Side Effects of Intravesical BCG and Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer: What They Are and How to Manage Them

Intravesical therapy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer decreases recurrence and progression but carries a high risk of side effects, which limit patient adherence. Appropriate management of the toxicities from intravesical therapy requires consideration of the agent used, the side effects experienced, and the timing of those side effects. Management strategies for intravesical toxicities ideally improve patient tolerance without sacrificing oncologic outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence regarding the side effects of intravesical therapies for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and to propose practical strategies for toxicity management. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

Intravesical therapy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer has shown to reduce recurrence and progression, but comes with a high risk of side effects that require careful management. Strategies aimed at improving patient tolerance to these toxicities without compromising oncologic outcomes are crucial for successful treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the side effects of intravesical therapies for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and practical strategies for managing toxicity.