Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
BCG therapy
Also written as: BCG — Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Immunotherapy using Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for treating superficial bladder cancer.
Full Definition
A form of intravesical immunotherapy that uses live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The BCG bacteria stimulate a local immune response that helps prevent tumor recurrence and progression. Treatment typically involves weekly instillations for six weeks, followed by maintenance therapy in selected patients. BCG is considered the gold standard for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and carcinoma in situ.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize BCG. Distinguish from BCG vaccine used for tuberculosis prevention.
In Context
- "The pathology results indicated BCG therapy for the high-grade Ta lesion." — Treatment recommendation
- "BCG therapy was complicated by systemic symptoms requiring treatment delay." — Adverse event report
Also known as
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy
intravesical BCG
Don't confuse with
BCG vaccination
chemotherapy