Name of the Procedure:

Injection, irinotecan liposome, 1 mg (C9474)

Common Name:

• Irinotecan Liposome Injection

Technical or Medical Term:

• Liposomal Irinotecan Injection

Summary

Injection of irinotecan liposome is a treatment where a specific chemotherapy drug, irinotecan in a liposomal formulation, is administered to patients. This drug is encapsulated in liposomes (tiny lipid-based vessels) to help it better target cancer cells, reducing side effects on normal tissues.

Purpose

The procedure aims to treat certain types of cancer, predominantly metastatic pancreatic cancer. It works by interfering with the DNA replication process of cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth and proliferation.

Indications

• Metastatic pancreatic cancer
• Patients who have not responded to other chemotherapy treatments
• Patients with evidence of disease progression after gemcitabine-based therapy

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours prior to the injection.
• Blood tests and other diagnostic scans such as CT or MRI might be required to assess the patient’s overall health and cancer progression.
• Patients may be advised to adjust certain medications they are currently taking.

Procedure Description

1. Patient arrives at the treatment center and is checked in.
2. A healthcare professional, usually a nurse, will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in the patient’s arm.
3. Pre-medications may be administered through the IV to help prevent nausea and other side effects.
4. The irinotecan liposome suspension is prepared in a sterile environment.
5. The drug is infused slowly through the IV line over a period of 90 minutes to 2 hours.
6. The IV line is then removed, and the patient is monitored for a short while to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions.

Duration

The entire procedure, including preparation and post-monitoring, typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Setting

The procedure is ordinarily performed in an outpatient clinic, oncology center, or hospital.

Personnel

• Oncologist
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Pharmacist (for drug preparation)
• Medical Assistant/Technician

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)

Rare but Serious Complications:

• Severe infections due to low white blood cell count
• Severe allergic reactions
• Liver toxicity
• Intestinal blockage or perforation

Management of Complications:

• Medications to manage nausea, diarrhea, and neutropenia
• Close monitoring and supportive care for serious complications

Benefits

• Targeted delivery of chemotherapy can reduce side effects on healthy tissues.
• Potential for shrinking tumors and slowing cancer progression.
• Improvement in survival rates and quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.

Recovery

• Patients may experience mild to moderate side effects like fatigue and gastrointestinal issues for a few days post-injection.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor response to treatment and manage any side effects.
• Patients may need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a short period.

Alternatives

Other treatment options might include:

• Traditional chemotherapy with different drug regimens
• Radiation therapy
• Experimental treatments or clinical trials
• Palliative care Each alternative has its own risk and benefit profile, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Patients might feel some discomfort at the IV insertion site.
• Nausea or a metallic taste in the mouth is possible during the infusion.

After the procedure:

• Side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea are common and should be managed as per the healthcare provider’s advice.
• Pain management strategies may include medications and supportive care measures.

Patients are encouraged to communicate openly with their healthcare team about any side effects or concerns they experience during and after the procedure.