Questions about TheraCys , TICE® BCG treatments

10 years 7 months ago #45171 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Questions about TheraCys , TICE® BCG treatments
There is LOTS of information on BCG in this Forum. Many of us have had it. I had the entire two-year course, although at a reduced dose towards the end. BCG is an attenuated tuberculosis bacterium that is instilled directly into the bladder where it kicks up the immune response of the tissue to fight the cancer cells. It has a very good record for preventing a recurrence of the cancer.

There are some side effects, as you will read if you peruse the mataerial on this web site, But they are no where near the sort you get with chemotherapy. Most of the side effects are fatigue, bleeding, and irritation in the bladder.

Best of luck to your relative...sounds like they are getting the right treatment!

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
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10 years 7 months ago - 10 years 7 months ago #45169 by CatherineH
Replied by CatherineH on topic Questions about TheraCys , TICE® BCG treatments
Hello and welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear about your relative's recent diagnosis. It is good news that the doctor feels that he was able to remove the polyps successfully. The BCG treatments are to discourage future recurrences.

I don't personally have any experience with BCG treatments, but there are many on here who have. What I do know is that doing the BCG regime has had very positive results for many of our members who have remained cancer free for multiple years, or if a recurrence occurred, it seems to have been readily dealt with.

In the meantime, if you search the forum for BCG, you will find several posts about it. The most often mentioned side effect seems to be fatigue for a few days afterward. There are some who could not tolerate the solution, and often it can be diluted to a weaker concentration still with good results.

I hope all goes well for her in the future.

Best wishes... Catherine

TURBT 1/21/10 at age 55
Dx: T2aN0M0 Primary Bladder Adenocarcinoma
Partial Cystectomy 2/25/10
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN
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10 years 7 months ago #45162 by bmcgirth
Hi all...I have a quick question if anyone can help. A relative recently had some polyps removed from their bladder and found they were cancerous. Her Doc said all was good and everything was removed. He recommended a course of Theracys / BCG. Does anyone have any thoughts, experiences or anything they can to allay some of the anxiety we are all experiencing regarding this treatment?

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