BCG and hair loss

4 years 8 months ago #58103 by Regor
Replied by Regor on topic BCG and hair loss
Due to the BCG shortage, my provider has made a decision to replace BCG treatment for some patients with Gemzar.

Here are the definition of both:
BCG: is used for BC as an Immunotherapy, applied directly into the bladder, and it forces the body's own immune system to attack the cancer cells.

Gemcitabine (Gemzar): Is a Chemo, that yes, can be used for BC as an Immunotherapy, applied directly into the bladder, however, Gemcitabine attacks the cancers cells themselves, and doesn't rely on the bodies immune system to do the attacking.

TURBT Jan 2019; Diag: CIS
Induction BCG (Mar 19) /Maint BCG (Aug 19)
TURBT Nov 2019; Diag: CIS
Repeat Induction BCG - Jan 2020 Complete
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4 years 8 months ago #58102 by tonjac525
Replied by tonjac525 on topic BCG and hair loss
Thank you for your reply, my husbands hair is thinning. I’m curious what is the Gemzar treatment?

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4 years 8 months ago #58096 by Regor
Replied by Regor on topic BCG and hair loss
Yes, I made it through my 6 week induction and have had noticeable even "thinning", but not a complete loss as you would see with Chemo. This was on BCG. I will be starting maintenance on Gemzar.

TURBT Jan 2019; Diag: CIS
Induction BCG (Mar 19) /Maint BCG (Aug 19)
TURBT Nov 2019; Diag: CIS
Repeat Induction BCG - Jan 2020 Complete

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4 years 8 months ago #58095 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic BCG and hair loss
I can't recall exactly however I believe I have read over the years a couple of posters complaining about hair loss possibly from the BCG. If it is a cause it is unusual. As always, I would let my medical team know about every symptom and side effect.

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
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4 years 8 months ago #58093 by tonjac525
BCG and hair loss was created by tonjac525
My husband is on a maintenance program taking BCG, and I noticed his hair is thinning out. I’m interested in knowing if any one else is experiencing hair loss

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