Superficial bladder cancer.
Superficial bladder cancer can be resected with minimal morbidity, but the patients are at high risk for tumor recurrence. Tumors can be divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories based on tumor grade, stage, and pattern of recurrence. Low-risk tumors are best treated with a single instillation of chemotherapy such as thiotepa, doxorubicin, or mitomycin. Intermediate-risk tumors can be treated with chemotherapy, but, similar to high-risk tumors, will often require immunotherapy. High-risk tumors are best treated with intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) using a 3-week maintenance schedule. Side effects of BCG immunotherapy can be reduced by logarithmic reductions in the dosage of BCG. Patients who fail BCG may be rescued with BCG plus interferon-alfa or radical cystectomy.
Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA. lamm.donald@mayo.edu
Donald L
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Lamm
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*