Name of the Procedure:

Injection of enfortumab vedotin-ejfv. Common names include enfortumab vedotin injection or brand-specific names like Padcev.

Summary

Enfortumab vedotin-ejfv is a medication administered via injection to treat certain types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that specifically target and kill cancer cells.

Purpose

This medication is primarily used to treat urothelial carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer. The expected outcome is to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells, thereby prolonging patient survival and alleviating symptoms associated with the disease.

Indications

• Urothelial carcinoma that has not responded to other treatments.
• Advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.
• Patients who have previously received chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo blood tests and other diagnostic assessments before the procedure.
• No specific fasting is required.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any medications they are currently taking.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare professional prepares the enfortumab vedotin-ejfv injection.
2. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually in a reclining chair.
3. An intravenous (IV) line is established in the patient’s arm or hand.
4. The medication is administered through the IV line over a specified period, often taking several minutes to an hour.
5. The patient is monitored for any immediate adverse reactions during and after the infusion.

The procedure involves using standard IV infusion equipment, and no anesthesia is generally required.

Duration

The infusion typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting, such as a hospital chemotherapy unit or an oncology clinic.

Personnel

• Oncologist or specialized healthcare provider
• Trained nurses and clinical staff
• Pharmacists to prepare the medication

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, rash, and loss of appetite.
• Rare risks: Severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, and liver dysfunction.
• Management: Patients are monitored for any side effects and treated accordingly.

Benefits

• Targets and kills cancer cells with precision.
• May reduce the size of tumors or slow the progression of the disease.
• Benefits can often be seen after several treatment cycles.

Recovery

• Post-injection, patients are observed for a short time for any adverse reactions before being allowed to leave.
• Patients may experience mild side effects such as fatigue or nausea, which generally resolve in a few days.
• Follow-up appointments and possibly additional infusions every few weeks are usually needed.

Alternatives

• Chemotherapy: Uses chemicals to kill cancer cells but with broader side effects.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer but may not be as effective in some cases.

• Targeted therapy: Other forms of drugs tailored to attack specific cancer cells.

  Each alternative has its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on the patient's specific condition and overall health.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel mild discomfort at the site of the IV insertion.
• During the infusion, possible sensations include coldness or tingling.
• Post-procedure, patients might experience tiredness and mild flu-like symptoms.
• Pain management and supportive care are available to enhance comfort during and after the treatment.