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Effects and Complications of Intravesical Instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Therapy

  • Inflammatory/Infectious Bladder Disorders (MS Mourad, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review will address the current literature available regarding complications after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for bladder cancer. Topics include intravesical BCG therapy–related complications, role of BCG therapy in immunosuppression, and future directions in the context of BCG-related complications.

Recent Findings

There are several new reviews and case reports discussing unique complications following intravesical BCG therapy that should raise awareness of possible short-term and long-term effects after using this common treatment modality in bladder cancer patients.

Summary

Since intravesical BCG is a common treatment option for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and can cause a variety of complications, it is important to recognize this aspect of the patient’s history when evaluating patients who present with symptoms similar to the ones discussed in this review. This will allow for prompt delivery of treatment as well as preventing unnecessary morbidity and mortality.

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Abbreviations

AFB:

Acid-fast bacilli

AKI:

Acute kidney injury

Anti-TB:

Anti-tuberculosis

BCG:

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

CIS:

Carcinoma in situ

CKD:

Chronic kidney disease

INH:

Isoniazid

LFTs:

Liver function tests

LUTs:

Lower urinary tract symptoms

MSK:

Musculoskeletal

NMIBC:

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

NSAIDs:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

RIF:

Rifampin

TUR:

Transurethral resection

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA

    J. Spencer Keith, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Mohamed H. Kamel, Rodney Davis & Ehab Eltahawy

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Correspondence to Ehab Eltahawy.

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Keith, J.S., Khalil, M.I., Kamel, M.H. et al. Effects and Complications of Intravesical Instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Therapy. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 14, 58–66 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-019-00506-x

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