Bladder cancer

I suffer from ulcerative colitis and now diagnosed with superficial bladder cancer (Ta, low grade). My bladder was perforated during tumor removal (TURBT) resulting in colitis flare up and bowels shutting down after exposure to leakage.  Now offered biological therapy (BCG) treatment and worried that the expected stimulated immune response will trigger another colitis "attack".
Thank you.

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
Any immune modulation may cause the colitis to flare in some patients. It is perhaps impossible to predict accurately if this will indeed be the case with you. It may turn out that you do not experience any worsening of colitis symptoms. In fact many persons with connective tissue disorders often improve transiently when on anti-cancer medications.
The benefits from BCG instillation in patients with bladder cancer are well documented. Please discuss your clinical situation with your oncologist as well as your gastroenterologist.
All the best, and God Bless!

[Vrosey2]

Dr Saini,
Thank you for your quick response.