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A 35-year-old member asked:

I failed interferon treatment and bcg treatment for bladder cancer. is surgery the only option left?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Howard Adler
Urology 33 years experience
Probably best option: If you have failed tretament with BCG and interferon, some patients may reposnd to treatment with valstar (valrubicin). However, depending on the specifics of your bladder cancer, cystectomy and urinary diversion may be your best option. You should discuss this with your urologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ivan Colon
Urology 29 years experience
Not as easy to answe: Some people have tried other intravesical therapies like Mitomycin or valstar (valrubicin) that now is indicated for BCG failure. The problem is it is important to know how many and time between recurrences and how much involvement in your bladder. Multifocal recurrent disease is not a good prognosis and you should not wait since bladder cancer will progress. If you are healthy, you should consider cystectomy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Feb 23, 2020
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