Name of the Procedure:

Injection, doxorubicin hydrochloride, liposomal, not otherwise specified, 10 mg
Common names: Liposomal Doxorubicin Injection

Summary

Liposomal doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medication administered through an injection. This treatment utilizes liposomes—tiny fat-like particles—to deliver doxorubicin hydrochloride directly to cancer cells, enhancing its effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Purpose

Medical Conditions: This injection is primarily used to treat various types of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, and Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with AIDS.
Goals/Outcomes: The aim is to shrink tumors, reduce cancer cell proliferation, and alleviate symptoms associated with these cancers.

Indications

• Cancer diagnosis confirmed by biopsy
• Effectiveness of other treatments has been deemed inadequate
• Progressive or recurrent cancer despite primary treatment

Preparation

• Fasting: Not usually required, but follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
• Medication Adjustments: Inform the doctor about all medications being taken; some may need to be adjusted.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests to check liver and kidney function, and cardiac assessments to ensure the heart can handle the medication.

Procedure Description

1. Administration: The medication is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically over 30-90 minutes.
2. Tools/Equipment: IV line, infusion pump.
3. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required. However, medications may be given beforehand to manage nausea or other side effects.

Duration

The infusion process usually takes between 30 to 90 minutes, but the entire appointment may last a few hours, including preparation and observation time.

Setting

The procedure is most commonly performed in an outpatient chemotherapy clinic or hospital oncology department.

Personnel

• Oncologist: Responsible for prescribing and managing the treatment.
• Nurse: Administers the infusion and monitors the patient during the procedure.
• Pharmacist: Prepares the chemotherapy solution.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and low blood counts.
• Rare Risks: Heart damage, severe allergic reactions, or secondary cancer (acute myeloid leukemia).

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduction in tumor size and slowing of cancer progression.
• Timeline: Benefits can be noticed after a few treatment cycles, but the exact timeframe varies per individual.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Hydration, rest, manage side effects with prescribed medications.
• Recovery Time: Side effects may persist for a few days to a week; overall recovery depends on individual health and response to treatment.
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with an oncologist to monitor progress and manage side effects.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Surgery, radiation therapy, other chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives might have different efficacy and side effect profiles; the choice depends on the specific type and stage of cancer, patient health, and treatment response.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Some discomfort from IV placement; nausea preventive medication may be administered before the infusion.
• After the Procedure: Patients might feel tired or nauseous; pain management options and comfort measures will be provided by healthcare staff.