Name of the Procedure:

Injection, bendamustine HCl (Treanda), 1 mg
Common names: Bendamustine injection, Treanda injection
Technical/Medical terms: Bendamustine hydrochloride injection, HCPCS code J9033

Summary

The injection of bendamustine HCl (Treanda) is a cancer treatment that involves administering a chemotherapeutic drug to target and kill cancer cells. The drug is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein (intravenous or IV).

Purpose

Bendamustine injection is primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed despite other treatments. The goal is to reduce the number of cancer cells, slow disease progression, and improve patient symptoms and quality of life.

Indications

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) that has not responded to other treatments Patients who exhibit symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, or recurrent infections may be appropriate candidates.

Preparation

• No particular fasting is required, but patients should follow their oncologist’s dietary recommendations.
• Inform the healthcare provider of any other medications being taken, as some might need to be adjusted.
• Blood tests may be required to assess kidney and liver function and overall health status.

Procedure Description

1. The patient reports to the infusion clinic.
2. A healthcare professional inserts an intravenous (IV) catheter into a vein in the arm or through a central line if one is in place.
3. Bendamustine HCl is mixed with a diluent and loaded into an IV bag.
4. The medication is administered slowly through the IV over a period of 30 to 60 minutes.
5. Vital signs are monitored throughout the infusion to watch for any adverse reactions. Tools/Equipment: IV catheter, infusion pump, saline solution, bendamustine HCl Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required

Duration

The infusion process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per session. Treatment cycles can vary based on individual treatment plans, often involving multiple sessions over several weeks.

Setting

The procedure is commonly performed in an outpatient oncology clinic or hospital infusion center.

Personnel

• Oncologist
• Oncology nurses
• Pharmacist (for preparation of the drug)

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Low blood cell counts (leading to increased risk of infection or bleeding) Rare Risks:
• Severe allergic reactions
• Tumor lysis syndrome (rapid cancer cell breakdown)
• Liver or kidney damage Complications are managed by supportive care, including medications and monitoring.

Benefits

• Reduction in cancer cell numbers
• Slow disease progression
• Symptom relief Benefits may be noticed after a few treatment cycles, though individual responses vary.

Recovery

Post-procedure care includes:

• Monitoring for immediate side effects
• Hydration and rest
• Avoiding infection risks due to lowered immunity Recovery time can vary; side effects may last a few days post-infusion. Follow-up appointments are crucial for assessing response and adjusting treatment as needed.

Alternatives

• Other chemotherapy drugs
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stem cell transplant Each alternative has its own set of benefits and risks, and the best option depends on the specific cancer type and patient health.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel a slight pinch from the IV insertion and potential discomfort during the infusion. Post-infusion, they may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects managed with medications and supportive care. Pain management and comfort measures are routinely addressed by the healthcare team.