VDT

None

None

FDA approved for multiple myeloma 2006; Phase II brain, kidney, liver, lung, leukemia, HD, NHL, melanoma Phase III prostate Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitor; angiogenesis inhibitor; immunomodulator. Celgene, NCI.

This drug should be coded

None

None

NOTE* Dexamethasone may be coded as either an ancillary drug or hormone. Review chart to determine if given for supportive care or as hormonal therapy. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: dexamethasone is frequently included in treatment regimens, however, this does not indicate it should be coded as hormone therapy. Be sure to review the regimen tab in "Search Database" for additional coding information.

A long-acting corticosteroid (glucocorticoid). In general, this drug is used more commonly for supportive care, and as an antiemetic than it is as hormone therapy. 25 times as potent as cortisol; used topically as an anti-inflammatory and administered orally in replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency, as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant in a wide variety of disorders, and as an antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy. Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids may be used to control white cell proliferation in hematopoietic diseases and would be coded as hormone therapy for lymphoid leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Please see remarks for additional information

None

None

November 14, 2014 update: FDA approved to treat multiple myeloma and Mantle cell lymphoma. In clinical trials for breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.

This drug should be coded