A comparison of two BCG instillation regimens for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: A retrospective cohort analysis of side effect profiles

During a six week regimen, the side effects of intravesical BCG immunotherapy become significant in the 2nd week of treatment and are worst on day two post-instillation. The severity of symptoms increases throughout the course of the treatment. A one hour treatment regimen produced a more significant side effect profile in terms of frequency, urgency, dysuria and arthralgia when compared to the two hour regimen. There was no detectable difference in clinical outcomes observed between the two groups. Continuing the practice of a two hour BCG instillation regimen is therefore recommended.