[Calmette-Guerin bacillus in the prophylaxis of superficial bladder tumors. Our experience and our doubts].

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of our BCG dose and schedule for prophylactic therapy in superficial bladder tumors. METHODS: Following complete TUR, 81 mg intravesical BCG were administered weekly for six weeks and for nightly another six times. The patients were evaluated every three months by cytology, cystoscopy and routine analysis. RESULTS: 21/25 patients completed the treatment. At 15.5 months median follow-up, 18/21 (85.7%) were disease-free, 2/21 (9.5%) had recurrence and 1/21 (4.7%) showed disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: BCG is the most effective prophylactic therapy for superficial bladder tumors currently available. The ideal dose, treatment schedule and its mechanism of action are as yet unknown.