Name of the Procedure:

Injection, romidepsin, 1 mg

Common Name(s): Romidepsin injection

Technical or Medical Terms: HCPCS Code J9315

Summary

Romidepsin injection is a procedure where a dose of 1 mg of the medication romidepsin is administered to the patient via injection. Romidepsin is a type of chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of certain cancers.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Goals:

• To kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
• To reduce the size of tumors and alleviate symptoms associated with the cancers mentioned.

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions:

• Advanced or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
• Advanced or recurrent peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Patient Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with the above types of cancer, especially when other treatments have failed or are not viable.

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the injection.
• Adjustments to current medications, as advised by the physician.
• Blood tests and other diagnostic assessments may be required to ensure the patient’s suitability for the procedure.

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. The patient arrives at the clinic or hospital.
2. The healthcare provider prepares the injection site, usually the arm.
3. An appropriate dose of romidepsin, typically 1 mg, is measured and prepared.
4. The medication is injected into the patient’s vein through an intravenous (IV) line.

Tools and Equipment:

• Syringe
• IV setup

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Generally, no anesthesia or sedation is required unless specified by the healthcare provider.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

Romidepsin injection is performed in a hospital outpatient setting, oncology clinic, or specialized chemotherapy center.

Personnel

• Oncologist or Hematologist
• Registered Nurse
• Pharmacy technician (for preparation of the medication)

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Low blood cell counts
• Infections

Rare Risks:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Cardiac issues such as arrhythmias

Management:

• Supportive care and medications to manage side effects.
• Regular monitoring of the patient's vital signs and blood counts.

Benefits

• Reduction in tumor size.
• Improvement in cancer-related symptoms.
• Potential for prolonged survival.

Timeframe:

• Patients may start seeing benefits within a few weeks, depending on their overall health and response to the treatment.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

• Monitoring for side effects.
• Instructions on managing symptoms at home.
• Diet and hydration advice.

Expected Recovery Time:

• Patients can usually resume normal activities within a day, though some may experience fatigue for a few days.
• Follow-up appointments and blood tests will be necessary.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Other chemotherapy drugs.
• Radiation therapy.
• Stem cell transplant.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Different side effect profiles.
• Varying degrees of effectiveness and suitability depending on the patient’s specific condition.

Patient Experience

During the injection, the patient may feel a slight sting or discomfort at the injection site. After the procedure, patients might experience varying levels of fatigue and nausea. Pain management and comfort measures include anti-nausea medications and rest. It is important for patients to communicate any side effects or concerns to their healthcare team promptly.