Immunotherapy for bladder cancer

Ashish M. Kamat, Donald L. Lamm

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

The primary role of immunotherapy for bladder cancer is to treat superficial transitional cell carcinomas (ie, carcinoma in situ, Ta, and T1). Immunotherapy in the form of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), interferon, bropirimine, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and gene therapy is intended to treat existing or residual tumor, to prevent recurrence of tumor, to prevent progression of disease, and to prolong survival of patients. Presently, BCG is commonly used and is the most effective immunotherapeutic agent against superficial transitional cell carcinoma. Data support that BCG has a positive impact on tumor recurrence, disease progression, and survival. Proper attention to maintenance schedules, route of administration, dosing, strains, and viability is essential to obtain the maximum benefits of BCG immunotherapy. This review highlights and summarizes the recent advances concerning immunotherapy, with special emphasis on BCG therapy for transitional cell carcinoma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)62-69
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent urology reports
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Immunotherapy for bladder cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this