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Immunotherapy of bladder cancer
1Department of Urology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, USA. unseyo@wvahsc1.hsc.wvu.edu
Seminars in Surgical Oncology
|September 1, 1997
Summary
Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is the most effective treatment for superficial bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma), reducing recurrence and improving survival. Other immunotherapies show promise for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder requires management for tumor treatment, recurrence prevention, and disease progression control.
- Intravesical therapy is a key approach for managing non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in intravesical therapy for superficial TCC.
- To summarize the mechanism of action of BCG immunotherapy.
- To highlight the role of BCG and other immunotherapeutic agents in TCC management.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of intravesical therapies for superficial TCC.
- Analysis of clinical outcomes, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic roles.
- Focus on bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy and emerging agents.
Main Results:
- BCG immunotherapy is the most effective treatment and prophylaxis for TCC (Ta, Tl, CIS), positively impacting recurrence, progression, and survival.
- Intravesical BCG effectively treats prostatic urethral involvement, reducing recurrence but not impacting progression or survival.
- Investigational agents like interferons, KLH, bropirimine, and PDT show encouraging early results.
Conclusions:
- Intravesical BCG immunotherapy remains the gold standard for superficial TCC management.
- Emerging immunotherapies offer potential alternatives and adjuncts for bladder cancer treatment.
- Continued research is crucial for optimizing intravesical therapy strategies for TCC.