Name of the Procedure:

Injection, bortezomib (Velcade), 0.1 mg (J9041)

• Common Name: Velcade Injection
• Medical Term: Bortezomib Injection

Summary

Bortezomib, sold under the brand name Velcade, is a medication administered through injection. It is used primarily to treat certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Purpose

Bortezomib is used to:

• Treat cancers like multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.
• Slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting proteasomes, which are proteins involved in cell function.

Indications

• Diagnosed cases of multiple myeloma or mantle cell lymphoma.
• Patients who have not responded to other treatments or those who have relapsed after other therapies.

Preparation

• No specific fasting requirements, but patients should follow instructions provided by their healthcare provider.
• Baseline tests including blood tests, kidney function tests, and overall health assessments may be conducted.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider prepares the bortezomib dose (0.1 mg).
2. The injection can be administered either intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (under the skin).
3. If IV, the medication is usually injected into a vein in the arm.
4. If subcutaneous, the injection site is typically on the abdomen or thigh.
5. Steps for administration:
   • The area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
   • Bortezomib is drawn into a syringe.
   • The injection is administered slowly.
   • The site is covered with a sterile bandage.

Duration

• The actual injection process takes a few minutes.
• Overall appointment time may be around 30 minutes, accounting for preparation and post-injection observation.

Setting

• The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Administered by oncologists, registered nurses, or healthcare professionals trained in chemotherapy administration.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Injection site reactions, fatigue, nausea.
• Rare complications: Severe peripheral neuropathy, low blood cell counts, allergic reactions.

Benefits

• Slows the growth of cancer cells.
• Can extend periods of remission in cancer patients.
• Improved quality of life due to reduced tumor burden.

Recovery

• Patients are usually monitored for a short period after the injection for any immediate reactions.
• Post-care instructions include drinking plenty of fluids and reporting any new symptoms to the healthcare provider.
• Normal activities can typically be resumed shortly, but patients may need to avoid strenuous activities for a day.

Alternatives

• Chemotherapy with other drugs (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide).
• Radiation therapy.
• Stem cell transplantation.
• Pros and Cons: Each alternative has varying efficacy and side effects; the choice depends on the individual's specific condition and overall health.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel a brief stinging sensation at the injection site.
• Mild side effects like fatigue or nausea are common.
• Pain management can include over-the-counter pain relief and comfort measures like rest and hydration.