Watch this Weeks Episode Saturday at 9am CT
BCG is one of the most fascinating stories in modern urology. Originally developed as a vaccine against tuberculosis, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin eventually became an important immunotherapy for selected patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In this edition of UroNurse News, Vic Senese, RN, BSN, FAUNA, takes you through The Story of BCG — from its development by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin in the early 20th century to the landmark use of intravesical BCG for bladder cancer.
BCG was developed from an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis and became a tuberculosis vaccine. Researchers later discovered that BCG could stimulate immune responses against cancer. In 1976, Dr. Álvaro Morales and colleagues reported the use of BCG directly inside the bladder for recurrent superficial bladder tumors. That discovery helped establish intravesical BCG as a major treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Subsequent clinical trials demonstrated reductions in bladder cancer recurrence, helping establish BCG as an important form of cancer immunotherapy.
In this episode, we explore:
🔹 The origins of BCG
🔹 Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin
🔹 How a TB vaccine became cancer immunotherapy
🔹 Dr. Álvaro Morales and the landmark 1976 study
🔹 Why BCG is placed directly into the bladder
🔹 How BCG stimulates the immune system
🔹 Why BCG remains important in bladder cancer treatment
🔹 What happens when bladder cancer becomes BCG-unresponsive
The story of BCG demonstrates how unexpected discoveries can transform medicine.
Subscribe to the UroNurse YouTube channel for more urology education, men's health information, medication discussions, bladder health, prostate health, sexual health and the latest urology news: Subscribe to UroNurse on YouTube
*The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.
Click on image to visit our sponsor's website.
Click below for sponsorship info.
Episode 219: Simple Prostatectomy Explained: Robotic vs Open Surgery
Episode 218:BPH Treatment Options in 2026: Is Optilume a Game Changer?
Episode 217: Tadalafil: What Does It Treat Besides Erectile Dysfunction?
Episode 216: Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer: Practice-Changing Advances Every Urology Professional Should Know
CME | CNE |1.00 Credit
Episode 215:Can Prostate Artery Embolization Replace Surgery for BPH? | PAE Explained
UroNurse Episode 214: How Should You Perform a Voiding Trial? Urology Survey Results May Surprise You!
Episode 213: Elevated PSA? Essential Steps Before Ordering a Prostate Biopsy
Episode 212:Inside UrologyHealth.com: The First Virtual Urology Practice
Episode 210: The Future of Preventive Medicine: Biological Age, AI & Cancer Risk
Episode 209:Rapid Molecular Testing Revolutionizing Urology Diagnostics
Episode 208: Prostate Biopsy & Screening in Europe: EAU Guidelines vs. US Standards
Episode 207: Artificial Intelligence for Urology Nurses: Using NotebookLM to Educate Patients
Episode 206: Post-Prostate Incontinence Breakthrough: Elitone for Men Explained
Episode 204: Urodynamics Made Easy: Setup & Step-by-Step Guide
Episode 203: UTI Updates 2026: Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention Explained
Episode 201: Unraveling the Complexities of cUTI Care: Modernizing cUTI Care with the 2025 IDSA and EAU Updates
CME | CNE | CPE | 1.00 Credit
Episode 200:Celebrating 200 Episodes of UroNurse
Episode 199:AUA Vasectomy Guidelines Update: What Nurses Must Know
Episode 198:Kidney Stones Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Episode 197:Paraphimosis Explained: Emergency You Can’t Ignore
Episode 196: Opportunistic Pathogens in Healthcare: Hidden Threats Every Nurse Must Know
Click for Contact Hours
Episode 195: Medtronic Altaviva™ Explained: Breakthrough for Urge Incontinence
Episode 194:Male Enhancement Procedures Explained: Red Flags, Pain Risks & Safety Guide
Episode 193: Varicocele Treatment Guide: Improve Fertility, Testosterone & Pain Relief
Episode 192:Advanced Practice Nursing Explained: Education, Scope of Practice & Privileges | Expert APRN Panel
Episode 191:Can Acupuncture Actually Help with Sexual Pain or Pelvic Dysfunction?
Episode 190: Long-Term Pain After Vasectomy: What You Need to Know
Episode 189:Live from the Chicago Metro SUNA Spring Conference
Episode 188:Glean Ambulatory Urodynamics Explained
Real-World Bladder Testing with Jason Kim, MD
Episode 187: How to Use the Latest AI Tools to Boost Productivity and Creativity
Episode 186: Is TURP Still the Gold Standard for BPH?
John Lin, MD Explains
Episode 185:CBUNA Certification Updates 2026
What Urology Nurses Need to Know
Episode 184: Optimizing Urothelial Carcinoma Therapy: From Maintenance to Precision Strategies
1.00 / CME Contact Hour
183: Optimizing Care in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Immunotherapy & Targeted Agents Explained
1.00 / ANCC Contact Hour
182: How NanoKnife Differs from Thermal Ablation Techniques
181: Nurse Practitioners Driving Healthcare Independence
180: Looking Back at 2025: UroNurse Highlights and Future Insights
179: The Future of Prostate Cancer Care: New Treatments Explained for Urology Nurses
1.00 / ANCC Contact Hour
The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
