[Nonspecific immunotherapy with BCG vaccine in bladder tumors]

Clinical experience is recorded and summarized with the application of BCG vaccine for prophylaxis, treatment and immunochemotherapy of bladder tumors for the period June 1985-January 1988. Included in the study were 85 patients distributed in five groups: 23 patients treated for prevention of relapses; 26 treated for existing and residual surface tumors; 13 in whom BCG vaccine F-70 was applied for prophylaxis purpose; 17 with surface tumors treated only surgically--control group; 10 patients with advanced bladder tumor treated with immunochemotherapeutic agents. Once the results have been reported and discussed, the following inferences were made: 1. Intravesical BCG vaccine is a new effective and practicable method for prophylaxis and treatment of surface bladder tumors; 2. A 12-month course of treatment with the new Bulgarian Kalgevax showed high therapeutic activity; 3. Indications and possibilities for treatment of existing and residual surface tumors with intravesical BCG vaccine are given; complete effect of treatment was obtained in 21 patients (81 per cent); 4. The side reactions of the application of BCG vaccine and the possibilities for their reduction are presented; 5. The first results of application of immunotherapy in advanced bladder tumors are encouraging.