This information gives you an overview of intravesical treatment using Mitomycin C. It includes information on how we deliver it, common side effects and how to manage them. The information will also help you to reduce problems the treatment may cause. If you have any concerns or would like further information, contact your urology doctor or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Their contact details are below.
You can find information about bladder cancer on the Macmillan Cancer Support website. Please ask your CNS if you’d like a printed copy of the information.
This treatment involves putting chemotherapy through a catheter into your bladder. The chemotherapy is called Mitomycin C.
We can use intravesical Mitomycin C if your bladder cancer is superficial. It’s called superficial bladder cancer when it only affects the bladder lining, not the muscle. The treatment works by slowing or stopping cancer cells from growing in your bladder. It also helps to prevent the cancer from coming back.
If you choose not to have this treatment, your urology doctor will discuss alternatives for you. Going without treatment could pose a serious risk to your life.
The most likely alternative treatment would be to continue with bladder surveillance. This means that you will have regular cystoscopies so we can check your bladder cancer. A cystoscope is a tube with a light and a tiny camera on the end. We use it to look inside your bladder.
If your cancer returns or spreads, we may offer you the following treatments:
- another transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) procedure
- other intravesical treatments
- radiotherapy
- surgery to remove your bladder
Ask your CNS or doctor if you want more information about these treatments.
You will have intravesical chemotherapy during an outpatient appointment. This means that you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight and you can go home when your treatment is finished.
- Tell your CNS:
- if you take diuretics. We may ask you to take them at a different time on the day of your treatment
- if you or your partner are planning to become pregnant during the course of treatment.
- if you feel unwell on the day of the treatment or are unable to attend
- Some people may need time off work to attend the treatment sessions. So please discuss this with your employer before your first treatment
We want to involve you in all the decisions about your care and treatment. If you choose to have intravesical chemotherapy, we will ask you to sign a consent form before you have it. This confirms that you agree to have the treatment and understand what it involves. Staff will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives before you sign a consent form. If you are unsure about having the treatment, please tell your hospital doctor or CNS.
Your CNS will discuss with you in detail what will happen before, during and after your treatment. You will have time to ask questions.
Before your first treatment, we may ask you about the following, so it’s helpful to have this information ready:
- any illnesses you’ve had in the past
- any operations you’ve had
- any allergies you have to medicines
- any medicines you’re currently taking
If you’ve had intravesical chemotherapy before, your nurse will ask you how you’ve felt since the last treatment. They will also ask you about any side effects you’ve had.
Do not drink anything for three hours before your treatment. This reduces the amount of urine in your bladder, which makes the chemotherapy stronger. It can also help you to feel more comfortable during the treatment. If you feel thirsty, it’s ok to take a sip of water.
You can eat as usual before having this treatment.
During the treatment your CNS will:
- make sure you’re lying in a comfortable position
- clean your genitals with antiseptic solution
- apply an anaesthetic gel into your urethra (water passage)
- insert a narrow tube, called a catheter, through your urethra and into your bladder
- put the chemotherapy into your bladder through the catheter
- remove the catheter once the chemotherapy is in place
We’ll ask you to keep the chemotherapy in your bladder for up to one hour. We’ll put about 40mls of liquid, about three tablespoons, into your bladder. If you don’t think you can hold the chemotherapy in your bladder for one hour, we’ll leave the catheter in for the duration of the treatment.
We will discuss your next appointment before you leave. You can go home once you finish the treatment, and you feel ready.
Side effects usually start within three to four hours after treatment and last up to 24 hours. Tell your CNS or doctor if you have severe pain during or immediately after your treatment. Common side effects include:
- Cystitis. You might feel pain or a burning feeling when you pee, need to pee more often than usual, or see blood in your urine. Don’t worry if this happens as it is normal. It helps to drink plenty of fluids. Contact your GP if you have had these symptoms for more than three days.
- A rash on your body. This happens very rarely. If it does, please tell your CNS.
If you develop any of the following symptoms, immediately go to your local Emergency department (A&E):
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- face swelling
- severe tummy pain
- unable to pass any urine
- Drink 1 to 2 litres of fluid, each day for the first couple of days after your treatment. This keeps your urine diluted, which will make your recovery more comfortable. It also reduces the chances of developing a urinary tract infection.
- Avoid caffeine drinks (such as tea and coffee), fizzy drinks and alcohol as these can irritate your bladder.
- Your urine may have small traces of chemotherapy for up to six hours after receiving it. So, it’s important to take some simple precautions during this time.
- We recommend that both men and women sit down when using the toilet as this reduces the risk of spills or splashes.
- Flush the toilet twice with the lid down each time you use it.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after you pee.
- If you get urine on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
- If you can, take paracetamol or ibuprofen as this may help if you have bladder pain or discomfort. Please always read the instructions for use. Avoid sex or use a condom for 48 hours following each treatment.
Research shows that smoking can cause bladder cancer to come back. Speak to your CNS if you need support to stop smoking. Or visit nhs.uk/
You’ll have the treatment once a week for six weeks. We may recommend that some people continue to have a single dose of treatment once a month for up to one year. Treatment plans may vary between hospitals, but all follow expert guidelines and the best research evidence.
You will have a cystoscopy every three to six months after the course of treatment. We use it to see inside your bladder and urethra. You will usually have a flexible cystoscopy under local anaesthetic. You have regular cystoscopies to check your bladder and check that the cancer hasn’t come back.
Contact your healthcare team if you don’t get your cystoscopy appointment.
Action on Bladder Cancer (ABC-UK)
0300 302 0085
ABC is a UK charity made up of healthcare professionals and patients. They are dedicated to improving the lives of people with bladder cancer and raising awareness of it.
British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS)
BAUS is a charity which promotes high standards in urology for patients. They have a range of information for patients about tests and treatments.
Fight Bladder Cancer
01844 351 621
Fight Bladder Cancer is a UK charity founded and run by bladder cancer patients and their families.
Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Provides clear information, emotional support, and practical advice.
The Urology Foundation (TUF)
TUF is a UK charity that helps improve urological health and care. They offer clear information about bladder cancer symptoms, tests, and treatments. They also offer advice on life after cancer treatment.
If you have an urgent medical concern, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
If you need urgent medical attention, go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
UCLH urology service contact details
You can contact the UCLH urology team Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (excluding public holidays).
For general enquiries, appointments, or hospital admissions, please contact the superficial bladder cancer and renal service:
For non-urgent clinical queries, contact your CNS:
- Richard Weston, clinical nurse specialist
0203 447 5134
richard.weston2 @nhs.net - Kay Boyer
07977 079333
kay.boyer1 @nhs.net - Hilary Baker, lead clinical nurse specialist
hilary.baker2 @nhs.net
Services
Page last updated: 20 May 2026
Review due: 01 May 2028
