Name of the Procedure:

Injection, bevacizumab-bvzr, biosimilar, (Zirabev), 10 mg (Q5118)

Summary

Bevacizumab-bvzr, commercially known as Zirabev, is a biosimilar medication designed to inhibit the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors. This treatment is typically administered via injection by healthcare professionals.

Purpose

Bevacizumab-bvzr is used to treat various types of cancers by starving the tumor of its blood supply, thereby inhibiting its growth. The primary goal is to slow disease progression and extend survival rates, either used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Indications

This biosimilar is indicated for patients with specific types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, and cervical cancer. It is appropriate for patients who have not responded well to other treatments or who are in advanced stages of cancer.

Preparation

Before the procedure, patients may be asked to:

• Avoid certain medications that could increase bleeding risk.
• Undergo blood tests to ensure kidney function is adequate.
• Provide a full medical history, including any allergic reactions to medications.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will be seated or lying down in a comfortable position.
2. A healthcare professional will clean the injection site with an antiseptic.
3. Bevacizumab-bvzr will be injected intravenously, usually starting with a dose of 10 mg.

4. The administration may take up to 90 minutes for the first dose and be reduced to 30-60 minutes for subsequent doses.

   Tools/Equipment:

   • Syringe and needle
   • Intravenous bag and infusion pump

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

Each injection session lasts approximately 30 to 90 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized infusion center.

Personnel

• Oncologist
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Infusion Therapist

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Fatigue
• Bleeding
• Nausea

Rare risks:

• Blood clots
• Heart problems
• Severe bleeding
• Gastrointestinal perforations

Benefits

• Reduced tumor growth
• Improved survival rates
• Enhanced effectiveness when combined with other treatments Benefits could be noticeable within a few weeks but vary from patient to patient.

Recovery

• Post-injection, patients can generally go home but should rest and avoid strenuous activities.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the effectiveness and side effects.
• Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two but should report any unusual symptoms immediately.

Alternatives

• Other chemotherapy drugs
• Radiation therapy
• Surgical options (depending on cancer type and location) Compared to these alternatives, bevacizumab-bvzr may offer fewer side effects and can be more effective for specific cancers.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients might experience a mild sting at the injection site.
• Post-procedure, mild fatigue or slight pain at the injection site is common.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and following any prescribed medication regime for side effects.

Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns or symptoms with their healthcare provider to ensure optimal care and comfort during the treatment process.