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naive question
I am sorry I don’t know this but I feel like I have heard both- Is immunotherapy for bladder cancer administered directly into bladder via a catheter, or is introduced via an IV?
Thanks! -
3 Replies
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If it is immunotherapy for non-invasive bladder cancer (BCG for example) it is infused into the bladder in the urologist’s office. If it is immunotherapy for more advanced bladder cancer, it is done under the direction of an oncologist.
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator -
thank-you! Second part: Is immunotherapy usually administered by oncologist or urologist?
My dad is going to oncology suite- though his past urologist wanted to put something directly into his bladder. I don’t want to make him anxious- but I am curious! -
Perfectly understandable that there is confusion. IF you are talking about immunotherapy for high grade or recurring non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, such as BCG or mitomycin,, it is instilled into the bladder via a catheter.
IF you are discussing some of the newest immunotherapy drugs for metastatic bladder cancer, such as Ketruda, these are given as iv infusions just like chemotherapy.
sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
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