BCG

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has a few trade names like TheraCys, TICE.

Which types of cancers is this drug used?

This drug is used to treat bladder cancer and is also used as an immunization against TB or tuberculosis.

How is this drug administered?

BCG is administered intra-vesicular or through infusion. Here the drug is administered directly into to the gall bladder with the help of a urinary catheter. This catheter is first inserted inside the urethra and the drug is injected into this urinary catheter which when clamped allows the medicine to remain in the gall bladder for a specific time period. This catheter is then unclamped and the fluid that is collected is drained out and the catheter is withdrawn.

This mode of treatment can be done without the patient being hospitalized and the treatment is carried on weekly basis for a period of six months to a year depending upon the condition and severity of the cancer.

What are the side effects?

Certain side effects are visible from the start of the treatment till the end of the treatment cycle and these side effects are reversible. There are preventive measures as well as options to minimize the side effects.

Some of the most common side effects are difficulty in passing urine, increased frequency of urination, hematuria, fever, malaise, body pains etc. In rare cases there have been some serious side effects like TUR or trans-urethral resection which occurs due to exposure to this drug, pneumonitis, prostatitis, sepsis etc.

You need to consult your doctor if you suffer persistently from any of the below mentioned symptoms: Breathlessness, dizziness, confusion etc. Apart from this you suffer from high fever with chills, blood in stool or urine, fatigue etc.

Certain Precautionary methods

Inform you doctor about all the medications you are presently on even vitamin and herbal supplements, consult before getting vaccinated, immunization, avoid pregnancy, breast feeding and inform about any impending pregnancy. This drug should be avoided if you have been tested positive for tuberculosis.

This drug can lead to people getting infected with BCG so avoid urinating for at least six hours after being treated and also avoid splashing urine on the seat. Disinfect the place properly after use before other use it. Avoid sexual contact for two days at least to protect your partner and use protection after that for at least a couple of months.

Self help tips

Limit the intake of fluid for 8-10 hrs before the treatment cycle and 2-3 hrs after the catheter is inserted. Avoid alcohol, caffeine as this can lead to irritation in the bladder, follow a good hygiene and a nutritional diet, and get your blood test done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of the internal organs.

Working of BCG

This drug in short is an inactive form of TB bacteria and it works as a biological response modifier to fight against cancer. In other words this drug is directly not related to the treatment of cancer but triggers the body’s immune system to destroy the cancer cells and shrink the tumors.