What is Mitomycin C?

Mitomycin C is a type of chemotherapy used to treat non muscle invasive bladder cancer (cancer which affects the bladder lining not the bladder muscle). It is used to destroy cancer cells after surgery and to reduce the chance of the bladder cancer coming back. It is put into the bladder through a catheter and is usually given either as a single treatment after an operation to remove bladder cancer or as a course given once a week for 6 weeks.

• If you are allergic to Mitomycin C.
• If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
• If you are taking immunosuppressive medication or have a disorder of your immune system.
• If you have a bleeding disorder
• If you are breast-feeding.
• If you are pregnant, possibly pregnant or trying to conceive.
• If you have had a flu or shingles vaccine within the last 6 weeks.

Mitomycin C is put into your bladder through the catheter. The catheter will then be removed. In some cases the catheter may be left in place whilst you are having your treatment. If this is so, the catheter will be clamped to keep the Mitomycin C in the bladder. You will be asked not to pass urine for 1 hour. You can walk about when the Mitomycin C is in your bladder.

You will need to keep the Mitomycin C in the bladder for 1 hour.

Normally there are few side effects.

• Some bladder discomfort after treatment.
• Flu-like symptoms which can persist for two to three days.
• Discoloured urine.
• Blood/Debris in your urine.

• Skin rash.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Narrowing (stricture) of the urethra following repeated use of a catheter.

• Severe pain on instillation, persisting afterwards.
• Allergic reaction to the instilled chemicals, requiring discontinuation of the treatment.