Treatment of Recurrent Penile Condylomata Acuminata With External Application and Intraurethral Instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

PURPOSE: Condylomata acuminata are caused by human papillomavirus infection. Despite numerous treatment modalities these patients often demonstrate recurrent disease. We report initial experience with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy in patients not responding to standard treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 1994 and March 1997, 6 men with rapidly recurrent external and intraurethral condylomata acuminata underwent BCG therapy after initial laser treatment. External application and intraurethral instillation of BCG were performed 6 times in weekly intervals. Followup studies included examination and endoscopic inspection of the urethra and bladder. RESULTS: Of the patients 3 completed 1 course of BCG and had no relapse of condylomata acuminata, 2 underwent a second course of BCG and 1 had relapse, and 1 had relapse after discontinuing therapy due to penile edema. The annual recurrence rate decreased from 3.2 before to 0.75 after BCG therapy (p < 0.05, test of equality of 2 percentages). CONCLUSIONS: Immunotherapy with BCG is accepted treatment for superficial transitional cell carcinoma. The BCG induced immune response appears to reduce the recurrence rate in patients with condylomata acuminata.