After removal of a non-muscle-invasive bladder tumour (TURBT), medicines placed directly into the bladder through a soft temporary catheter substantially reduce the chance of the cancer returning or progressing. Treatment is tailored to the risk category of your tumour and delivered as a short outpatient visit. The catheter would be removed before you go home.
TREATMENTS
Intravesical Therapy (Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy)
Treatment Options
• Single-dose chemotherapy: One instillation (eg. Mitomycin/ Epirubicin) within 24 hours of TURBT reduces recurrence for lower-risk tumours.
• A course of chemotherapy: Weekly instillations for around six weeks for intermediate-risk disease.
• BCG immunotherapy: For high-risk disease — an induction course of six weekly instillations, possibly followed by maintenance treatments for one to three years. BCG stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells and is the most effective bladder-preserving treatment for high-risk disease.
• Alternatives – TAR-200 (small device in the bladder that slowly secretes medication) are being tested, other medication regimens (eg. Gemcitabine and Docetaxel) are also used for selected cases
What to Expect at Each Visit
The medicine is instilled through a small catheter and held in the bladder for one to two hours before being passed out naturally. Most people drive themselves home afterwards. Specific hygiene precautions for the first six hours are explained at your visit.
Risks and Considerations
All procedures carry risks, which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail. These may include:
• Bladder irritation — burning, frequency and urgency for a day or two after each instillation
• Flu-like symptoms for 24–48 hours after BCG
• Urinary infection
• Rarely, BCG can cause persisting bladder symptoms that can be troublesome or even more rarely to have symptoms beyond the bladder, which requires specific treatment
Recovery at a glance: Outpatient visits of around one to two hours; most people continue normal activities the same day.
1
Risk-Based Planning
Your bladder pathology determines which medicine and schedule will benefit you most.
2
Outpatient Instillations
At each visit the medicine is placed into the bladder via a small catheter and held for one to two hours.
3
Surveillance Cystoscopy
Regular check cystoscopies track your ongoing response.
4
Managing Side Effects
Symptoms are actively monitored and managed, and the schedule adjusted where needed to keep treatment on track.
Our Approach
