Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer-analysis of adverse effects and effectiveness of two strains of BCG (Danish 1331 and Moscow-I).

Objective: To compare the differences in adverse effects and efficacy profile between bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Danish 1331 and BCG Moscow-I strain in management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 188 cases of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treated with BCG between January 2008 and December 2018 in our institute were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively, and 114 patients who completed a minimum of 12 months of follow-up were analysed. Patient and tumor characteristics, strain of BCG, adverse effects, and tumor progression were included for analysis. Intravesical BCG was instilled in intermediate- and high-risk patients. Six weeks of induction BCG, followed by three weekly maintenance BCG at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was advised in high-risk patients. Results: Overall 68 patients received BCG Danish 1331 strain and 46 patients received Moscow-I strain. Patient and tumor characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. The median follow-up period was 42.5 months and 34.5 months in Danish 1331 and Moscow-I groups, respectively. Adverse events like dropout rate, antitubercular treatment requirement, and need of cystectomy were higher in Moscow-I group (n=31, 67.4%) when compared to Danish 1331 strain (n=33, 48.5%) (p=0.046). On direct comparison between Danish 1331 and Moscow-I strain, there was similar 3-year recurrence-free survival (80.0% vs. 72.9%) and 3-year progression-free survival (96.5% vs. 97.8%). Conclusion: Study results suggest no significant differences between Danish 1331 and Moscow-I strain in recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival, but a significantly higher incidence of moderate to severe adverse events in BCG Moscow-I strain.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the penile urethra.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)/Ewing's sarcoma tumors are a group of highly malignant tumors composed of small, round cells showing neuroectodermal differentiation that commonly affects soft tissue and bone. PNET involving the genitourinary system is rare and PNET of the penile urethra is rarer still. It exhibits a highly aggressive biological behavior with poor prognosis. We report a case of a 27-year-old male presenting with penile swelling and difficulty in passing urine. Examination revealed a firm penile urethral mass. Pathological and immunohistochemical results of the specimen obtained from urethroscopic biopsy followed by total penectomy confirmed the diagnosis of PNET of the urethra. He received combination chemotherapy: ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) + vincristine, Adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC). In conclusion, PNET has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of a penile urethral mass in young patients.