Intravesical BCG therapy in recurrent superficial bladder carcinoma and our results

Sixteen patients with previous intravesical chemotherapy and recurrence in one year, have been performed intravesical immunotherapy between 1991-1993. They were between 54-70 years old (mean 62). In average 15 months follow-up period (12-18). We observed recurrence at four patients. At one of 6, we determined in situ carcinoma by four cadrain biopsy and at the others the same stage and grade tumor. At one patient, recurrent tumor was at bladder neck. We started BCG therapy again and after 8 months, there is no recurrence. We conclude that BCG therapy is an alternative for total cystectomy and urinary diversion at early period and by immunotherapy the patients can live with their own bladders for some period. Urologists must give the patients a chance by using BCG therapy.