Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for upper tract urothelial cancer: is there a role?

J Endourol. 2009 Apr;23(4):563-8. doi: 10.1089/end.2008.0164.

Abstract

Since the first reported case of using adjuvant topical immunotherapy utilizing bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) was published by Herr and associates, several institutions have utilized numerous agents for topical infusion therapies (BCG, Mitomycin, Epirubicin, Thiotepa or combination therapy of BCG/INF) as adjuncts in the treatment of upper tract papillary transitional cell carcinoma. A comprehensive review of the current data in the treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (Ta/T1 disease) with adjuvant BCG therapy was completed. Currently, the efficacy of adjuvant BCG therapy was not demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravesical
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium bovis / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / microbiology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / surgery
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / therapy*