T1-G3 BCG failure update

4 years 8 months ago #57900 by swarmy2007
Replied by swarmy2007 on topic T1-G3 BCG failure update
Oncologist sent me back to Urologist to do 6 weeks Gemzar. If not effective (-30% chance) then move on to RC surgery. Oncologist a couple hour drive while Urologist can do same treatments is 30 minute drive. I trust, know & like my Urologist better anyway. Oncologist at a training hospital/university and it's like a meat market there. Wait up to 8 hours for scheduled appointment before actually see doctor.

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4 years 9 months ago #57897 by Leandro206
Replied by Leandro206 on topic T1-G3 BCG failure update
Wow. I had Mytomycin after 3 Turbt. 6 treatments three different times. Didn’t work. I just finished my 5th BCG treatment. One left. Hope this works. Thoughts? Mine is non-invasive

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4 years 9 months ago #57896 by Leandro206
Replied by Leandro206 on topic T1-G3 BCG failure update
What is your next move? What is your doctor thinking of doing now?

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4 years 9 months ago #57895 by swarmy2007
Replied by swarmy2007 on topic T1-G3 BCG failure update
Thanks for post. Actually no shortage BCG for me it just doesn't work with higrade returning every 3-6 months do TURBT BCG repeat. Finally a doctor paid attention and accepted it was making me real sick and not working. Just curious how bad Gemzar is compared to BCG..... T1-G3. 26 months 3 returns.

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4 years 9 months ago #57891 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic T1-G3 BCG failure update
I basically defer to your doc however, some have had success with BCG and interfuron. He may have a reason for his preference. Could be as simple as the BCG shortage or he has had more success with Gemzar. Don't mean to confuse any issues just wanted to give info for you.

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 9 months ago #57890 by swarmy2007
Replied by swarmy2007 on topic T1-G3 BCG failure update
Went to Urologist Oncologist after 3rd TURBT and BCG failure and he recommends I have the Gemzar into bladder for 6 weeks & if no remission get prepped for the RC surgery. My understanding is Gemzar has less then 30% success rate in T1-G3 cancer bladder so I hold no real hope this will help me. Can folks out there relate to me the true side effects of Gemzar into bladder.... how often and long procedure is? Did BCG 2 hours once per week x 6 weeks each cycle. Even with much worse symptoms I was ok with BCG but doctors convinced at 6 month return rate the BCG not working. Comments advise appreciated.

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