Injection, Cytarabine Liposome, 10 mg (J9098)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Injection
• Technical Term: Intrathecal Injection of Cytarabine Liposome

Summary

This procedure involves the injection of a chemotherapy drug, cytarabine liposome, directly into the spinal fluid. It is designed to treat certain types of cancer that impact the central nervous system.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Leukemia with central nervous system involvement, lymphomatous meningitis
• Goals: To deliver chemotherapy directly to the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, and to effectively control or reduce cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Indications

• Patients diagnosed with leukemia or lymphomatous meningitis impacting the central nervous system.
• Evidence of cancer cells in cerebrospinal fluid.
• Individuals who have not responded to other forms of chemotherapy.

Preparation

• Fasting may not be required, but the specific instructions will be provided by the healthcare provider.
• Adjustments in medications, particularly blood thinners or other chemotherapy drugs.
• A lumbar puncture or spinal tap may be performed beforehand to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will be asked to lie on their side or sit up, maintaining a flexed position to open the spaces between the vertebrae.
2. Local anesthesia will be applied to the injection site in the lower back to minimize discomfort.
3. A spinal needle will be inserted into the spinal canal to access the cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Cytarabine liposome will be injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal needle.
5. The needle will be removed, and a bandage will be applied to the injection site.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, although preparation and post-injection monitoring may extend the visit to 1-2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is generally performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic equipped for intrathecal injections.

Personnel

• Oncologist or neurologist specializing in chemotherapy
• Nurse to assist with preparation and aftercare
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist if sedation is used

Risks and Complications

• Common: Headache, nausea, back pain at the injection site
• Rare: Infection, bleeding, neurological damage, allergic reaction to the drug
• Management: Most side effects are manageable with medication and supportive care.

Benefits

• Targeted delivery of chemotherapy to the central nervous system
• Potentially better control or reduction of cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid
• Benefits may be realized within a few days to weeks, depending on the individual response.

Recovery

• Patients may be monitored for several hours after the injection to manage potential side effects.
• Instructions will include hydration, rest, and possibly avoiding vigorous activities.
• Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the treatment.

Alternatives

• Systemic chemotherapy (although it may not penetrate the central nervous system as effectively)
• Radiation therapy
• Clinical trials with new or experimental treatments
• Each alternative comes with its own set of pros and cons, which should be discussed with the healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel a brief sting or pressure during the injection.
• Post-procedure discomfort is commonly managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Comfort measures include lying flat for a period to reduce the risk of headache and ensuring adequate hydration.

The above information provides a comprehensive overview of Injection, Cytarabine Liposome, 10 mg (J9098), catering to patients and healthcare professionals. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.