1.Is BCG infusion more effective than chemotherapy?
For patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (defined as bladder tumor of T1, high-grade uroepithelial carcinoma, Tis, multiple or recurrent/tumor larger than 3 cm), BCG is the most commonly used postoperative perfusion drug internationally and is recommended by European and American guidelines to prevent bladder tumor progression. However, because of the limited time and scope of formal application of BCG in China, clinical trials are pending to determine its efficacy in Chinese patients.
For patients with immunodeficiency or impairment, patients who are using immunosuppressive drugs, patients with BCG allergy, and patients with acute infectious diseases and serious chronic diseases, BCG vaccine cannot be used. 2. Are you using dead card or attenuated? Is the foreign BCG vaccine better than the domestic one?
At present, there are officially produced standardized and attenuated BCG vaccines in China. 3.Does your department use BCG alone or in combination with interleukins? Should it be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs?
The exact mechanism of action of BCG is not clear, and most studies suggest that it is mediated through an immune response. BCG alone 4. Does the use of BCG increase the risk of developing TB?
The main side effects of BCG bladder instillation are bladder irritation and systemic flu-like symptoms. Rare side effects include tuberculosis sepsis. Therefore, the risk of developing TB is low as long as BCG bladder irrigation is not performed in cases such as open trauma to the bladder after TUR-BT or in the presence of meatus hematuria. Inform your doctor in case of persistent high fever. 5. Should I have a PPD test before using BCG? Why?
PPD test is routinely done. For patients with strong positive PPD test, it often indicates the possibility of active TB lesions in the body and BCG cannot be used. 6. Is BCG treatment more expensive than chemotherapy?
At present, the price of BCG vaccine is higher than chemotherapy, and there is a certain charity gift program, please consult your doctor for details. 7.Does BCG vaccine cause hematuria? How long will hematuria last?
Hematuria may occur after BCG vaccine infusion, which is a common phenomenon causing local reaction in the bladder. It is common in the first two days of infusion and will be relieved by drinking more water appropriately. If it lasts for 3-5 days and the symptoms are severe, suspend BCG infusion.
8.Does BCG vaccine cause urinary urgency and pain?
Frequent, urgent and painful urination may occur after BCG infusion, which is a common phenomenon causing local bladder reaction. If the symptoms persist for 3-5 days and are severe, suspend BCG infusion.
9.How to evaluate the effect of BCG vaccination?
Regular cystoscopy and ultrasound and CT if necessary, as arranged by the doctor