BCG is used in the treatment of ?

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a well-established immunotherapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
It is administered directly into the bladder (intravesically) following transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT).
BCG works by inducing a strong local immune and inflammatory response in the bladder lining, which helps destroy residual cancer cells.
This treatment significantly reduces the rates of tumor recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive disease.

Option A: BCG is not a standard treatment for carcinoma of the cervix.
Option B: BCG is not used in the management of carcinoma of the colon.
Option D: This option is incorrect because BCG's therapeutic use among the choices is specific to bladder cancer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Therapeutic use of BCG in oncology helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses are central to the safe administration of intravesical BCG, requiring strict aseptic technique and patient monitoring.
Patient education is a critical nursing responsibility, focusing on retaining the drug, repositioning, post-treatment safety precautions (disinfecting urine), and recognizing signs of adverse reactions.
A key safety concern is the risk of systemic BCG infection (BCG-osis), a rare but serious complication. Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring for high fever, chills, and malaise, and report these immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'BCG'.
Recall the primary and secondary uses of BCG. Its primary use is as a vaccine against tuberculosis.
Consider its therapeutic applications. BCG is famously used as an immunotherapy in a specific type of cancer.
Evaluate each option. Is BCG used for cervical cancer? No. Is it used for colon cancer? No.
Confirm its use for bladder cancer. Yes, intravesical BCG is a standard of care for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Since it is only used for bladder cancer among the given options, 'All of the above' is incorrect. Select the option for carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 961-963

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 733-735

Practise the full Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.