When BCG doesn't work, what are the treatment options?

There is intravesical chemo - gemcetibine et al. Also, if you are at Mayo, there are several clinical trials going on. I'm in the Legend trial, which is an immunotherapy/gene tx. I went through the chemo and was cancer free for two years but it recurred, which is why I am no in a clinical trial. My docs say that even if this doesn't work, there are more options. A new FDA approved tx is an insertion of a gemcetibine coil into the bladder which then stays there for a period off time. Something like an 80% success rate. Good luck

GEM/DOCE is the standard.

Inlexzo is what the other user mentioned: delayed time release of traditional chemo (www.inlexzo.com).

Other latest and greatest are Anktiva (www.anktiva.com). and Zusduri (www.zusduri.com). The latest and greatest are typically very expensive and not yet covered by all insurance.

Deep dive: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK-25-471942.

Thanks @jaxfl and @drm44 for your answer!

They started me on MITOMYCIN after BCG did not work. Best of luck to your father.

@bischoffm thanks a lot for sharing!

I'm 76 with bladder cancer... I just like to lovingly remind adult children of patients and family members that we are a whole person, not just a 'thing' to be repaired.

Many Drs treat us as a 'thing' to be fixed, and they never quit, sadly due to their MD training). Sometimes, it's time to call Hospice (a consultation is free and very informative) and allow a happy, comfortable period of time instead of the misery of treatment.

@openloc1949 sorry to hear that. I hope that whatever your choice is, it makes you happy.

I wholeheartedly disagree that medical professionals see us as things. That is highly offensive.

@mariajosefinamouka

Thank you so much! 🙏😍

@jaxfl

Many, not all. Most medical schools train to cure, and don't include mental and emotional consideration. Please read about the hospice palliative care programs, they're wonderful.