Consensus document on the implications of standardization of BCG supply in the management of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Abstract

Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in the intermediate and high-risk groups must receive adjuvant treatment with intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) following transurethral resection (TUR), as it reduces the risk of recurrence and presumably the risk of progression as well. Optimization of BCG efficacy is achieved by administering maintenance therapy. However, since many immunological aspects of the mechanism of action of BCG in the bladder remain unknown, the implementation of the optimal dose, number of instillations, strains and adequate maintenance regimen over the last decades has been heterogeneous. Additionally, this has hindered the interpretation of efficacy in terms of oncologic outcomes. This, together with the shortages of BCG in recent years, have forced scientific societies to adapt their clinical practice guidelines and modify their protocols of adjuvant treatment with BCG. This includes changes to strains, doses, and maintenance during this period of time. This consensus document evaluates the current status of adjuvant BCG treatment and the implications of BCG supply availability in the treatment of patients with NMIBC. It also addresses the implementation of novel therapies that will improve cancer prognosis and the quality of life of patients with NMIBC in the future.