Anyone had gemcitabine and docetaxel for Bladder Cancer?

Is there any news on the Cretostimogene trials or effectiveness? Will it be approved by the FDA soon?
Thanks

@janine1991
I didn't receive any BCG. My oncological surgeon sent me to a urological oncologist to let him decide. My surgeon was not a fan of gemdoce, but the oncologist is.
I had the weekly treatments for six weeks, and 5 months of once/per/month treatments, with the sixth month being a cystoscopy. Then I resume monthly for January through June. My cystoscopy was clear. The joy my oncologist tried to hide made me feel pretty confident. I was clear and I could literally feel the doctor's joy. He indicated that if I stay this way, I should be done with chemo after the next six monthly treatments. He added that I was not free of cystoscopies. Those will be a part of my life, basically, the rest of my life, given that I might not logically outlive the annual protocol. I am mid-70's. My older sister had non-invasive bladder cancer in her early 30's. She finally got released from the cystoscopies not too long ago. There has to be a better way..... but until then, cystoscopies it is.

Hello, i have had two TURBT surgeries and one cystolotholapaxy (stone removal) surgery. I realize each of us react differently to each treatment. Some time ago I posted how my body responded unfavorably to my gemcitabine/docataxel treatments.
My pain was excruciating as each week progressed.
Good news ! I’d like to mention there is a way to deal with that type of pain. The previous treatments were completed in my hometown. As I write this note Dec 15 2025, I will soon begin treatment at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. The physicians assistant informed me that rectal valium is one option for the bladder spasms I experience during gemze/doc treatments. I cannot say for certain it takes all the pain away as I have not experienced the rectal valium as of yet; however, to know one does not have to suffer through the gemcitabine treatment (which caused my horrible spasms), is a prayer being answered!
I am still being tested here in Scottsdale and should be making a decision as to of what type of ongoing treatment I will receive after the first week of Feb 2026.
Wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and to please remain hopeful through our bladder journey. 😊

@mochat Hi Mochat,
Thank you for the clarification. The oncologist is not concerned that I had two breaks of two weeks and only ended up with 5 instillations. I guess I’ll find out in mid-February.
Best wishes.

@gemdoc25 To clarify, no they didn’t pause the treatment whilst I was taking the antibiotics, but it was during a second dose of antibiotics when the UTI was under control, so I guess this was a propalactic dose which was less daily than the previous dose taken.
I too have urgency issues with many nighttime trips to the bathroom….pretty annoying.

@gemdoc25 I was diagnosed with a UTI after my last gem/doc. I was then prescribed Cephalexan antibiotic capsules 500mg taken 3 times daily. After that I was put onto more of the same antibiotic but taken only twice daily which continued through my next gem/doc. I found I had a much quicker recovery this time than previously.
I feel that it’s the UTIs that have been making things so painful. Good luck.

@mochat
Do they pause your treatment until you finish the antibiotics?They paused mine twice for two weeks and I ended up getting only 5 Gem/Doce, which the oncologist said would be OK. Finished on Tuesday, cystoscopy mid February.🤞
Still have urgency and getting up 5-6 times during the night. Other than that, no problems.

Thank you for your thoughts. It wasn't as bad as I expected but it did take about 4 hours but I figured it would the first time. Medication was uncomfortable but not as difficult as I thought it would be. Next day fatigue and burning was heavy. I have learned more from the support group then from my nurses so thank you guys for help prepare me for the 1st one.

@grifftg07, thinking of you as you have you first treatment this week. Let us know how it goes.

@honey750 I too always get a UTI after a treatment and get a script for an antibiotic.
I have had 6 weekly lots of BCG that didn’t work. Then 6 lots of weekly GemDoc, then Cystoscopy which showed all clear. Am now about to take my 3rd monthly maintenance dose, and still having UTIs after each treatment.
Suggestions are to take Hiprex, twice daily, as a UTI preventative, also to use Ovestin cream 3 times weekly around the area.