Keyhole limpet hemocyanin for carcinoma in situ of the bladder: a long-term follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a nonspecific immunomodulator, demonstrated to be clinically effective in superficial bladder cancer. The present study investigated the clinical efficacy of intravesical KLH in patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with a long-term follow-up.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with CIS grade III were treated with intravesical instillations of KLH, 20 mg for 6 weeks, then monthly for 1 year and bimonthly for 2 subsequent years. Patients not responding to 2 courses of KLH were treated with bacillus Calmete-Guérin (BCG, 81 mg Connaught strain).


RESULTS
The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 84 months. Two patients were free of tumor after KLH instillations with a follow-up of 66 and 82 months, respectively. All patients who did not respond to the primary KLH course, but to the 'rescue' instillation of BCG, experienced recurrences after 42, 48, 56 and 60 months after the first KLH instillation treatment. Three patients with recurrent CIS and who were not cystectomized had recurrences after prolonged remission (4-5 years). Patients progressing despite KLH and BCG instillations underwent cystectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
KLH demonstrates efficacy and induces long- term remissions against CIS in a limited number of cases. In the present study, most patients with CIS progressed over time whatever the substance instilled, whether KLH or BCG. CIS remains a very aggressive neoplasm requiring a lifelong follow-up. Further studies are necessary to define the precise role of KLH in patients with CIS.
Jurincic-Winkler
C D
CD
Department of Urology, General Hospital Celle, Academic Hospital Medical School Hannover, Celle, Germany.
Metz
K A
KA
Beuth
J
J
Klippel
K F
KF
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006433:Hemocyanins; C032808:keyhole-limpet hemocyanin