Treatment FAQ

how long does bcg in in the bladder after treatment

by Dr. Dorothy Dickens IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Because BCG is a live vaccine, there are some important safety measures to keep in mind that your doctor can explain. BCG can remain in urine for 6 hours after your treatment, so each time you urinate, you should bleach the toilet in your home to neutralize the vaccine.Sep 28, 2017

Full Answer

Can bladder cancer come back after BCG treatment?

60% of patients do not have their bladder cancer come back after BCG treatment, but 40% of the time cancer comes back within two years. First, make sure you haven’t had any fluids for four hours before the treatment.

How long do the side effects of a BCG last?

The side effects have lasted some 5 weeks & include the darn nuisance of BCG induced cystitis symptoms so not keen on going to the loo!

What happens after a BCG catheter is placed?

The catheter is normally removed after the BCG is placed into the bladder, and patients can get up and walk around during the waiting time. If the catheter is not removed for some reason, it is clamped to keep the BCG in the bladder. Patients are asked not to urinate for the two hours waiting time.

What are the possible side effects of bladder cysts (BCG)?

Commonly reported side effects of bcg include: urinary tract infection, detrusor hyperreflexia of bladder, fever, hematuria, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, vomiting, chills, and malaise.

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How long does BCG stay in your bladder?

BCG is given directly into the bladder (called intravesicular) through a catheter. The medicine is left in the bladder for 1-2 hours. The dosage and schedule is determined by your healthcare provider. It is not uncommon to have urinary frequency (need to go often) or painful urination for 48 hours after treatment.

How long does BCG stay active?

The initial BCG cancer treatment occurs weekly for six weeks. This is called induction therapy. If the treatment is working, your doctor may prescribe BCG maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy is given once a week for three weeks at the three-, six- and 12-month marks.

What happens after BCG treatment for bladder cancer?

Treatment with BCG can cause a wide range of symptoms. It's common to have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, achiness, chills, and fatigue. These can last for 2 to 3 days after treatment. It also commonly causes a burning feeling in the bladder, the need to urinate often, and even blood in the urine.

What are the chances of bladder cancer returning after BCG treatment?

“Initially, it's effective,” says medical oncologist Noah Hahn, M.D. However, adds urologist Max Kates, M.D., “while up to 35 percent of patients have long-term, sustained remissions with intravesical BCG, as many as 60 percent of patients will have a recurrence of cancer within two years.

How long does it take for your bladder to heal after Turbt?

How fast you recover varies from person to person, but generally the lining of the bladder will heal in about 10 days. You can usually get back to most normal activities by two weeks (but don't do anything too strenuous). Ask your surgeon when you can go back to work.

Can BCG treatment damage the bladder?

The most common complications associated with BCG treatment are relatively minor. They include urinary frequency, cystitis, fever, and hematuria. Although serious complications are rare, patients can develop severe, life-threatening sepsis with disseminated mycobacterial infection.

What is the life expectancy for someone with bladder cancer?

Survival rates can give you an idea of what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still alive a certain amount of time (usually 5 years) after they were diagnosed....5-year relative survival rates for bladder cancer.SEER Stage5-year Relative Survival RateAll SEER stages combined77%3 more rows•Mar 1, 2022

What is the success rate for BCG?

The success rate for BCG treatment for bladder cancer is about 90%, which is considered the best life-saving rate by any treatment.

When does BCG treatment fail?

BCG refractory is when there is failure to achieve a disease-free state within 6 months after initial BCG, with either maintenance or re-treatment at 3 months because of either persistent or rapidly recurrent disease.

What are the signs that bladder cancer has returned?

Tell your doctor about any new symptoms, such as pain during urination, blood in the urine, frequent urination, an immediate need to urinate, and any other symptoms. These symptoms may be signs that the cancer has come back or signs of another medical condition.

Does bladder cancer ever go away?

The outlook for people with stage 0a (non-invasive papillary) bladder cancer is very good. These cancers can be cured with treatment. During long-term follow-up care, more superficial cancers are often found in the bladder or in other parts of the urinary system.

When does bladder cancer usually recur?

Conclusions. Nearly three-fourths of patients diagnosed with high-risk bladder cancer will recur, progress, or die within ten years of their diagnosis.

How long does a BCG stay in the bladder?

Any urine remaining in the bladder will be drained and then a BCG solution will be inserted into the bladder next to the tumor and should remain for two hours. The catheter is normally removed after the BCG is placed into the bladder, and patients can get up and walk around during the waiting time.

How long does it take to get a BCG removed?

1,2 It is generally not considered a painful procedure, though some may find it uncomfortable. Any urine remaining in the bladder will be drained and then a BCG solution will be inserted into the bladder next to the tumor and should remain for two hours. The catheter is normally removed after the BCG is placed into the bladder, and patients can get up and walk around during the waiting time. If the catheter is not removed for some reason, it is clamped to keep the BCG in the bladder. Patients are asked not to urinate for the two hours waiting time. Most people can travel independently to the doctor for the procedure, but it may be helpful to have another person accompany you to help pass the time.

Can you drink fluids after a BCG?

After the BCG is drained from the bladder, patients can resume drinking fluids normally. Because BCG is a live vaccine, there are some important safety measures to keep in mind that your doctor can explain.

Can you urinate after a BCG catheter is removed?

If the catheter is not removed for some reason, it is clamped to keep the BCG in the bladder. Patients are asked not to urinate for the two hours waiting time. Most people can travel independently to the doctor for the procedure, but it may be helpful to have another person accompany you to help pass the time.

How long after BCG treatment can you have sex?

Men can pass BCG to their partner during sex. For that reason, you should avoid sex for 48 hours after each treatment. Use a condom between treatments and for six weeks following your final treatment. Women should avoid getting pregnant or breastfeeding while on BCG therapy.

How does a BCG catheter work?

A urinary catheter is inserted through your urethra and into your bladder. Then the BCG solution is injected into the catheter. The catheter is clamped off so the solution stays in your bladder. Some doctors may remove the catheter at this time. You have to hold the medicine in your bladder.

How long does it take for a bladder catheter to unclamp?

You’ll be instructed to lie on your back and to roll from side to side to make sure the solution reaches your entire bladder. After about two hours, the catheter is unclamped so the fluid can be drained. If the catheter was already removed, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder at this time.

How to get rid of BCG in men?

Disinfect the urine by adding 2 cups of bleach into the toilet. Let it stand for about 20 minutes before flushing. You should also wash your genital area very carefully after you urinate, so your skin doesn’t become irritated from the BCG. Wash your hands thoroughly, too. Men can pass BCG to their partner during sex.

What to do before BCG?

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Certain immunosuppressants, antimicrobial therapies, and radiation therapies can interfere with BCG treatment. You’ll be advised to limit your fluid intake for four hours prior to ...

What is the procedure called to remove bladder cancer?

It usually follows a procedure called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). It’s intended to help prevent recurrence. This treatment only affects cells inside the bladder. It’s not useful for later stage bladder cancer that has spread into or beyond the bladder lining, or to other tissues and organs.

The Early-Stage Bladder Cancer Treatment

Jennifer Welsh is a Connecticut-based science writer and editor with over ten years of experience under her belt. She’s previously worked and written for WIRED Science, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, LiveScience, and Business Insider.

Who Can Use BCG?

BCG is a treatment for early-stage bladder cancer that has not yet invaded the muscle of the bladder wall. Called non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBCs) or in situ bladder cancers, these account for about half of all bladder cancers. 3

What to Expect During BCG Treatment

First, make sure you haven’t had any fluids for four hours before the treatment. Right before you go into the treatment room your doctor or nurse will have you empty your bladder. 2

How to Prepare

To prepare for the BCG treatment, your doctor will likely have you undergo surgery to remove any visible cancer in the bladder. The surgery is called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and is usually done about two weeks before BCG therapy.

When to See a Doctor

There are a few side effects that can be especially dangerous, so make sure to talk to your doctor if you notice that you: 2

Other Treatments for Bladder Cancer

For many early-stage bladder cancers, BCG is the best option for treatment. Other treatments for bladder cancer include:

Summary

BCG treatment is a form of immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. It is administered into the bladder through a catheter. It then activates the body's immune system to attack the cancer cells.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

Just trying to see if anyone else has had the same experience. Recently finished my second 'maintenance' treatment after being passed 'clear' following the main 6 treatments. So really good news but the aftereffects (if thats what they are?) seem to be lasting much longer than previously.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

hello Dave, so you have , completed 9 BCG treatments, yes i would agree , the side effects do increase, i have just completed my twelvth . I found that the first 6 were ok ish but ,were feeling just a little more aggresive by number 6.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

Hi James Thanks for that. l am beginning to realise that l may be getting off quite lightly having spoken to my BCG team. Things have improved a bit and l am hoping that l may have only one more maintenance treatment to come. You are absolutely correct about diet and keeping reasonably fit it really does help.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

I have just seen this as had not visited Cancer Research previously & found the comments & experiences of great interest.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

Hi. My first post. I have just had my cystoscopy following my 12th BCG treatment. I agree with others that the first 6 are a breeze, the second 3 more painfull, and the last 3 very painfull and drawn out. I asked for an extra weeks break between 11 and 12 to recover.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

Hello dickie - I just had my 10th dose of BCG 4 days ago & no problems so far re. side effects. That is quite a relief after the last time, but as I have 2 more doses to go I will wait & see with fingers crossed. Apparently, according to my consultant & keyworker these effects vary greatly from person to person & also in severity.

aftereffects of BCG bladder treatment

Nice to hear you guys are going strong , I have not posted for a while.

In Summary

Commonly reported side effects of bcg include: urinary tract infection, detrusor hyperreflexia of bladder, fever, hematuria, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, vomiting, chills, and malaise. Other side effects include: arthralgia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG) infections have been reported in health care workers and in patients because of exposure to the vaccine during preparation and administration. Serious and fatal disseminated BCG infections have occurred with intravesical administration.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to bcg: intravesical powder for reconstitution, percutaneous powder for injection

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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Passed a scab, blood in urine. Should I worry?

Hello, fellow sojourners. This is a follow-up to my message from a month or so ago. Quick refresher: I had my first TURBT in Jan 2015, pathology said low-grade non-muscle invasive. In Jan 2016 (just under two months ago) I had a second TURBT, this time followed immediately with Mitomycin. Pathology came back same as before.

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