Name of the Procedure:

Injection, Ramucirumab, 5 mg

• Common Name(s): Ramucirumab Injection
• Technical/Medical Term: Ramucirumab (J9308)

Summary

Ramucirumab is a targeted therapy medication administered via injection to treat certain types of cancer. This procedure involves injecting a specific dose (5 mg) of ramucirumab, which works by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors.

Purpose

Ramucirumab injection is used primarily for:

• Treating advanced stomach cancer and aggressive forms of lung and colon cancer.
• Aimed at restricting tumor growth by targeting and inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), which plays a key role in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that tumors need to grow.

Indications

Ramucirumab injection is indicated for patients with the following conditions:

• Advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
• Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
• Metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Patients who have not responded to other forms of chemotherapy.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may be advised to:
  • Avoid eating or drinking for a specific period prior to the injection.
  • Adjust certain medications as instructed by their healthcare provider.
• Diagnostic Tests:
  • Blood tests to assess overall health.
  • Imaging studies to determine the cancer's status.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. The patient is seated or lying down comfortably.
  2. The injection site (usually a vein) is sterilized.
  3. Ramucirumab is prepared and administered intravenously (IV).
• Tools/Equipment:
  • Sterile needles and syringes.
  • IV infusion setup.
  • Ramucirumab medication vials.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required as it is an IV infusion.

Duration

The infusion usually takes approximately 60 minutes for each session.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a controlled medical environment such as:

• Outpatient clinic.
• Hospital infusion center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved:
  • Oncologist (to oversee the treatment).
  • Nurses (to administer the injection and monitor the patient).

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Injection site reactions, hypertension, diarrhea, headache.
• Rare Risks: Severe bleeding, gastrointestinal perforations, wound healing complications.
• Management: Continuous monitoring and supportive care to manage side effects.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Delay tumor progression and potentially improve survival rates.
• Timeline: Benefits may be seen after several treatment cycles, depending on individual patient response.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care:
  • Observation period post-injection for immediate reactions.
  • Hydration and rest are often recommended.
• Recovery Time: Minimal to no downtime. Patients can usually resume regular activities soon after treatment.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor cancer progression and side effects.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • Alternative chemotherapy drugs.
  • Radiation therapy.
  • Surgical intervention.
• Pros and Cons: Each alternative has different efficacy rates and side effect profiles; the choice depends on specific patient factors and cancer type.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Some discomfort at the injection site is normal. Patients might feel sensations of cold or warmth.
• After the Procedure: Possible mild side effects include fatigue and nausea. Pain management and comfort measures (e.g., medications, hydration) are available to alleviate symptoms.