Temozolomide, oral, 5 mg
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Common Name: Temozolomide
Technical/Medical Term: Temozolomide, oral, 5 mg
Summary
Temozolomide is an oral chemotherapy medication used primarily in the treatment of certain brain cancers. It comes in a 5 mg pill form and requires prescription and monitoring by an oncologist.
Purpose
Medical Conditions Addressed: Temozolomide is used to treat brain cancers like glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma.
Goals/Expected Outcomes: The primary goal is to reduce tumor size, slow cancer spread, and alleviate related symptoms, potentially prolonging the patient's life.
Indications
Symptoms/Conditions: Indicated for patients diagnosed with malignant gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma.
Patient Criteria: Appropriate for patients who have undergone surgery and/or radiation therapy and are in the required chemotherapy phase.
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may need to fast before taking the medication and should discuss any other medications they are on with their doctor.
Pre-procedure Assessments: Blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts are typically required beforehand.
Procedure Description
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- The patient receives a prescription for Temozolomide.
- The medication is taken orally with a glass of water, usually at the same time each day.
- The course of treatment typically follows a cycle (e.g., 5 days on, 23 days off).
Tools/Equipment: Oral pill form.
Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable since it is an oral medication.
Duration
Patients take the medication daily for a specific period, often in 28-day cycles, with the exact duration depending on their oncologist's plan.
Setting
The medication is taken at home but requires regular follow-up at a hospital or outpatient oncology clinic.
Personnel
Involved healthcare professionals include oncologists, oncology nurses, and pharmacists.
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, low blood cell counts, headache, and constipation.
Rare Risks: Severe infections due to low white blood cell counts, liver toxicity, and allergic reactions.
Management: Side effects are managed through supportive medications, dose adjustments, and regular monitoring via blood tests.
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Reduction in tumor size, slowing of tumor growth, symptom relief.
Realization of Benefits: Varies per patient; some benefits may be observed within a few treatment cycles.
Recovery
Post-procedure Care: Ongoing blood tests and regular consultations with an oncologist.
Recovery Time: No specific recovery time since it is an ongoing treatment.
Restrictions/Follow-ups: Avoiding activities that may cause injury or infection; regular medical follow-up essential.
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options: Surgery, radiation therapy, alternative chemotherapy agents, and clinical trial medications.
Pros and Cons of Alternatives: Surgery and radiation may be suitable for some but not all patients. Alternative chemotherapy might have different side effects or efficacy levels.
Patient Experience
During Procedure: Ingesting a pill, possibly accompanied by medications to manage side effects like nausea.
Post-procedure Experience: Managing side effects at home with guidance from healthcare providers. Support from family or caregivers may be needed, especially if fatigue or other severe side effects occur. Pain and discomfort can be managed with additional medications prescribed by the oncologist.