Name of the Procedure:

Injection, docetaxel, 1 mg (J9171)

Summary

Docetaxel is a type of chemotherapy medication used in cancer treatment. This procedure involves the injection of docetaxel at a precise dosage of 1 milligram, commonly administered to patients as part of their cancer therapy regimen.

Purpose

Docetaxel is used to treat various forms of cancer, including but not limited to breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and gastric cancer. The goal of this injection is to reduce the size of cancerous tumors and slow the progression of the disease. It can be part of a larger chemotherapy treatment plan.

Indications

• Confirmed diagnosis of cancer types responsive to docetaxel.
• Patients who have not responded adequately to other chemotherapy treatments.
• Measurable disease progression in need of medical intervention.

Preparation

Patients may be advised:

• To undergo blood tests to check liver function and blood cell counts.
• To avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.
• To refrain from taking certain medications that might interact with chemotherapy, as directed by their healthcare provider.
• To stay hydrated unless otherwise specified.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: The patient’s vital signs and overall health are assessed.
2. Preparation: An IV line is inserted into the patient’s vein, typically in the arm.
3. Injection: The prepared docetaxel solution is administered slowly through the IV over a specified time, usually taking about an hour.
4. Monitoring: The patient is closely monitored for any immediate reactions during and after the injection.

Duration

The injection itself typically takes around 1 hour, but the entire visit, including preparation and monitoring, may take up to 2 to 3 hours.

Setting

Docetaxel injections are usually performed in a hospital oncology unit, outpatient clinic, or specialized cancer treatment center.

Personnel

• Oncologist: A doctor specializing in cancer treatment oversees the procedure.
• Nurses: Registered nurses or chemotherapy-certified nurses administer the injection and monitor the patient.
• Pharmacist: Prepares the medication in an appropriate dosage.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood cell counts.
• Rare Risks: Severe allergic reactions, liver damage, and neuropathy.
• Management of complications may include supportive medications, dosage adjustments, or treatment delays.

Benefits

The primary benefit is the potential reduction of tumor size and slowing of cancer progression, which can lead to prolonged survival and improved quality of life. Effects can be realized within a few treatment cycles, typically spanning several weeks or months.

Recovery

• Patients may experience fatigue and will need to rest post-procedure.
• Specific aftercare instructions will be provided, including hydration and taking prescribed medications for side effects.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor blood counts and liver function are necessary.

Alternatives

• Other chemotherapy agents or combination chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
• Radiation therapy.
• Pros and cons of alternatives vary: for instance, targeted therapies might have different side effect profiles but may not be suitable for all cancer types.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel some discomfort when the IV is inserted and might experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and generalized weakness after the injection. Pain management and anti-nausea medications will be provided to help ease discomfort during treatment and recovery stages.