Injection, Nivolumab, 1 mg (J9299)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): Nivolumab Injection
• Technical/Medical Term: Nivolumab (J9299)

Summary

Nivolumab injection is a type of immunotherapy used to treat certain cancers. It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Nivolumab is used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and more.
• Goals/Outcomes: The primary goal is to shrink tumors and slow the progression of cancer by enabling the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

Indications

• Conditions: Advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers.
• Patient Criteria: Typically prescribed for patients who have not responded to other treatments or as part of a combination therapy for certain eligible patients.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients may need to undergo blood tests and imaging studies. They should inform their healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions and medications they are taking.
• Diagnostics: Blood tests to check liver, kidney function, and complete blood counts. Imaging studies to assess cancer progression.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-step:
  1. Patient arrives at the treatment facility.
  2. Pre-procedure health assessments are conducted.
  3. Nivolumab is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion over 30-60 minutes.
  4. Patient is monitored for any immediate reactions.
• Tools/Equipment: IV infusion setup.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Generally not required.

Duration

The actual infusion takes about 30-60 minutes, but the entire visit may last a few hours to allow for preparation and monitoring.

Setting

Typically performed in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or specialized cancer treatment center.

Personnel

Healthcare professionals involved include oncology nurses, an oncologist, and potentially a pharmacist.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Fatigue, skin rash, itching, diarrhea, and nausea.
• Rare Risks: Severe immune-related side effects, such as inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis), colon (colitis), liver (hepatitis), and endocrine glands (leading to hormone imbalances).
• Management: Monitoring and management of symptoms, corticosteroids for severe immune reactions.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: May reduce tumor size, slow cancer progression, and improve survival rates.
• Timeline: Benefits may be seen within a few weeks to months, depending on the individual response and type of cancer.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular monitoring for side effects, follow-up visits with the oncologist.
• Recovery Time: Minimal downtime immediately after infusion, but long-term monitoring is essential.
• Restrictions: Patients may need to adjust daily activities based on their energy levels and any side effects.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Surgery, other forms of chemotherapy or immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Surgery: Direct removal of tumors but more invasive.
  • Chemotherapy: May have broader effects on the body.
  • Radiation: Non-invasive but may have localized side effects.
  • Targeted Therapy: Effective for specific genetic mutations.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Most patients report feeling a brief sting with the IV insertion, generally comfortable during the infusion.
• After Procedure: Some may experience mild fatigue or other side effects; pain management and supportive care are provided as needed.