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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 01/04/2025 5:38 AM
Question 20021020
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: SEER Book 8, 37, 40, 74. 3rd Ed.
#2: Hem Abstract & Coding Guide, 3. May 2002, NCI/SEER
Question:
First Course Treatment: 1) When is Decadron (Dexamethasone) coded as cancer treatment? 2) When Decadron is given to a patient with multiple myeloma, is it coded as treatment only if given in combination with chemotherapy? See discussion.
Discussion:
SEER Book 8 states that Decadron is an important therapeutic agent for treatment of multiple myeloma. In the Abstracting and Coding Guide for the Hematopoietic Diseases, Decadron is a hormonal treatment for multiple myeloma "when given as part of a chemotherapy regimen".
Answer:
For cases diagnosed 1/1/2003 and after:
1. Code hormone therapy to 01. Code any therapy administered to treat cancer tissue that achieves its effect on cancer tissue through a change in the hormone balance in the hormone therapy field. Decadron is coded for leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myelomas primaries. It is coded for other sites only when stated to be cancer-directed treatment.
2. Code hormone therapy to 01. Decadron should be coded as hormone therapy for multiple myeloma when given alone or as part of a first course of treatment chemotherapy regimen.
History:
For cases diagnosed prior to 2003: Cases coded using the SEER Program Code Manual 3rd Edition one digit hormone therapy codes must be converted to the two-digit scheme in Revision 1. Codes 82, 85, and 86 are invalid for cases diagnosed prior to 1/1/2003.
