[BCG strain shortage from 2012 to 2014: Evaluation of its impact on the management of patients with high-risk NMIBC].

INTRODUCTION

BCG instillations are the gold-standard treatment for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with a decreased risk of tumor recurrence and muscle infiltration. From 2012 to 2014, a stock shortage of the Connaught strain has led to the cessation of supply for immucyst in France. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of BCG shortage on the management of patients with NMIBC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center study including patients followed from May 2005 to May 2015 with a high-risk NMIBC (primo-diagnosis). Patients were separated into two groups: not impacted by the shortage (NISG: 56 patients) and impacted by the shortage (ISG: 53 patients). Data on tumour recurrence (RFS), muscle progression (PFS) and overall and specific survival (OS and SS) were also analysed.

RESULTS

The BCG induction schedule could not be carried out in 20.8% of cases in the ISG compared to only 5.3% of cases in NISG (P=0.02). Similarly, the maintenance treatment was incomplete for 56.6% of cases versus 37.5% in NISG (P=0.047). Nevertheless, it should be underlined that very high-risk NMIBC received a complete induction BCG schedule. The ISG seems to have benefited with the evolution of the guidelines with the use of diagnosis bladder fluorescence but without significant difference on the rate of second look bladder trans-uretral resection. The cystectomy rate was higher in ISG. No significant difference in RFS, PFS, OS, and SS between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, RFS, PFS, OS or SS were not impacted by the BCG shortage. These data may be explained by a better selection of very high-risk patients including the recommended BCG schedule and more frequently the use of diagnosis bladder fluorescence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE