Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Mitoxantrone Injection
• Medical Term: Injection, mitoxantrone hydrochloride, per 5 mg (HCPCS Code J9293)

Summary

Mitoxantrone hydrochloride injection is a procedure where a chemotherapy drug, mitoxantrone, is administered via injection. It is used primarily to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Purpose

Mitoxantrone is used to:

• Treat various cancers, including leukemia, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The goal is to hinder the growth of cancer cells or reduce the severity and frequency of MS flare-ups.

Indications

• Diagnosed with specific types of cancer (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia, advanced prostate cancer).
• Multiple sclerosis patients experiencing frequent relapses or progression.
• Indicators showing cancer spreading or MS exacerbations.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure blood tests to check liver and kidney function.
• Discuss existing medications with your doctor; some may need to be paused.
• Fasting is generally not required, unless advised by your healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The healthcare provider will clean the injection site.
2. Injection: Mitoxantrone is administered via intravenous injection, typically into a vein in your arm.

3. Monitoring: The patient is monitored for immediate adverse reactions.

   Tools & Equipment: Syringe, IV needle. Anesthesia: Not typically required, but numbing cream may be used.

Duration

The injection itself takes a few minutes, but the overall visit may take about 1-2 hours including preparation and monitoring.

Setting

Usually administered in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or cancer treatment center.

Personnel

• Oncologist or hematologist
• Registered nurse
• Healthcare technician

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Low blood cell counts
• Fatigue

Rare but serious complications:

• Heart problems
• Severe infections

Benefits

• Slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks. Benefits can be seen in weeks to months depending on the condition treated.

Recovery

• Post-injection monitoring for a short period.
• Follow-up blood tests to monitor effects on blood cell counts.
• Some restrictions on strenuous activities for 24 hours.
• Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Other chemotherapy drugs.
• Radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other MS Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) like Interferon beta.

Pros and Cons:

• Alternatives may have different side effect profiles.
• Effectiveness varies based on individual patient conditions.

Patient Experience

• Most patients feel a sharp sting or mild discomfort at the injection site.
• Possible side effects include nausea or fatigue post-injection.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-nausea medication as prescribed.