Intravesical BCG treatment for bladder cancer in India
Are you looking for the best treatment for bladder cancer with minimum side effects?
Then Intravesical BCG is the gold-standard therapy for bladder cancer.
Intravesical BCG is immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer that kills the cancer cell with minimum side effects.
It is highly effective in the early stage of cancer, so it is very important to detect cancer early.
Some of the symptoms you might be experiencing in the early stages were pain or a burning sensation during urination. Blood or blood clots in the urine along with constant pain in the lower abdomen.
It is vital that if you experiencing these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The early you detect cancer, the better your chance to fight against it.
TURBT surgery and Intravesical immunotherapy is a treatment that strengthens your immune system’s capacity to fight against cancer. The immunotherapy treatment for bladder cancer is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
This will be given to kill all the remaining cancer cells after the surgery and reduce the possibility of reoccurrence in the future.
Let’s understand from the experience of Mr. Abiodun.
Mr. Abiodun is a 62-year-old man from Lagos, Nigeria. Mr. Abiodun is the grocery shop owner and a father of three children.
Mr. Abiodun was experiencing pain in his lower abdomen while passing urine for a few weeks, and one day, Abiodun noticed blood in the urine. Abiodun got scared and went to the hospital for treatment with his son Ayodele.
The doctor suggested doing urine cytology, blood tests, and a CT scan. In the reports doctor suspected cancer, and further investigations concluded that Mr. Abiodun was diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Mr. Abiodun was in shock, and many negative thoughts were coming to his mind how much time would he survive?
Ayodele calmed his father, wanted the best treatment for him, and started his internet research. While searching, he came to the MedicoExperts website and read about the tumor board approach (consisting of Medical oncologists, Surgical oncologists, and Radiation oncologists) for treating bladder cancer. Ayodele left an inquiry on behalf of his father.
MedicoExperts patient care manager got in touch with Ayodele. After receiving reports from Mr. Abiodun, online video consultation is arranged with the empaneled bladder cancer specialist onco-surgeon who is also a board member of the tumor board.
The doctor explained the treatment procedure to Mr. Abiodun and Ayodele. The doctor explained that the cancer was in its early stages and that they should start the treatment as early as possible.
After understanding all the aspects of the treatment, Mr. Abiodun decided to come to India for treatment.
MedicoExperts patient care manager helped them to plan for the treatment. After one week, Mr. Abiodun came to India for treatment and was admitted to the hospital on the same day.
To evaluate the current stage of cancer, diagnostic tests were performed. The cancer was in the early stage, and the tumor board decided to do TURBT surgery followed by 6 weeks of Intravesical BCG therapy.
After two months, the test was done to check the outcome of the treatment, and no trace of cancer was found.
Mr. Abiodun and Ayodele were very happy with the treatment and thanked the doctor and MedicoExperts for giving wonderful service and support during the treatment and stay in India.
Now, Let’s understand more about Intravesical BCG.
What is Intravesical BCG?
Intravesical BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) is a form of immunotherapy used to treat bladder cancer. It is used to treat a particular form of bladder cancer known as carcinoma (cancer in the skin or tissue of any organ) and non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBCs).
The vaccine Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is made to prevent tuberculosis. Additionally, it can boost a person’s immune system and prevent or postpone the spread or recurrence of bladder cancer. BCG is relatively non-invasive and used to directly treat the bladder lining.
BCG intravesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is the most effective treatment that exists for reducing the recurrence and progression of bladder tumors.
When BCG treatment for bladder cancer is given?
BCG immunotherapy is frequently given to a patient within 24 hours after Transurethral Bladder Tumor Resection (TURBT).
A TURBT is a kind of surgery performed by a surgeon to treat bladder cancer in its early stages.
The goal of a TURBT is to completely remove all bladder cancer cells. BCG immunotherapy is intended to stop cancer from coming back after a TURBT.
Typically, BCG immunotherapy is administered once per week for six weeks. The doctor may extent it depends on how you responded to the treatment.
Let’s understand how BCG treatment is performed.
How is Intravesical BCG treatment done?
Tell the doctor if you have a low immune system, allergic reactions, a history of bladder infections, or any other current or past illnesses.
For 4-6 hours before treatment, you won’t be able to drink anything.
During the procedure, a catheter is used to deliver the medication to your bladder (tube). To kill the tumor cells, BCG is directly inserted into the bladder (using a catheter), and the body’s immune system handles the remaining tasks.
You were asked to hold the medication in your bladder. To ensure that the solution reaches your entire bladder, you’ll be told to lay on your back and roll from side to side.
The catheter is unclamped so that the fluid can be drained after about two hours. If the catheter has already been taken out, you will be asked to empty your bladder.
Following treatment, you will be permitted to return home after a short while.
You must drink a lot of water to remove the remaining medication from your bladder.
When you plan to use the restroom, You must be extremely cautious for six hours following each treatment to prevent spreading BCG to others. To prevent splashing, men should urinate while sitting.
Add bleach to the toilet to clean the urine.
To prevent skin irritation from the BCG, carefully wash your genital area after urinating. Likewise, give your hands a good wash.
Your doctor will prescribe you a few medications to help you cope with this procedure’s side effects.
What are the side effects of BCG treatment?
BCG has the advantage of only having a minor impact on your other body parts while still having an impact on the cells in your bladder.
However, some of the side effects of BCG treatment were:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- A burning sensation in the bladder
- Frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- Bladder irritation
- Rashes
- Bladder contraction
- Muscle and Joint pain
How to reduce the risk of contamination of BCG?
BCG treatment is contagious to others because live bacteria are present in the medications used to treat cancer, and these bacteria can spread to other people.
Follow these guidelines for six hours following each BCG treatment to lower the risk of contamination:
- Never use a public restroom
- To avoid splashing seat down on the toilet seat while urinating
- To dilute your pee, drink a lot of water
- After you’ve urinated add 2 cups of undiluted bleach to the toilet, close the lid, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then flush.
- Wash your clothes in a washing machine right away if you experience urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). Keep them separate from other laundry.
- After each BCG treatment, you will typically need to wait a few days before engaging in sexual activity.
- Throughout the entire course of treatment, use a condom whenever you have intercourse.
What are the advantages of Intravesical BCG treatment?
Some of the benefits of Intravesical BCG treatment are as follows:
- The procedure is minimally invasive.
- The medication used in this procedure has no significant effects on other body systems.
- Decreased risk of infection
- Your immune system is strengthened by the vaccine to fight cancer cells.
What is the success rate of BCG treatment for bladder cancer?
If bladder cancer is found in the early stages, BCG treatment has a 100% success rate. Even in the final stages, it may reach 90%.
The earlier the bladder cancer is detected, the more likely it is to respond to treatment and survive. Be sure to keep track of the early signs and symptoms of bladder cancer and consult a doctor right away if you notice blood in your urine.
Conclusion :
Early-stage bladder cancer can typically be successfully treated, while later-stage cancers may pose more difficulties. So it is important to consult the doctor if you notice any symptoms as soon as possible.
We will also recommend you do regular health check-ups also.
The tumor board approach to treating bladder cancer brings very good outcomes. If you or your loved one is diagnosed with bladder cancer, we would recommend you to go through this tumor board approach for treatment.
If you need any assistance or want to consult the case with the tumor board. Please fill free to contact us we would love to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
1. How effective is BCG treatment for bladder cancer?
A1: In terms of preventing recurrence, BCG therapy is superior to TURBT alone or TURBT combined with chemotherapy.
2. How many times BCG treatments for bladder cancer are required?
Typically, your BCG treatment will last for six weeks, followed by a six-week break, thereafter once every week for one to three weeks.
If the BCG treatment works well, it can then be given weekly for 1–3 weeks every six months.
This type of treatment is known as maintenance therapy, and it can last up to three years.
3. How long do you hold BCG in your bladder?
You will hold the BCG solution in your bladder for a total of two hours. Then after you can urinate.
4. How painful is BCG treatment?
BCG treatment is typically not a painful procedure. Still, some people may find it uncomfortable.
5. How many people suffer from bladder cancer?
According to WCRF, bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world.
Best Hospitals for Bladder Cancer in India
The top bladder cancer hospitals in India are equipped with cutting-edge technology and protocols to provide the best cancer care and outcomes.
Here is a list of the best cancer hospitals in India which provide the best bladder cancer treatment in India :
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Marie travelled from Ghana for a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery in India and was able to resume her daily activities pain-free.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Marie and I am 56 years old. I was prescribed medicine when I started to experience hip pain several years ago, had MRI performed, but felt no relief or adequate diagnosis of my hip disease. I couldn’t bend, or enjoy any of my previous activities. Moving my hip even a little would cause me immense pain. Eventually my doctors asked me to get an x-ray done, and the results showed that my left leg was shorter than my right and this could be corrected after a hip replacement surgery. I spoke to my local doctor and started checking for options to get this treatment.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
While scrolling through Facebook, I came across an advertisement about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, and quickly filled up the enquiry form. Within 24hrs, I got in touch with their patient care expert and began discussing my condition. The orthopaedic surgeon in India reviewed my reports and said that I was a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery. And with that I began my plan to travel to India to receive my treatment.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
My experience was very good. MedicoExperts team kept in touch with me throughout my journey and was very kind and helpful. My surgeon too was excellent and I was discharged from the hospital very soon. I was able to resume work 2 weeks after my surgery and also have been able to move better. My life is better and renewed now.
Douglas from Ethiopia was diagnosed with arthritis and received robot assisted hip replacement surgery in India.
Tell us about yourself
I am Douglas from Ethiopia and after years of physical activities, I recently began experiencing pain in simple movements of my hip. After getting tests done, I was diagnosed with advanced arthritis on my hips. I felt all the symptoms of arthritis – joint stiffness, pain, swelling, tenderness, and even had difficulty in walking. My local doctors suggested total hip replacement surgery
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I was looking for treatment options in Kenya, when I happened to see and advert about an advanced technique of hip replacement surgery by MedicoExperts. I was curious and got in touch with them. I shared my reports with and we started to prepare for my travel to India.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
MedicoExperts’ team is very prompt and helpful. They answered all my questions and also helped me choose the best surgeon and hospital based on my preference and budget. I have no doubt that I made a good choice coming to India. Thank you MedicoExperts, I am well and without any pain now.
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My mother is 70 years old and had difficulty in walking, but today she is okay, thanks to MedicoExperts team and the doctor who treated my mother. First, I had my doubts about getting treated here, but my doubts were put to rest and I am glad I found MedicoExperts, my mother is able to walk again.
I found MedicoExperts on Social Media – Facebook and they helped me to get the very good treatment done in Nigeria by the best Indian orthopaedic surgeon. Initially, I was scared and did not believe it was possible to get such good treatment in Ibadan, Nigeria where I live, but then I saw the name of the doctor and called MedicoExperts and I was told to visit the MedicoExperts Surgical Centre and get treatment in Nigeria. This has saved us the trouble and cost of travelling and accommodation. I gave this a try and my mother can walk now, and I really impressed with the outcome. I will fully recommend this to anyone out there.
Author Bio
Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee is a molecular oncologist with experience working with genomic profiles. He has several years of experience in scientific writing. He takes a strong interest in making people aware of different treatment approaches in cancer, and acute and chronic diseases. He also has an interest in innovative approaches for treating different mental and physical illnesses. View all posts by Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee
