A NEW treatment for BPDCN that does not require a hospital stay for infusion
See below for additional requirements when receiving DECNUPAZ including premedication and monitoring timing.
A treatment for BPDCN that does not require a hospital stay for infusion
See below for additional requirements when receiving DECNUPAZ including premedication and monitoring timing.
WHAT IS DECNUPAZ?
A different approach to BPDCN treatment
DECNUPAZ may affect cancer cells as well as certain healthy cells in the body, which can cause side effects.
DECNUPAZ is a type of medicine called an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). ADCs are designed to attack cancer in a targeted way, which is different from traditional chemotherapies. DECNUPAZ works by targeting BPDCN cells that have a protein on them called CD123. CD123 is found on BPDCN cells and on other nearby cells.
Understanding how DECNUPAZ is designed to work may help you feel more informed and confident throughout your treatment experience.
How DECNUPAZ works
1 Attaches
DECNUPAZ attaches to CD123 on the outside of the cell
2 Attacks
Once inside the cell, DECNUPAZ releases a powerful cancer-killing medicine
3 Destroys
The medicine disrupts the cell’s DNA—so the cell can’t keep growing and eventually dies
HOW DECNUPAZ IS GIVEN
A treatment that does not require a hospital stay for infusion
DECNUPAZ can be given as a short, outpatient infusion. As an outpatient infusion, this means that you will most likely not need to be admitted to or spend the night at a healthcare facility to receive treatment. See below for what your experience may look like, including premedication and monitoring expectations, and talk to your healthcare provider about what you can expect before and after treatment.
Your treatment plan
Given as an IV infusion
Directly into your vein.
Infusion takes
~15–30 minutes
Your healthcare provider will tell you how long your total treatment may take.
Your total treatment time will be longer than your infusion. Before each infusion, you will receive premedications. After each infusion, you will need to be monitored.
Given once every 21 days
Your healthcare provider will decide how many infusions of DECNUPAZ you may receive. Talk to your healthcare provider about what your full treatment plan is and how long you may be on treatment.
What to expect with treatment
- The day before each DECNUPAZ infusion
- You will receive a medicine, known as a premedication, to help prepare your body for the infusion and try to prevent any infusion-related reactions that may occur
- Some premedications will be given orally and some will be given as an IV infusion
- You will receive a medicine, known as a premedication, to help prepare your body for the infusion and try to prevent any infusion-related reactions that may occur
- On the day of each DECNUPAZ infusion
- You will receive premedications 30–60 minutes before each DECNUPAZ infusion, so you will have to arrive early
- After each DECNUPAZ infusion, your healthcare provider will need to monitor you
- You will be monitored for at least 4 hours after the first infusion
- After each future infusion, you will be monitored for at least 1 hour
Tips for treatment
Infusion day will look different for everyone, but below are general tips that can help you prepare. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare team what it will look like for you since they are your best source of information.
Make comfort a priority
To make it easier to relax, try to wear loose, layered clothing that makes you feel comfortable. For even more comfort, think about bringing a light blanket or travel pillow.
Come prepared
Whether it’s reading a book, playing on a tablet, or knitting, consider bringing activities that can keep you busy. If you plan for someone to accompany you, be sure to ask about any rules for guests at the treatment center before infusion day.
Stick to your routine
On infusion days, try to keep as much of your usual routine as possible. This way, treatment feels like just one part of your day, not the whole focus.
Pay attention to how you feel
During treatment, it’s important that you pay close attention to how you feel and share any changes with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team will also check for side effects and may provide treatment to help ease them. If side effects become severe, your treatment may be adjusted, delayed, or stopped.
Talk to your healthcare team about anything you may be experiencing during your treatment. See Important Safety Information below for possible side effects.
BPDCN=blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm; DNA=deoxyribonucleic acid; IV=intravenous
Questions to ask your doctor
If you or a loved one is starting treatment with DECNUPAZ, there may be many questions. Use our Doctor Discussion Guide to help talk openly with your healthcare provider or care team.