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Alternatives to BCG; my stage is intermediate. Is GEM/DOCE work?
My stage is intermediate with two surgeries to remove tumors, both noninvasive intermediate. I refused BCG after the first surgery, but am now taking it—6 times, then boosters for 3 times every 3 months—for the rest of my life according to my doctor. Is there a better medication? I’m wondering about alternatives?
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@charlessomervill, you'll notice that I removed your personal phone number. Connect is a public forum. We recommend sharing personal contact information using the secure private message function. I might also add that by sharing here in the forum, you are connecting with several people where all can benefit from group support.
Life long BCG is not a thing.
https://www.greaterbostonurology.com/blog/what-is-bcg-treatment-for-bladder-cancer).
DOCE/GEM is a very common, and increasingly a more popular alternative.
Efficacy is similar but it is complicated. BCG (live bacterium) is prone to shortages. DOCE/GEM (chemicals) is not.
https://www.urotoday.com/index.php.
There are additional new treatments. However, it takes the medical guidelines and insurance months to years to catch up. And the newer treatments are usually prohibitively expensive.