Clinical Outcomes of Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Immunotherapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Carcinoma: A Single-Centre Prospective Analysis
Abstract: Background: Non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) constitutes approximately 70-75% of newly diagnosed bladder cancer cases globally. Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy remains the cornerstone of post-resection management for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC. Despite its established efficacy, real-world institutional data from Indian tertiary centres remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate early tumour response, recurrence patterns, adverse event profile, and clinico-pathological predictors of outcome following standard BCG induction in NMIBC patients at a single tertiary institution. Methods: A single-centre, Institutional Ethics Committee-approved prospective and retrospective study was conducted over one year at G.G. Hospital, Jamnagar. Forty consecutive adult patients with histologically confirmed NMIBC who underwent a complete six-instillation induction course of intravesical BCG following transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) were enrolled. Baseline demographics, risk factors, histopathological grade, BCG completion rates, adverse events, and post-induction cystoscopic findings were systematically recorded and analysed. Results: The study enrolled 40 patients (mean age predominance: 61-70 years; 95% male). The dominant presenting symptom was hematuria (72.5%). All patients (100%) completed the six-week BCG induction course. Post-induction cystoscopy demonstrated complete tumour clearance in 36/40 patients (90%); residual disease was detected in 4/40 patients (10%), necessitating maintenance BCG therapy. Adverse effects were limited to mild cystitis in 4 patients (10%); no systemic reactions or treatment discontinuation occurred. High-grade carcinoma constituted 52.5% of the cohort, with the proportion rising with advancing age (33% at 31-40 years to 75% at 71- 80 years). Conclusion: Intravesical BCG induction achieved a 90% complete response rate with a favourable safety profile in this Indian cohort. These findings corroborate international evidence supporting BCG as an effective, risk-adapted treatment modality for NMIBC. Advancing age and high tumour grade were notable predictors of persistent disease.
Keywords: BCG immunotherapy, bladder carcinoma, NMIBC, intravesical therapy, TURBT, tumour recurrence, cystoscopy, urothelial carcinoma
How to Cite?: Dr. Kinnari Chapla, Dr. Seval Kotadiya, "Clinical Outcomes of Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Immunotherapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Carcinoma: A Single-Centre Prospective Analysis", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 397-400, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26404235055, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26404235055