Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy

Tutku E. Tazegul; Michael O’Donnell; Helen Y. Hougen

doi:10.1016/j.ucl.2026.03.006

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Journal article

Peer reviewed

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy

Tutku E. Tazegul, Michael O’Donnell and Helen Y. Hougen

Urologic clinics of North America

04/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2026.03.006

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Abstract

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) remains the cornerstone adjuvant therapy for intermediate-risk and high-risk non–-muscle invasive bladder cancer, yet its clinical utility is increasingly challenged by supply shortages, treatment intolerance, and variable oncologic response. This article summarizes the immunologic basis, efficacy, and limitations of BCG, examines evidence for alternative administration strategies, evaluates combination and biomarker-based approaches to optimize patient selection, and outlines emerging therapies for BCG-unresponsive disease. Practical, evidence-driven recommendations are provided to guide contemporary management during periods of constrained supply and evolving therapeutic landscapes.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

BCG shortage

BCG-Unresponsive disease

Details

Title: Subtitle: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy
Creators: Tutku E. Tazegul - University of Iowa
Michael O’Donnell - University of Iowa
Helen Y. Hougen - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Urologic clinics of North America
DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2026.03.006
ISSN: 0094-0143
eISSN: 1558-318X
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 04/2026
Academic Unit: Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Urology
Record Identifier: 9985161442002771

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