of the bovine tuberculosis bacteria. What this means is that it is a lave bacteria that has been specially cultured for years to weaken it, which makes it unable to cause tuberculosis in humans. This weakened bacteria is, however, able to cause the body to generate an immune system response. In addition to its use as a vaccine for tuberculosis, BCG is also used as a treatment for bladder cancer. In these cases, it is administered via a urinary catheter and is introduced into the bladder.
Mechanism for BCG Treatment of Bladder Cancer
Although it is not entirely clear how BCG is able to treat bladder cancer, there are two separate theories. The first is that the immune response that BCG is able to generate in the bladder also activates the immune system against cancer cells. The other theory is that the inflammation caused by a BCG infection is also toxic against cancer cells. Regardless, BCG has been shown to be an effective therapy against superficial bladder cancer. It is even more effective at preventing the recurrence of superficial bladder cancer and is typically given as a treatment for people who have had superficial bladder cancer removed via transurethal reduction surgery.
BCG Treatment and Side Effects
Because BCG is administered through a urinary catheter, patients are required to empty their bladder immediately before treatment and then to not urinate for at least 2 hours. They also will need to change position every 15 minutes so that their entire bladder receives the treatment. Common side effects of BCG treatment include pain or a burning sensation when urinating, as well as increased frequency and urgency of urination. Patients may also feel fatigue, pain in their joints and a mild fever. These symptoms are typical of a bladder infection and tend to be fairly mild and disappear after a few days.
Tags: bladder cancer, superficial bladder, superficial bladder cancer, against cancer, against cancer cells, Bladder Cancer