Blenrep combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by nearly 50% versus standard of care combination in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

On June 2, 2024 GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) reported positive results from an interim analysis of the DREAMM-8 phase III head-to-head trial evaluating Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin), in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (PomDex), versus a standard of care, bortezomib plus PomDex, as a second line and later treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (Press release, GlaxoSmithKline, JUN 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234643926]). These late-breaking data, being presented today at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (31 May – 4 June) in Chicago, IL, were featured in the official ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) press programme and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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On the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.73], p-value<0.001) was observed with the belantamab mafodotin combination (n=155) compared to the bortezomib combination (n=147). At a median follow-up of 21.8 months, the median PFS was not yet reached (95% CI: 20.6-not yet reached [NR]) with the belantamab mafodotin combination compared to 12.7 months (95% CI: 9.1-18.5) in the bortezomib combination. At the end of one year, 71% (95% CI: 63-78) of patients in the belantamab mafodotin combination group compared to 51% (95% CI: 42-60) in the bortezomib combination group were alive and had not progressed. A benefit for belantamab mafodotin plus PomDex was observed across all pre-specified subgroups including those with poor prognostic features, such as patients who were refractory to lenalidomide and patients with high-risk cytogenetics.

Hesham Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Global Head Oncology, R&D, GSK, said: "With the robust results from the DREAMM-8 phase III head-to-head trial, we now have consistent data from two phase III trials supporting the potential for Blenrep combinations to redefine the treatment of multiple myeloma at or after first relapse. This is exciting news given the high unmet need for new and efficacious combinations once patients relapse or stop responding to initial treatments. We continue to share data and discuss our path forward with regulators."

A positive overall survival (OS) trend was observed but not statistically significant (HR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.53-1.14]) at the interim analysis. OS follow-up continues and further analyses are planned. At the end of one year, 83% (95% CI: 76-88) of patients were alive in the belantamab mafodotin combination group versus 76% (95% CI: 68-82) in the bortezomib combination group. The safety and tolerability profile of the belantamab mafodotin combination was broadly consistent with the known profile of the individual agents.

Suzanne Trudel, MD, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, said: "The profound progression-free survival benefit seen in DREAMM-8 highlights the potential for belantamab mafodotin, when used with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, to improve outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This combination may have potential to redefine treatment of multiple myeloma at or after first relapse, a setting where patients may benefit from novel therapies.

Similar to the results seen in the DREAMM-7 phase III head-to-head trial, in DREAMM-8 the belantamab mafodotin combination also resulted in clinically meaningful improvements consistently across secondary efficacy endpoints, showing that the belantamab mafodotin combination resulted in deeper and more durable responses compared to the bortezomib combination. Key improvements included rate of complete response (CR) or better (more than twofold improvement); minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate (nearly fivefold improvement); and duration of response (median not yet reached with the belantamab mafodotin combination versus 17.5 months with the bortezomib combination).

Key and other secondary endpoint summaries are listed below.

Key and Other Secondary Endpoints
Endpoint belantamab mafodotin + pomalidomide and dexamethasone (BPd)
(n= 155) pomalidomide + bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd)
(n=147)
ORR (overall response rate), % (95% CI)

77% (70.0-83.7)

72% (64.1-79.2)

sCR (stringent complete
response), %

9%

3%

CR (complete response),
%

31%

14%

VGPR (very good partial
response), %

24%

22%

PR (partial response), %

14%

34%

CR or better rate
(sCR+CR), % (95% CI)

40% (32.2-48.2)

16% (10.7-23.3)

VGPR or better rate
(sCR+CR+VGPR), %
(95% CI)

64% (55.8-71.4)

38% (30.2-46.5)

MRD negativity rate* %
(95% CI)

23.9% (17.4-31.4)

4.8% (1.9-9.6)

Duration of response
(months), median (95% CI)

NR (24.9-NR)

17.5 months (12.1-26.4)

Overall Survival**
HR (95% CI)  0.77 (0.53-1.14)
* Measured in patients with a sCR or CR.
** Follow-up for OS is ongoing.
NR: Not reached.

Grade 3 or higher non-ocular adverse events (AEs) of clinical interest in the belantamab mafodotin combination versus bortezomib combination arms, respectively, included neutropenia (57% versus 39%; 42 patients/100 person-years in both arms); thrombocytopenia (38% versus 29%; 28 versus 31 patients/100 person-years); and pneumonia (17% versus 8%; 13 versus 8 patients/100 person-years).

Eye-related side effects, a known risk of treatment with belantamab mafodotin, were generally reversible, manageable with dose modifications, and led to low (9%) treatment discontinuation rates. Grade 3 or higher ocular adverse events occurred in 43% of patients receiving the belantamab mafodotin combination (Grade 3: 42%; Grade 4: 1%). Most commonly reported grade 3 or higher ocular symptoms included blurred vision (Grade 3: 17%; Grade 4: 0), dry eye (Grade 3: 8%: Grade 4: 0), and foreign body sensation in the eyes (Grade 3: 6%; Grade 4: 0). Fifty-one patients (34%) with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/25 or better in at least one eye at baseline had a worsening in both eyes to 20/50 or worse. At the time of this analysis, the first occurrence of such events had improved in 92% of these patients, and resolved in 85%, with a median time to resolution of 57 days (range: 14-451 days).

Global health status quality of life (QOL), as measured by the EORTC-QLQ-C30 remained stable in both treatment arms over time, suggesting that treatment did not lead to any decline in overall health related QOL.

The DREAMM (DRiving Excellence in Approaches to Multiple Myeloma) clinical development programme continues to evaluate the potential of belantamab mafodotin in early lines of treatment and in combination with novel therapies and standard of care treatments. DREAMM-8 is the second phase III head-to-head belantamab mafodotin combination trial in second line and later treatment for multiple myeloma to report positive results. Positive findings from DREAMM-7, a phase III head-to-head trial evaluating belantamab mafodotin in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (BorDex) versus daratumumab plus BorDex in the same treatment setting, were presented1 at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Plenary Series on 6 February 2024, shared in an encore presentation at the 2024 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

About DREAMM-8
The DREAMM-8 phase III clinical trial is a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin in combination with PomDex compared to a combination of bortezomib and PomDex in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma previously treated with at least one prior line of multiple myeloma therapy, including a lenalidomide-containing regimen, and who have documented disease progression during or after their most recent therapy. Compared to the patient population studied in the DREAMM-7 trial, patients in DREAMM-8 were more heavily pre-treated in that all had prior exposure to lenalidomide, 75% were refractory to lenalidomide, 25% had prior daratumumab exposure and of those most were daratumumab refractory.

A total of 302 participants were randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive either belantamab mafodotin plus PomDex, or bortezomib plus PomDex.

The primary endpoint is PFS as per an independent review committee. Key secondary endpoints include OS, minimal residual disease negativity as assessed by next-generation sequencing, and duration of response. Other secondary endpoints include ORR, patient-reported quality of life outcomes, adverse events, eye exam findings, and laboratory investigations.

About multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer globally and is generally considered treatable but not curable.2,3 There are approximately 176,000 new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed globally each year.4 Research into new therapies is needed as multiple myeloma commonly becomes refractory to available treatments.5

About Blenrep
Blenrep is an antibody-drug conjugate comprising a humanised B-cell maturation antigen monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic agent auristatin F via a non-cleavable linker. The drug linker technology is licensed from Seagen Inc.; the monoclonal antibody is produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa Inc., a member of the Kyowa Kirin Group.

Refer to the Blenrep UK Summary of Product Characteristics6 for a full list of adverse events and the complete important safety information in the United Kingdom.

Flamingo Therapeutics Presents Poster at ASCO 2024 on Phase II PEMDA-HN Trial for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

On June 2, 2024 Flamingo Therapeutics ("Flamingo") reported the presentation of a Trial-in-Progress poster at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) (ASCO 2024) taking place in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, Flamingo Therapeutics, JUN 2, 2024, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flamingo-therapeutics-presents-poster-at-asco-2024-on-phase-ii-pemda-hn-trial-for-head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma-hnscc [SID1234643925]).

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Flamingo’s lead oncology program, danvatirsen, is an oligonucleotide discovered by Ionis that selectively targets STAT3 and has shown clinical activity in HNSCC. PEMDA-HN (NCT05814666) is a multicenter, open-label, randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of danvatirsen in combination with pembrolizumab compared with pembrolizumab alone as first-line treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC whose tumor expresses PD-L1. Two-thirds of patients will be randomized to receive danvatirsen and pembrolizumab and one-third will be randomized to receive pembrolizumab alone. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate by RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator. The secondary endpoints include safety, duration of response, disease control rate, progression free survival and overall survival. PEMDA-HN is being conducted at study centers in the United States, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

ASCO poster details are as follows:

Abstract#: TPS6113
Title: "PEMDA-HN, an open-label, phase II, randomized controlled study of danvatirsen plus pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab alone in first-line recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM HNSCC)"
Session Title: Poster Session – Head and Neck Cancer
Session Date and Time: June 2, 2024, 9:00am CDT
Presenting Author: Marshall R. Posner, MD, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

For more information, please visit the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024 website.

ALX Oncology Presents First Evorpacept Combination Data with an Antibody-Drug Conjugate from Phase 1 ASPEN-07 Clinical Trial in Patients with Advanced Bladder Cancer

On June 2, 2024 ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., ("ALX Oncology" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: ALXO), an immuno-oncology company developing therapies that block the CD47 immune checkpoint pathway, reported data from its Phase 1 ASPEN-07 clinical trial in a poster presentation (abstract #4575) at the 2024 American Society of Cancer Oncology ("ASCO") Annual Meeting being held in Chicago from May 31-June 4, 2024 (Press release, ALX Oncology, JUN 2, 2024, https://ir.alxoncology.com/news-releases/news-release-details/alx-oncology-presents-first-evorpacept-combination-data-antibody [SID1234643920]). These findings represent the first evorpacept combination data with an ADC from ASPEN-07’s ongoing, open-label, single-arm, clinical trial of evorpacept in combination with PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin or "EV") in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer ("la/m UC"). Evorpacept is a CD47 blocker with an inactivated Fc effector domain that is designed to minimize associated toxicity.

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Key results as of the data cut-off date of April 3, 2024:

Initial patient demographics

Twenty-eight EV-naïve patients were enrolled with 29% having received three or more prior lines of therapy.
All patients had disease that progressed after platinum chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibition.
Approximately 93% of patients had metastatic disease.
The combination was generally well-tolerated in a heavily pre-treated patient population

No maximum tolerated dose was reached, and the maximum administered evorpacept dose was 30 mg/kg Q2W.
There were no treatment-related deaths in the study.
The most frequent adverse events due to any cause were low-grade fatigue, dysgeusia, nausea, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and pruritis.
Initial activity showed tumor reduction in the majority of evaluable patients

ASCO poster presentation data-cut reported an unconfirmed overall response rate ("ORR") of 59% (n=22) with evorpacept plus EV (EV single agent ORR benchmark is 41%1).
Following the April data cut-off, four additional response evaluable patients yielded an unconfirmed ORR of 61% (n=26) including two confirmed complete responses and six confirmed partial responses.
To date, 58% of evaluable patients remain in the study.
Continued follow-up for patients who are EV-naïve on ASPEN-07 is ongoing and, enrollment of a new cohort of patients who have received prior EV has begun.
"We are encouraged by the preliminary safety data and clinical activity of evorpacept combined with PADCEV in patients with advanced bladder cancer," said Sophia Randolph, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of ALX Oncology. "To our knowledge, these data are the first demonstration of anti-tumor activity with a CD47 blocker and an ADC in a heavily pre-treated patient population in the clinical setting. With these promising early results, we are evaluating clinical development options in both PADCEV-naïve and experienced patient populations."

"This emerging dataset reported favorable potential for evorpacept to be combined with an ADC in a patient population that has exhausted many treatments," said Jason Lettmann, Chief Executive Officer of ALX Oncology. "We are especially hopeful because of the two patients with confirmed complete responses, which further exhibited this combination is active and that responses could improve over time in more patients. Heading further into the year, we will continue the momentum for ASPEN-07 as we gear up to share multiple, randomized, Phase 2 clinical data readouts where evorpacept is combined with anti-cancer antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors."

The poster can be found on the Publications section of the ALX Oncology website here.

Company Event with ASPEN-07 Principal Investigator and ALX Oncology Management

The Company is hosting a virtual event with key opinion leaders on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET. The event will feature leading ASPEN-07 principal investigator and bladder cancer expect, Samuel A. Funt, M.D., from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, along with the management team of ALX Oncology. The discussion will cover details of the first promising initial dose escalation data from the Phase 1 ASPEN-07 clinical trial of evorpacept in combination with EV in patients with la/m UC, and how ASPEN-07 could fit into the treatment paradigm of this indication.

Samuel A. Funt, M.D., is a genitourinary oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY, where he is also Director of the Inpatient Genitourinary Oncology Service, Director of Bladder Cancer Clinical Trials Operations, and member of the Data Safety Monitoring Committee. Dr. Funt has practiced medicine and been involved in clinical trials for over 10 years. His top areas of clinical expertise are Bladder and Testicular Cancers. Dr. Funt has co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and been awarded research grants from the National Institutes Health, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), and the American Cancer Society. His research focuses on the development of more personalized and effective treatments and novel biomarkers of therapeutic response and resistance.

The event will be webcast live and can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of ALX Oncology’s website at www.alxoncology.com and selecting Events under News and Events. To participate in the live event, please register using this link: View Source An archived webcast will be available following the event.

About the Phase 1 Clinical Trial Investigating Evorpacept plus EV in Advanced Bladder Cancer

The Phase 1 clinical trial is an ongoing, open-label, single arm is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of evorpacept in combination with EV in patients with la/m UC (NCT05524545). This dose escalation clinical trial has enrolled cohorts receiving 20 mg/kg Q2W or 30 mg/kg Q2W evorpacept plus standard EV treatment. The study is sponsored and conducted by ALX Oncology.

About Bladder Cancer and UC

As estimated by the National Cancer Institute, bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer type in the United States. UC is the most common type of bladder cancer and accounts for approximately 90% of all bladder cancer cases. Roughly 83,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024 with about 16,800 deaths. The five-year survival for patients with metastatic bladder cancer is less than 8%. Worldwide, over 614,000 new cases of bladder cancer and over 220,000 deaths occurred in 2022 according to The Global Cancer Observatory.

Pfizer’s ADCETRIS® Regimen Produces Clinically Meaningful Improvement in Overall Survival in Patients with Relapsed/​Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

On June 1, 2024 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported detailed overall survival (OS) results from the Phase 3 ECHELON-3 study of ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (Press release, Pfizer, JUN 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234643972]). The study showed that the ADCETRIS combination reduced patients’ risk of death by 37% compared to placebo in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab (HR 0.63 [95% CI: 0.445-0.891] p=0.0085). The overall survival benefit was consistent across levels of CD30 expression.

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The ECHELON-3 results will be presented as a late-breaker (LBA7005) in an oral session at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting along with four-year results from the Phase 3 HD21 trial in advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) (LBA7000).

"ECHELON-3 is one of the first randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies to demonstrate an overall survival benefit in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL after two or more prior lines of systemic therapy," said principal investigator Dr. Jeung-A Kim, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea. "The clinically meaningful improvement in survival demonstrates the potential benefit of this ADCETRIS regimen in relapsed/refractory DLBCL, particularly for patients whose disease has progressed after CAR-T therapy or bispecific antibody treatment or individuals who are not able to receive these treatments."

ADCETRIS is approved in the U.S. as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy for seven lymphomas including certain types of cHL, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Seven-year survival data for an ADCETRIS regimen for patients with advanced stage cHL will be shared in a poster presentation (7053) at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Meeting on June 3.

"Three Phase 3 trials in three different types of lymphoma have now demonstrated that an ADCETRIS-containing regimen improved overall survival," said Roger Dansey, M.D., Chief Development Officer, Oncology, Pfizer. "ADCETRIS is a standard of care medicine in its approved indications today, and these impressive results from an interim analysis highlight its potential to benefit people with relapsed/refractory DLBCL regardless of CD30 expression."

DLBCL is the most common lymphoma and is aggressive and difficult to treat, with up to 40 percent of patients experiencing disease progression after initial therapy.1,2

Among 230 randomized patients in the trial, the interim analysis showed that median OS in patients randomized to receive ADCETRIS, lenalidomide and rituximab was 13.8 months (95% CI: 10.3-18.8) compared to 8.5 months (95% CI: 5.4-11.7) in patients randomized to lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo.

Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.2 months (95% CI: 2.9-7.1) in the ADCETRIS arm versus 2.6 months (95% CI: 1.4-3.1) in the lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo arm (HR 0.527 [95% CI: 0.380-0.729] p<0.0001). The overall response rate for patients treated with the ADCETRIS regimen was 64.3% (95% CI: 54.7-73.1) versus 41.5% (95% CI: 32.5-51.0) in the lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo arm. The complete response rate was 40.2% in ADCETRIS-treated patients (95% CI: 31.0%, 49.9%) compared to 18.6% (95% CI:12.1%, 26.9%) in the lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo arm.

The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) Grade 3 or higher for the ADCETRIS versus placebo arms were: neutropenia (43% vs 28%), thrombocytopenia (25% vs 19%) and anemia (22% vs 21%). Peripheral sensory neuropathy was infrequent and low grade for each arm with Grade 3 events of 4% vs 0%.

About ECHELON-3
ECHELON-3 is an ongoing, randomized, double-blind, multicenter Phase 3 study evaluating ADCETRIS plus lenalidomide and rituximab versus lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo in adult patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL, regardless of CD30 expression, who have received two or more prior lines of therapy and are ineligible for stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy. In this global study, 230 patients were randomized across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The primary endpoint is OS in the intent to treat population, with key secondary endpoints of PFS and ORR as assessed by investigator. Other secondary endpoints include complete response rate, duration of response, safety and tolerability.

About Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
DLBCL is the most frequent type of lymphoma and is aggressive and difficult to treat.1,2 More than 25,000 cases of DLBCL are diagnosed each year in the United States, accounting for more than 25 percent of all lymphoma cases.2 DLBCL can develop spontaneously or as a result of diseases such as chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, or marginal zone lymphoma.1 Up to 40 percent of patients relapse or have refractory disease after frontline treatment.2

About ADCETRIS
More than 55,000 patients have been treated with ADCETRIS in the U.S. since its first U.S. approval in 2011, and more than 140,000 patients have been treated with ADCETRIS globally.

ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprised of a CD30-directed monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Pfizer’s proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-positive tumor cells.

ADCETRIS is approved in seven indications in the U.S.:

Adult patients with previously untreated Stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (2018)
Pediatric patients 2 years and older with previously untreated high risk cHL in combination with doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone and cyclophosphamide (2022)
Adult patients with cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation (2015)
Adult patients with cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates (2011)
Adult patients with previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and PTCL not otherwise specified, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (2018)
Adult patients with sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. (2011)
Adult patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) after prior systemic therapy (2017)
Pfizer and Takeda jointly develop ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Pfizer has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights, and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Pfizer and Takeda are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) for injection U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING

PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML, and death can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients.

CONTRAINDICATION
Contraindicated with concomitant bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS causes PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor for symptoms such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions (IRR), including anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Premedicate patients with a prior IRR before subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.

Hematologic toxicities: Fatal and serious cases of febrile neutropenia have been reported with ADCETRIS. Prolonged (≥1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS.

Administer G-CSF primary prophylaxis beginning with Cycle 1 for adult patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated Stage III/IV cHL or previously untreated PTCL, and pediatric patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated high risk cHL.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to each ADCETRIS dose. Monitor more frequently for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Closely monitor patients during treatment for infections.

Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden may be at increased risk. Monitor closely and take appropriate measures.

Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment. Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.

Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Hepatotoxicity: Fatal and serious cases have occurred in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first ADCETRIS dose or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients with new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

PML: Fatal cases of JC virus infection resulting in PML have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider PML diagnosis in patients with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.

Pulmonary toxicity: Fatal and serious events of noninfectious pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious dermatologic reactions: Fatal and serious cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Fatal and serious cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported. Other fatal and serious GI complications include perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus. Lymphoma with pre-existing GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.

Hyperglycemia: Serious cases, such as new-onset hyperglycemia, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis (including fatal outcomes) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Hyperglycemia occurred more frequently in patients with high body mass index or diabetes. Monitor serum glucose and if hyperglycemia develops, administer anti-hyperglycemic medications as clinically indicated.

Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and animal studies, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of this potential risk, and to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ADCETRIS. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of ADCETRIS.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥20% in any study) are peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, constipation, vomiting, alopecia, decreased weight, abdominal pain, anemia, stomatitis, lymphopenia, mucositis, thrombocytopenia, and febrile neutropenia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Closely monitor adverse reactions.

USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended during ADCETRIS treatment.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, for ADCETRIS here.

Takeda and Pfizer Announce Four-Year Results from Positive Phase 3 HD21 Trial of Additional ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) Combination in Frontline Hodgkin Lymphoma

On June 1, 2024 Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) reported that the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) will present positive results from the Phase 3 HD21 trial evaluating ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with chemotherapy as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 60th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (LBA7000) and at the 29th European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (S225) (Press release, Takeda, JUN 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234643971]). The four-year analysis presented by the GHSG showed superior progression-free survival (PFS) and improved tolerability for patients compared to a current standard of care regimen used in Europe in this setting.

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The HD21 study is a Phase 3, randomized, multi-country, prospective, open-label study, sponsored by the GHSG and supported by Takeda, designed to evaluate ADCETRIS in combination with etoposide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dacarbazine and dexamethasone (BrECADD) in comparison to a standard of care treatment – escalated doses of bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone (eBEACOPP) – in patients with newly diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma. At a preplanned three-year analysis, the study met its co-primary endpoints, with the ADCETRIS combination regimen demonstrating significantly improved safety as assessed by treatment-related morbidity (TRMB) and non-inferior PFS.

The study found that the addition of ADCETRIS to this chemotherapy regimen improved the risk-to-benefit profile of the combination treatment, maintaining efficacy with significantly fewer acute and long-lasting treatment-related toxicities than the comparator arm.

"We initiated the HD21 trial with the hope of improving outcomes currently being achieved by a standard of care, as many patients with newly diagnosed disease often experience a high treatment burden," said Peter Borchmann, MD, PhD, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, and trial chairman of the HD21 study. "The presented analysis, in which the ADCETRIS regimen demonstrates superior progression-free survival, as well as a tolerable safety profile, reveals the meaningful potential this ADCETRIS + ECADD regimen has to offer these patients."

The ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) presentation provides details of a four-year PFS analysis of the HD21 study conducted by GHSG. After 48 months, BrECADD showed superior efficacy to BEACOPP (94.3% PFS for BrECADD and 90.9% PFS for eBEACOPP; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.66 [95% CI:88.7-93.1]; p<0.035). As previously reported in the three-year analysis, treatment with BrECADD was also associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of TRMB compared with BEACOPP (n=738; 42% vs 59%; p<0.001), as well as clinically meaningful reductions in adverse events (AEs). The safety profile of ADCETRIS in patients receiving BrECADD remained consistent with other approved ADCETRIS combination regimens, and no new safety signals were identified.

"In our ongoing effort to improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma, we’ve partnered with the GHSG on the HD21 study to deepen our understanding of how ADCETRIS could further benefit patients in need of new options," said Awny Farajallah, chief medical officer, global oncology at Takeda. "We are excited about the impact these results could have on patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma, potentially bringing them an additional ADCETRIS-based combination regimen that may significantly reduce side effects without compromising on efficacy."

Takeda will be responsible for submission of potential regulatory filings based on the HD21 study outside of the U.S. and Canada. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Pfizer has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world.

About the HD21 Trial
The HD21 study is a Phase 3, multi-country, prospective, open-label, randomized, multicenter trial sponsored by the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) with a PET-response adapted designed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, safety and tolerability of BrECADD, a novel, rationally designed, CD30-intensified frontline regimen for patients with advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Enrolled patients with newly diagnosed, Stage IIb with large mediastinal mass and/or extranodal lesions, Stage III or IV Hodgkin lymphoma were randomized to receive two cycles of either escalated BEACOPP or BrECADD, respectively, followed by interim PET staging. A decision is then made if patients received a further two or four cycles of escalated BEACOPP or BrECADD.

The HD21 trial aims to evaluate a modified treatment regimen to minimize side effects, while maintaining similar responses to treatment. The study has co-primary endpoints: safety is assessed by treatment-related morbidity (TRMB) (superiority), a novel endpoint focused on clinically relevant, acute toxicities of primary chemotherapy, and efficacy is assessed by PFS (non-inferiority). Secondary endpoints are tumor response (complete response [CR] rate), overall survival (OS), infertility rate at one year, second malignancies, frequency of adverse events, therapy adherence and quality of life.

About Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system affecting a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of one characteristic type of cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell, present in lymph nodes. Reed-Sternberg cells usually have a special protein on their surface called CD30, which is a key marker of HL. CD30 is present in approximately 95 percent of all cases of Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, over 83,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and approximately 23,000 people died from this cancer.

About ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin)
ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Pfizer’s proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-positive tumor cells.

ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for seven indications:

Adult patients with previously untreated Stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (2018)
Pediatric patients 2 years and older with previously untreated high risk cHL in combination with doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone and cyclophosphamide (2022)
Adult patients with cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation (2015)
Adult patients with cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates (2011)
Adult patients with previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and PTCL not otherwise specified, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (2018)
Adult patients with sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. (2011)
Adult patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) after prior systemic therapy (2017)
Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL in 2013, and non-conditional approval for post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at increased risk of relapse or progression in 2017, adults with pcALCL or CD30-expressing MF who have had prior systemic therapy in 2018, for previously untreated Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in 2019, and for previously untreated adult patients with sALCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), whose tumors express CD30, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone in 2019.

ADCETRIS received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission in October 2012, and the specific obligations of the conditional marketing authorization were fulfilled in May 2022. The approved indications in the European Union are: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated CD30-positive Stage III & IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (AVD), (2) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT, (3) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following ASCT, or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, (4) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL, (5) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated sALCL in combination with CHP and (6) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in more than 70 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See Important Safety Information below.

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials, including a Phase 3 study in first-line Hodgkin lymphoma (ECHELON-1) and another Phase 3 study in first-line CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (ECHELON-2), as well as trials in many additional types of CD30-positive malignancies.

Pfizer and Takeda fund joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) Important Safety Information (European Union)
Please refer to Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) before prescribing.

Contraindications
ADCETRIS is contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity to brentuximab vedotin and its excipients. In addition, combined use of ADCETRIS with bleomycin causes pulmonary toxicity.

Special Warnings and Precautions
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): John Cunningham virus (JCV) reactivation resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death can occur in patients treated with ADCETRIS. PML has been reported in patients who received ADCETRIS after receiving multiple prior chemotherapy regimens. PML is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that results from reactivation of latent JCV and is often fatal.

Closely monitor patients for new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral signs or symptoms, which may be suggestive of PML. Suggested evaluation of PML includes neurology consultation, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for JCV DNA by polymerase chain reaction or a brain biopsy with evidence of JCV. A negative JCV PCR does not exclude PML. Additional follow-up and evaluation may be warranted if no alternative diagnosis can be established. Hold dosing for any suspected case of PML and permanently discontinue ADCETRIS if a diagnosis of PML is confirmed.

Be alert to PML symptoms that the patient may not notice (e.g., cognitive, neurological, or psychiatric symptoms).

Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported. Closely monitor patients for new or worsening abdominal pain, which may be suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Patient evaluation may include physical examination, laboratory evaluation for serum amylase and serum lipase, and abdominal imaging, such as ultrasound and other appropriate diagnostic measures. Hold ADCETRIS for any suspected case of acute pancreatitis. ADCETRIS should be discontinued if a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is confirmed.

Pulmonary Toxicity: Cases of pulmonary toxicity, some with fatal outcomes, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), have been reported in patients receiving ADCETRIS. Although a causal association with ADCETRIS has not been established, the risk of pulmonary toxicity cannot be ruled out. Promptly evaluate and treat new or worsening pulmonary symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnea) appropriately. Consider holding dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Serious infections such as pneumonia, staphylococcal bacteremia, sepsis/septic shock (including fatal outcomes), and herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus (CMV) (reactivation) and opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and oral candidiasis have been reported in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Patients should be carefully monitored during treatment for the emergence of possible serious and opportunistic infections.

Infusion-related reactions (IRR): Immediate and delayed IRR, as well as anaphylaxis, have been reported with ADCETRIS. Carefully monitor patients during and after an infusion. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue administration of ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. The infusion may be restarted at a slower rate after symptom resolution. Patients who have experienced a prior IRR should be premedicated for subsequent infusions. IRRs are more frequent and more severe in patients with antibodies to ADCETRIS.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): TLS has been reported with ADCETRIS. Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden are at risk of TLS. Monitor these patients closely and manage according to best medical practice.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS treatment may cause PN, both sensory and motor. ADCETRIS-induced PN is typically an effect of cumulative exposure to ADCETRIS and is reversible in most cases. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay and a dose reduction or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hematological toxicities: Grade 3 or Grade 4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged (equal to or greater than one week) Grade 3 or Grade 4 neutropenia can occur with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to administration of each dose.

Febrile neutropenia: Febrile neutropenia has been reported with ADCETRIS. Complete blood counts should be monitored prior to administration of each dose of treatment. Closely monitor patients for fever and manage according to best medical practice if febrile neutropenia develops.

When ADCETRIS is administered in combination with AVD or CHP, primary prophylaxis with G-CSF is recommended for all patients beginning with the first dose.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Cases of SCARs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported for SJS and TEN. If SJS, TEN or DRESS occur, ADCETRIS should be discontinued and appropriate medical therapy should be administered.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Complications: GI complications, some with fatal outcomes, including intestinal obstruction, ileus, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, erosion, ulcer, perforation and haemorrhage, have been reported with ADCETRIS. Promptly evaluate and treat patients if new or worsening GI symptoms occur.

Hepatotoxicity: Elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Serious cases of hepatotoxicity, including fatal outcomes, have also occurred. Pre-existing liver disease, comorbidities, and concomitant medications may also increase the risk. Test liver function prior to treatment initiation and routinely monitor during treatment. Patients experiencing hepatotoxicity may require a delay, dose modification, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia has been reported during trials in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) with or without a history of diabetes mellitus. Closely monitor serum glucose for patients who experience an event of hyperglycemia. Administer anti-diabetic treatment as appropriate.

Infusion site extravasation: Extravasation during intravenous infusion has occurred. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is recommended to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during drug administration.

Renal and Hepatic Impairment: There is limited experience in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. Available data indicate that MMAE clearance might be affected by severe renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and by low serum albumin concentrations.

CD30+ CTCL: The size of the treatment effect in CD30 + CTCL subtypes other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is not clear due to lack of high level evidence. In two single arm phase II studies of ADCETRIS, disease activity has been shown in the subtypes Sézary syndrome (SS), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and mixed CTCL histology. These data suggest that efficacy and safety can be extrapolated to other CTCL CD30+ subtypes. Carefully consider the benefit-risk per patient and use with caution in other CD30+ CTCL patient types.

Sodium content in excipients: This medicinal product contains 13.2 mg sodium per vial, equivalent to 0.7% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

Traceability: In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

INTERACTIONS
Patients who are receiving a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor, concomitantly with ADCETRIS may have an increased risk of neutropenia. If neutropenia develops, refer to dosing recommendations for neutropenia (see SmPC section 4.2). Co-administration of ADCETRIS with a CYP3A4 inducer did not alter the plasma exposure of ADCETRIS, but it appeared to reduce plasma concentrations of MMAE metabolites that could be assayed. ADCETRIS is not expected to alter the exposure to drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes.

PREGNANCY: Advise women of childbearing potential to use two methods of effective contraception during treatment with ADCETRIS and until 6 months after treatment. There are no data from the use of ADCETRIS in pregnant women, although studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. Do not use ADCETRIS during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.

LACTATION (breast-feeding): There are no data as to whether ADCETRIS or its metabolites are excreted in human milk, therefore a risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from this therapy, taking into account a potential risk of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

FERTILITY:
In non-clinical studies, brentuximab vedotin treatment has resulted in testicular toxicity, and may alter male fertility. MMAE has been shown to have anagenic properties. Therefore, men being treated with this medicine are advised to have sperm samples frozen and stored before treatment. Men being treated with this medicine are advised not to father a child during treatment and for up to 6 months following the last dose.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines: ADCETRIS may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Monotherapy: The most frequent adverse reactions (≥10%) were infections, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, neutropenia, rash, cough, vomiting, arthralgia, peripheral motor neuropathy, infusion-related reactions, pruritus, constipation, dyspnea, weight decreased, myalgia and abdominal pain. Serious adverse drug reactions occurred in 12% of patients. The frequency of unique serious adverse drug reactions was ≤1%. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 24% of patients.

Combination Therapy: In the studies of ADCETRIS as combination therapy in 662 patients with previously untreated advanced HL (C25003) and 223 patients with previously untreated CD30+ PTCL, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) were: infections, neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, pyrexia, alopecia, anemia, weight decreased, stomatitis, febrile neutropenia, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, insomnia, bone pain, rash, cough, dyspnea, arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, peripheral motor neuropathy, upper respiratory tract infection, and dizziness. In patients receiving ADCETRIS combination therapy, serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 3% of patients included febrile neutropenia (15%), pyrexia (5%), and neutropenia (3%). Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 10% of patients.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) for injection U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING

PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML, and death can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients.

CONTRAINDICATION
Contraindicated with concomitant bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS causes PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor for symptoms such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions (IRR), including anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Premedicate patients with a prior IRR before subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.

Hematologic toxicities: Fatal and serious cases of febrile neutropenia have been reported with ADCETRIS. Prolonged (≥1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS.

Administer G-CSF primary prophylaxis beginning with Cycle 1 for adult patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated Stage III/IV cHL or previously untreated PTCL, and pediatric patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated high risk cHL.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to each ADCETRIS dose. Monitor more frequently for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Closely monitor patients during treatment for infections.

Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden may be at increased risk. Monitor closely and take appropriate measures.

Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment. Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.

Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Hepatotoxicity: Fatal and serious cases have occurred in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first ADCETRIS dose or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients with new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

PML: Fatal cases of JC virus infection resulting in PML have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider PML diagnosis in patients with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.

Pulmonary toxicity: Fatal and serious events of noninfectious pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious dermatologic reactions: Fatal and serious cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Fatal and serious cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported. Other fatal and serious GI complications include perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus. Lymphoma with pre-existing GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.

Hyperglycemia: Serious cases, such as new-onset hyperglycemia, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis (including fatal outcomes) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Hyperglycemia occurred more frequently in patients with high body mass index or diabetes. Monitor serum glucose and if hyperglycemia develops, administer anti-hyperglycemic medications as clinically indicated.

Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and animal studies, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of this potential risk, and to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ADCETRIS. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of ADCETRIS.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥20% in any study) are peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, constipation, vomiting, alopecia, decreased weight, abdominal pain, anemia, stomatitis, lymphopenia, mucositis, thrombocytopenia, and febrile neutropenia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Closely monitor adverse reactions.

USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended during ADCETRIS treatment.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, for ADCETRIS here.