Name of the Procedure:

Injection, obinutuzumab, 10 mg (commonly referred to as Gazyva injection)

Summary

The obinutuzumab injection is a medical treatment where a medication known as obinutuzumab (Gazyva) is administered to patients. Each injection contains 10 mg of the drug, which is used to target specific types of cancer cells in the body.

Purpose

Obinutuzumab is used primarily in the treatment of certain types of lymphomas, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma. The goal of the procedure is to target and kill cancer cells, ultimately reducing the size of tumors and helping to control the spread of the disease.

Indications

This injection is indicated for patients with:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Follicular lymphoma It is typically prescribed when other treatments have not been successful or as part of a combination therapy.

Preparation

Before the injection, patients may need to:

• Undergo blood tests to check for infections or other issues that could complicate treatment.
• Review current medications with their doctor, as some may need to be adjusted.
• Stay well-hydrated.
• In some cases, pre-medicate with antihistamines or corticosteroids to minimize allergic reactions.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-medication: The patient may receive antihistamines, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids to prevent allergic reactions.
2. Injection Administration:
   • The injection is administered intravenously (IV) by a healthcare professional.
   • The patient is monitored for any immediate adverse reactions during and after the infusion.
3. Duration of Injection: Varies depending on the infusion protocol, but typically several hours for the first dose, with shorter durations for subsequent doses.

Duration

The process usually takes several hours, especially for the first dose, due to the slow infusion rate needed to reduce the risk of reactions.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic where appropriate monitoring and emergency care are readily available.

Personnel

• Oncologists or hematologists
• Registered nurses, particularly those specialized in IV infusions
• Pharmacists
• Supporting medical staff

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, rash)
• Infections due to weakened immune system Rare complications:
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Tumor lysis syndrome (a rapid release of cancer cell contents into the blood)
• Low blood cell counts leading to anemia, infections, or bleeding

Benefits

The primary benefit is the reduction or elimination of cancer cells, potentially leading to:

• Remission of the disease
• Prolongation of survival
• Improvement in quality of life

Recovery

Post-procedure care includes:

• Monitoring for side effects for at least 24 hours after the infusion
• Regular follow-up appointments for blood tests and assessments
• Avoidance of certain activities as advised by the healthcare provider Patients may resume most normal activities within a few days, although some may experience fatigue.

Alternatives

Other treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Other monoclonal antibodies or targeted therapies Pros and cons vary, with some alternatives potentially being more or less effective, carrying different risk profiles, or being preferable based on individual patient factors.

Patient Experience

Patients might experience:

• Mild discomfort at the injection site
• Potential flu-like symptoms (fever, chills) during or after infusion Pain management may include pre-medications and over-the-counter pain relievers, and comfort measures such as blankets and supportive care from nursing staff are provided.