What are the side effects of Bacillus Calmette Guerin?
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
- swollen lymph nodes.
- small red areas at the site of injection. (These usually appear 10-14 days after injection and slowly decrease in size. They should disappear after about 6 months.)
- fever.
- blood in the urine.
- frequent or painful urination.
- upset stomach.
- vomiting.
Which type of cancer can be treated with BCG?
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or BCG is the most common intravesical immunotherapy for treating early-stage bladder cancer. It’s used to help keep the cancer from growing and to help keep it from coming back. BCG is a germ that’s related to the one that causes tuberculosis (TB), but it doesn’t usually cause serious disease.
Is BCG a chemo or immunotherapy?
BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin) is an intravesical immunotherapy using a bacteria of Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB) that has been reduced to cause less harm to the body. The bacteria is still kept viable (or “live”) so that it can actively work in the body to kill the cancer cells.
What kills melanoma cells?
When melanoma cells are heated by laser beams, tiny bubbles form around the pigment proteins inside the cells. As these bubbles rapidly expand, they can physically destroy the cells. Although laser beams can also heat pigment in red blood cells, bubbles do not form and so there is no danger of harming healthy cells.
Why is BCG given in left arm?
The vaccine is given just under the skin (intradermally), usually in the left upper arm. This is the recommended site, so that small scar left after vaccination can be easily found in the future as evidence of previous vaccination.
Does alcohol affect BCG treatment?
The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of BCG. Use a condom or abstain from sex for 1 week after treatment.
How long is BCG effective?
BCG vaccination given to babies and young children provides consistent protection (up to 80%) against severe forms of childhood TB, such as TB meningitis. It can be less effective against TB affecting the lungs in adults. The protection from the BCG vaccine can last up to 15 years.
What is the success rate of BCG treatment?
A recent study was published evaluating maintenance BCG therapy [23]. The authors observed a three-year recurrence free survival of 75.3% and disease-free survival of 96.1%. However, they reported a high complication rate of 81.5%.
How can I boost my immune system to fight melanoma?
Diets high in beta carotene-rich fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, may reduce the risk of some cancers. Beta carotene also boosts the immune system’s ability to fight disease.
What are the signs that melanoma has spread?
If your melanoma has spread to other areas, you may have:
- Hardened lumps under your skin.
- Swollen or painful lymph nodes.
- Trouble breathing, or a cough that doesn’t go away.
- Swelling of your liver (under your lower right ribs) or loss of appetite.
- Bone pain or, less often, broken bones.
What should I do if I don’t have a BCG scar?
The formation of the BCG vaccine scar is not necessary. It usually takes 3 to 6 months for the scar to form. If there is no scar, one needs to do Mantoux test. If negative, one should give repeat BCG.