[Unconventional therapeutic methods in superficial bladder cancer]

Several unconventional agents or methods are used for recurrence prophylaxis of superficial bladder cancer. In animal experiments KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) has shown an effect comparable to that of BCG on bladder carcinoma, resulting in an increase of natural killer cell activity. The few clinical data dealing with KLH are contradictory. A prospective randomized study with a large number of patients uniform high dosage and early start of instillation has not yet been performed for definitive evaluation of the clinical role of KLH. Whether mistletoe extracts or intravesical antineoplastic iontophoresis can prevent recurrence is not yet known. Vitamin A and megadose multivitamins in combination with intravesical BCG significantly decrease the recurrence rate. The most effective vitamin or the most important combination has not yet been identified, and the precise mechanism of action is also unknown.