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World Wide Shortage of BCG
I have not asked a question for quite a while.
I started my series of 3 BCG treatments and a follow up cystoscopy in March, 2017.
To date I have finished 5 series and 5 cystoscopies and have been cancer free.
I was scheduled for the start of a new series in December 2019, but was told by my doctors of a world wide shortage of BCG only manufactured by Merck and I could not have BCG any more.
I understand the rationale.
I was also told every 6 months I would have a cystoscopy and if the results were not good BCG would be resumed.
I did some research, which indicated that without continued use of BCG the chances of cancer returning is better than 50/50.
Have I read these studies correctly? Also, if you know of studies taking a contrary position, please let me know.
Petman -
2 Replies
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Alan,
Thank you very much for your response to my BCG shortage post.
Hearing from you is far better that statistics.
Petman -
Too many studies and too many protocols clutter our thinking! Also, many have their own “biases”. Perhaps the most used is by Dr. Lamm and SWOG is 6 treatments followed by 3 at different times stretched out over 2 or 3 years. I have seen once a month for a year. Some people have such adverse reactions they can only tolerate 6,9,15 and have to stop. Most of the folks are still here. I have seen others including my URO with 6 then off 6 weeks then another 6 and that was it. 12 years later I am around and something else will probably kill me ….maybe my wife….a little levity here. Everybody reacts differently.
Chances are more than good you are in the clear being almost 3 years post. Keep your 6 month soon to go to 12 month appointments forever. The good news is should there be a recurrence you will get BCG! Go go on with your life which should only be better and more effective after this “experience”!
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.Sign In to reply.