Name of the Procedure:

Injection, cabazitaxel, 1 mg (HCPCS Code: J9043) Common names: Cabazitaxel Injection Technical/Medical terms: Intravenous administration of cabazitaxel

Summary

Cabazitaxel injection is a medical treatment in which a specific dose of cabazitaxel, an anticancer drug, is administered intravenously. Cabazitaxel belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs known as taxanes and is used to treat certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Purpose

Cabazitaxel injection is primarily used to treat advanced prostate cancer that has not responded to other treatments. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the size of cancerous tumors, slow the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms associated with cancer, and potentially prolong the patient's life.

Indications

• Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
• Patients who have previously received a docetaxel-containing treatment regimen
• Patients displaying progression of cancer despite hormone therapy

Preparation

• Patients may be required to undergo blood tests to assess liver function and blood cell counts.
• Patients should inform their doctor of any other medications they are taking, as some may need to be adjusted.
• Pre-medication with anti-allergic drugs and steroids might be necessary to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
• Fasting is generally not required, but specific instructions will be provided by the healthcare team.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-procedure medications are given to prevent allergic reactions and nausea.
2. The patient sits comfortably while the IV line is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm.
3. Cabazitaxel, mixed with a saline solution, is infused slowly into the IV over an hour.
4. During the infusion, the patient's vital signs are monitored.
5. Once the infusion is complete, the IV line is removed.

Duration

The entire procedure, including preparation and infusion, typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

This procedure is generally performed in an outpatient clinic or a hospital's oncology department.

Personnel

• Oncologist or oncology nurse
• Pharmacist for drug preparation
• Other nursing staff for patient monitoring

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss
• Rare risks: Severe allergic reactions, kidney or liver damage, severe infections
• Management includes preventive medications, close monitoring, and supportive care as needed.

Benefits

• Potential reduction in tumor size and slower disease progression
• Relief from cancer-related symptoms
• Possible extension of survival time
• Benefits may take several weeks of treatment to become evident.

Recovery

• Patients can usually go home shortly after the infusion.
• Post-procedure care involves managing side effects such as nausea and monitoring blood counts.
• Recovery time varies; some patients may feel fatigued for a few days.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor treatment response and manage any side effects.

Alternatives

• Other chemotherapy agents (e.g., docetaxel)
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Pros and cons vary; alternatives may have different side effect profiles, efficacy rates, and costs.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel a mild sting when the IV is inserted.
• During the infusion, patients may experience mild discomfort, but severe reactions are rare due to pre-medication.
• Post-infusion, patients might feel tired or unwell for a few days, but healthcare providers will offer medications to manage side effects and ensure comfort.