Objective: To determine the efficacy of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in the treatment of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, and to assess the impact of fibrin clot inhibitors.
Patients and methods: A retrospective review of 56 patients with superficial TCC of the bladder, treated with intravesical BCG after initial transurethral resection (TUR) of raised or papillary lesions or cold cup biopsy of areas of carcinoma in situ (CIS), was performed. Patient drug histories were reviewed for evidence of ingestion of medication known to inhibit fibrin clot formation. The impact of such medication was assessed using the Chi-square test.
Results: Fifty-six patients were treated between 1987 and 1991 of whom 52 were evaluable. Eighteen patients (35%) had a complete response with a mean follow-up of 19 months. Six patients (60%) in the group with CIS had a complete response rate with a mean follow-up of 28 months. Seven patients (13%) developed local progression and required cystectomy or external beam radiotherapy. Six patients (12%) died from metastatic disease. Three patients (6%) had significant complications. The adverse impact of fibrin clot inhibitors was found to be significant.
Conclusion: Intravesical BCG is effective in the treatment of superficial TCC, especially CIS. A careful drug history is important to identify fibrin clot inhibitors so that, if possible, they may be withdrawn prior to intravesical BCG treatment.