BCG adherence in NMIBC: real-world data show room for improvement

Verfasst von Winnie Wu

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation is the guideline-recommended standard for intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A new study in the World Journal of Urology, co-authored by Antje Mevius (IPAM e.V.), examined how BCG is used in real-world practice in Germany, based on German health claims data.

Key findings

  • Standardized incidence of intermediate/high-risk NMIBC: 7.6-10.4 per 100,000 men and 1.2-1.9 per 100,000 women (2017-2021).

  • 817 patients (mean age 72.5; 78% male); 98% received TURBT followed by BCG, with a median of 13 BCG instillations per patient.

  • Only 28% were still on BCG maintenance 24 months after induction; 62% received at least one re-TURBT.

  • BCG maintenance-adherent patients had a lower risk of advanced treatment (aHR 0.49) and disease progression (aHR 0.65).

The results suggest that real-world guideline compliance can be improved, and they support the recommendation of sufficient BCG maintenance.

Luna J, Otte im Kampe E, Aga-Barfknecht H, Lehne M, Kunk L, Hänsel I, Trescher S, Mevius A, Kisser A, Kroeger N, De Santis M. World Journal of Urology (2025) 43:661. Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-025-06025-1

Winnie Wu
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