Side Effects Of Bcg Treatment For Bladder Cancer

See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Side effects of bcg treatment for bladder cancer. Bcg must come in contact with the cancer cells to work. Commonly reported side effects of bcg include. Sometimes turbt isn t an option as would be the case in later stage bladder cancer. Urinary tract infection detrusor hyperreflexia of bladder fever hematuria urinary frequency urinary urgency vomiting chills and malaise other side effects include.
About 4 to 6 hours after treatment you may have bladder symptoms such as sudden urges to urinate frequent urination stomach discomfort bloating and possibly loss of bladder control. But it is also a main treatment for non muscle invasive bladder cancer. Bcg treatment may result in fewer side effects than systemic chemotherapy which affects your entire body. Immunotherapy drugs encourage the body s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Treatment with bcg can cause a wide range of symptoms. What is bcg therapy. Bcg increases certain white blood cells that destroy invading tumor cells in the bladder. We also cover side effects alternative treatment options and the outlook associated with bladder cancer.
The immune system cells are attracted to the bladder and attack the bladder cancer cells. Some people may know bcg as a vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis tb. 3 replies fatigue after bcg treatment. I had 6 bcg treatments after turbt in february 2020 then 3 treatments in june at 1 3 dosage then one treatment this week 9 15 at 100 dosage.
Bcg is used to treat bladder cancer that is localized has not spread to other parts of the body. Bcg is a type of immunotherapy drug. Bladder cancer advocacy network i had a turbt on april 24 t1 grade 3 followed by 6 bcg treatments that ended august 20th. Possible side effects from bcg treatment.
It reaches the cancer cells and turns on the immune system. Bcg bacillus calmette and guérin is a freeze dried product made from bacteria. This is why it s used for intravesical therapy. Bcg may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
The main bcg side effect is flu like symptoms such as fever chills and fatigue.