BCG in bladder cancer immunotherapy Review


Authors: Jiang, S.; Redelman-Sidi, G.
Review Title: BCG in bladder cancer immunotherapy
Abstract: Simple Summary: Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, is the most successful microbial immunotherapy of cancer in current use. Intravesical treatment with BCG is recommended for most patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). In patients with NMIBC, treatment with BCG is associated with reduced risk of bladder cancer recurrence and progression compared to transurethral resection alone. Here, we summarize current data regarding the mechanism of BCG and review indications and recommended practice for BCG treatment of bladder cancer. BCG is a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis that is primarily used as a vaccine against tuberculosis. In the past four decades, BCG has also been used for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). In patients with NMIBC, BCG reduces the risk of tumor recurrence and decreases the likelihood of progression to more invasive disease. Despite the long-term clinical experience with BCG, its mechanism of action is still being elucidated. Data from animal models and from human studies suggests that BCG activates both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system eventually leading to tumor destruction. Herein, we review the current data regarding the mechanism of BCG and summarize the evidence for its clinical efficacy and recommended indications and clinical practice.
Keywords: combined modality therapy; immunity; immunotherapy -- methods; neoplasm recurrence, local -- prevention and control; bladder neoplasms -- surgery; bcg vaccine -- therapeutic use; bladder neoplasms -- therapy; disease progression -- prevention and control; vaccine efficacy -- evaluation; bcg vaccine -- pharmacodynamics; bladder neoplasms -- immunology; bcg vaccine -- immunology
Journal Title: Cancers
Volume: 14
Issue: 13
ISSN: 2072-6694
Publisher: MDPI  
Date Published: 2022-07-01
Start Page: 3073
Language: English
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133073
PROVIDER: EBSCOhost
PROVIDER: cinahl
PMCID: PMC9264881
PUBMED: 35804844
DOI/URL:
Notes: Accession Number: 157914293 -- Entry Date: 20220721 -- Revision Date: 20220721 -- Publication Type: Article; pictorial; review; tables/charts -- Journal Subset: Biomedical; Continental Europe; Europe -- NLM UID: 101526829. -- Source: Cinahl
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  1. Song Jiang
    5 Jiang