ABSTRACT

Bladder cancer (BC) is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the nation. Radical cystectomy (RC) is the most effective treatment for locally advanced bladder cancer and is a formidable operation. The perioperative mortality in high-volume centers ranges from 0.7 to 5.6%. Thus, when faced with this diagnosis, there is a desire to pursue a bladder-preserving strategy and avoid RC. One treatment for HG Ta/T1, and carcinoma in situ (CIS) is intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy. Many studies have confirmed its value in reducing tumor recurrence following transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). After reviewing the various guidelines, we summarize our recommendations for defining BCG failure.

Mohamed H Kamel, Sarabeth L Bailey, John T Moore, Samy M Heshmat, Nabil K Bissada

Department of Urology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas

Submitted: September 9, 2011 - Accepted for Publication: November 9, 2011

KEYWORDS: Bladder; Cancer; BCG; Guidelines

CORRESPONDENCE: Mohamed H Kamel, MD, Assistant Professor, Urologic Oncologist, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205 ().

CITATION: UroToday Int J. 2011 Dec;4(6):art 82. http://dx.doi.org/10.3834/uij.1944-5784.2011.12.15