Management of complications of bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the management strategies available for the complications associated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer.

DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (January 1983-January 1999). Key search terms included bacillus Calmette-Guérin, BCG, and bladder cancer.

DATA SYNTHESIS: BCG vaccine is a live-attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis; therefore, the risk for complications exists. An evaluation of treatment regimens was conducted, and the management strategies are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The complications associated with BCG immunotherapy range from local reactions to potentially fatal systemic reactions requiring long-term therapy. Therefore, healthcare practitioners need to be aware of the current treatment regimens available.