How does intravesical BCG therapy work?

A nurse or doctor passes a thin catheter through the urethra and puts the prepared solution into the bladder. The catheter is removed, and the solution remains in the bladder for the time advised by the treatment team before it is emptied. BCG is not ordinary chemotherapy: it uses an immune response in the bladder lining. A course commonly has repeated visits, followed in some plans by maintenance treatments. It is mainly used for selected non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and the schedule depends on the tumour and prior procedures.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about drinking, medicines, and arriving with the bladder ready for treatment. Tell the team if you have fever, feel unwell, have a urinary infection, or recently had a bladder procedure, because treatment may need to be delayed. After treatment, follow the clinic’s hygiene and toilet instructions carefully. Drink as advised, rest if you feel tired, and report urinary burning or frequency that is persistent or difficult to manage.

Seek urgent medical advice for a high or persistent fever, shaking chills, confusion, severe weakness, worsening pain, inability to pass urine, or heavy blood in the urine. These symptoms can signal a serious infection or complication and should not be managed by waiting for the next appointment. Contact the team as well if urinary symptoms continue beyond the expected short period or become more severe.

Why is BCG suitable for my bladder cancer? How long should each treatment remain in the bladder? What should I do after an accidental spill or splash? Which symptoms mean my next dose should be postponed? What follow-up checks are planned?