Name of the Procedure:

Injection, palifermin, 50 micrograms

• Common name(s): Palifermin Injection
• Technical/medical term: Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) Injection

Summary

Palifermin injection involves administering a synthetic version of a naturally occurring protein called keratinocyte growth factor. This protein helps stimulate the growth of cells lining the mouth and intestinal tract.

Purpose

Palifermin injection is primarily used to reduce the severity and duration of oral mucositis (severe mouth sores) in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy followed by a bone marrow transplant. The goal is to accelerate healing and provide relief from painful mouth sores, thereby improving the patient’s ability to eat, drink, and speak.

Indications

• Patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy followed by a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
• Those at high risk for developing severe oral mucositis due to the intensity of their cancer treatment.

Preparation

• No specific fasting or dietary restrictions are typically required.
• Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may need to be adjusted.
• Blood tests and other diagnostic assessments may be conducted to ensure the patient's suitability for the injection.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-procedure: A healthcare provider confirms the patient's condition and appropriateness for the injection.
2. Administration: The injection is usually given into a vein (intravenously) by a nurse or doctor.
3. Tools Used: Sterile syringes, needles, and IV administration sets.
4. Anesthesia: No anesthesia or sedation is required, as this is a straightforward injection procedure.

Duration

The administration of palifermin itself typically takes only a few minutes. However, preparation and observation might extend the overall time spent in the healthcare facility to approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic setting.

Personnel

• Nurses administer the injection.
• Oncologists or hematologists may oversee the treatment.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Rash, itching, joint pain, and fever.
• Rare risks: Serious allergic reactions, changes in taste, or swelling of the mouth and tongue.
• Management usually involves symptom-based treatments such as antihistamines for rashes or pain relievers for joint pain.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduced severity and duration of oral mucositis, improved ability to consume food and liquids, enhanced quality of life during cancer treatment.
• Benefits typically become apparent within days to a week after starting the injections.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Monitor for any immediate allergic reactions or side effects.
• Recovery Time: Generally minimal; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness and any potential side effects.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Other medications to manage oral mucositis symptoms, alternative nutritional support strategies, and dose adjustments of the primary cancer treatments.
• Pros and Cons: Palifermin specifically targets the underlying issue (damage to mucosal cells), while other treatments primarily manage symptoms.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: A brief needle stick may cause minimal discomfort.
• After the Procedure: Patients might experience mild side effects like rash or joint pain. Effective pain management and comfort measures, such as hydration and topical oral treatments, can help mitigate discomfort.