Clinical Trials Experience
Serious adverse reactions including anaphylaxis and allergic reactions, neuropathy,
pulmonary toxicities and hepatotoxicities can occur [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying
conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug
cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and
may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
More than 1100 patients with stage II or III colon cancer and mo re than 4,000
patients with advanced colorectal cancer have been treated in clinical studies
with ELOXATIN. The most common adverse reactions in patients with stage II or
III colon cancer receiving adjuvant therapy were peripheral sensory neuropathy,
neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea, increase in transaminases and
alkaline phosphatase, diarrhea, emesis, fatigue and stomatitis. The most common
adverse reactions in previously untreated and treated patients were peripheral
sensory neuropathies, fatigue, neutropenia, nausea, emesis, and diarrhea [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Combination Adjuvant Therapy with ELOXATIN and Infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in Patients with Colon Cancer
One thousand one hundred an d eight patients with stage II
or III colon cancer, who had undergone complete resection of the primary tumor,
have been treated in a clinical study with ELOXATIN in combination with
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin [see Clinical Studies]. The
incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions was 70% on the ELOXATIN combination
arm, and 31% on the infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. The adverse
reactions in this trial are shown in the tables below. Discontinuation of treatment
due to adverse reactions occurred in 15% of the patients receiving ELOXATIN and
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. Both 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin and
ELOXATIN are associated with gastrointestinal or hematologic adverse reactions.
When ELOXATIN is administered in combination with infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin,
the incidence of these events is increased.
The incidence of death within 28 days of last treatment,
regardless of causality, was 0.5% (n=6) in both the ELOXATIN combination and
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arms, respectively. Deaths within 60 days
from initiation of therapy were 0.3% (n=3) in both the ELOXATIN combination and
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arms, respectively. On the ELOXATIN
combination arm, 3 deaths were due to sepsis/neutropenic sepsis, 2 from
intracerebral bleeding and one from eosinophilic pneumonia. On the
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm, one death was due to suicide, 2 from
Steven-Johnson Syndrome (1 patient also had sepsis), 1 unknown cause, 1 anoxic
cerebral infarction and 1 probable abdominal aorta rupture.
The following table provides adverse reactions reported in
the adjuvant therapy colon cancer clinical trial [see Clinical Studies]
by body system and decreasing order of frequency in the ELOXATIN and infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm for events with overall incidences ≥ 5% and
for NCI grade 3/4 events with incidences ≥ 1%.
Table 3 - Adverse Reactions Reported in Patient s with Colon Cancer receiving Adjuvant Treatment ( ≥ 5% of all patients and with ≥ 1%
NCI Grade 3/4 events)
| |
ELOXATIN + 5-FU/LV N=1108 |
5-FU/LV N=1111 |
| Adverse reaction (WHO/Pref) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Any Event |
100 |
70 |
99 |
31 |
| Allergy/Immunology |
| Allergic Reaction |
10 |
3 |
2 |
< 1 |
| Constitutional Symptoms/Pain |
| Fatigue |
44 |
4 |
38 |
1 |
| Abdominal Pain |
18 |
1 |
17 |
2 |
| Dermatology/Skin |
| Skin Disorder |
32 |
2 |
36 |
2 |
| Injection Site Reaction1 |
11 |
3 |
10 |
3 |
| Gastrointestinal |
| Nausea |
74 |
5 |
61 |
2 |
| Diarrhea |
56 |
11 |
48 |
7 |
| Vomiting |
47 |
6 |
24 |
1 |
| Stomatitis |
42 |
3 |
40 |
2 |
| Anorexia |
13 |
1 |
8 |
< 1 |
| Fever/Infection |
| Fever |
27 |
1 |
12 |
1 |
| Infection |
25 |
4 |
25 |
3 |
| Neurology |
| Overall Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy |
92 |
12 |
16 |
< 1 |
| 1 Includes thrombosis related to t he catheter |
The following table provides adverse reactions reported in
the adjuvant therapy colon cancer clinical trial [see Clinical Studies]
by body system and decreasing order of frequency in the ELOXATIN and infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm for events with overall incidences ≥ 5% but
with incidences < 1% NCI grade 3/4 events.
Table 4 - Adverse Reactions Reported in Patients wit h Colon Cancer receiving Adjuvant Treatment ( ≥ 5% of all patients , but with < 1%
NCI Grade 3/4 events)
| |
Eloxatin + 5-FU/LV N=1108 |
5-FU/LV N=1111 |
| Adverse reaction (WHO/Pref) |
All Grades (%) |
All Grades (%) |
| Allergy/Immunology |
| Rhinitis |
6 |
8 |
| Constitutional Symptoms/Pain/Ocular/Visual |
| Epistaxis |
16 |
12 |
| Weight Increase |
10 |
10 |
| Conjunctivitis |
9 |
15 |
| Headache |
7 |
5 |
| Dyspnea |
5 |
3 |
| Pain |
5 |
5 |
| Lacrimation Abno rmal |
4 |
12 |
| Dermatology/Skin |
| Alopecia |
30 |
28 |
| Gastrointestinal |
| Constipation |
22 |
19 |
| Taste Perversion |
12 |
8 |
| Dyspepsia |
8 |
5 |
| Metabolic |
| Phosphate Alkaline increased |
42 |
20 |
| Neurology |
| Sensory Disturbance |
8 |
1 |
Although specific events can vary, the overall frequency of
adverse reactions was similar in men and women and in patients < 65 and
≥ 65 years. However, the following grade 3/4 events were more common in
females: diarrhea, fatigue, granulocytopenia, nausea and vomiting. In patients
≥ 65 years old, the incidence of grade 3/4 diarrhea and granulocytopenia
was higher than in younger patients. Insufficient subgroup sizes prevented
analysis of safety by race. The following additional adverse reactions, were
reported in ≥ 2% and < 5% of the patients in the ELOXATIN and infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm (listed in decreasing order of
frequency): pain, leukopenia, weight decrease, coughing.
The number of patients who developed secondary malignancies
was similar; 62 in the ELOXATIN combination arm and 68 in the infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. An exploratory analysis showed that the number
of deaths due to secondary malignancies was 1.96% in the ELOXATIN combination
arm and 0.98% in infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. In addition, the number
of cardiovascular deaths was 1.4% in the ELOXATIN combination arm as compared
to 0.7% in the infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. Clinical significance
of these findings is unknown.
Patients Previously Untreated for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Two hundred and fifty-nine patients were treated in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovori
n combination arm of the randomized trial in patients previously untreated for
advanced colorectal cancer [see Clinical Studies].
The adverse reaction profile in this study was similar to that seen in other
studies and the adverse reactions in this trial are shown in the tables below.
Both 5-fluorouracil and ELOXATIN are associated with gastrointestinal and hematologic
adverse reactions. When ELOXATIN is administered in combination wit h 5-fluorouracil,
the incidence of these events is increased.
The incidence of death within 30 days of treatment in the
previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer study, regardless of
causality, was 3% with the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination,
5% with irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, a nd 3% with ELOXATIN plus
irinotecan. Deaths within 60 days from initiation of therapy were 2.3% with the
ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination, 5.1% with irinotecan plus
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, and 3.1% with ELOXATIN plus irinotecan. The following
table provides adverse reactions reported in the previously untreated for
advanced colorectal cancer study [see Clinical Studies] by body system
and decreasing order of frequency in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
combination arm for events with overall incidences ≥ 5% and for grade 3/4
events with incidences ≥ 1%.
Table 5 Adverse Reactions Reported in Patients
Previously Untreated for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial ( ≥ 5%
of all patients and with ≥ 1% NCI Grade 3/4 events)
| |
ELOXATIN
+ 5-FU/LV
N=259 |
irinotecan
5-FU/LV
N=256 |
ELOXATIN
+ irinotecan
N=258 |
| Adverse reaction (WHO/Pref) |
Grades All (%) |
3/4 Grade (%) |
Grades All (%) |
3/4 Grade (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Any Event |
99 |
82 |
98 |
70 |
99 |
76 |
| Allergy/Immunology |
| Hypersensitivity |
12 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
| Cardiovascular |
| Thrombosis |
6 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
| Hypotension |
5 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
| Constitutional Symptoms/Pain/Ocular/Visual |
| Fatigue |
70 |
7 |
58 |
11 |
66 |
16 |
| Abdominal Pain |
29 |
8 |
31 |
7 |
39 |
10 |
| Myalgia |
14 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
9 |
2 |
| Pain |
7 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
| Vision abnormal |
5 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
| Neuralgia |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
| Dermatology/ Skin |
| Skin reaction hand/foot |
7 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| Injection site reaction |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
| Gastrointestinal |
| Nausea |
71 |
6 |
67 |
15 |
83 |
19 |
| Diarrhea |
56 |
12 |
65 |
29 |
76 |
25 |
| Vomiting |
41 |
4 |
43 |
13 |
64 |
23 |
| Stomatitis |
38 |
0 |
25 |
1 |
19 |
1 |
| Anorexia |
35 |
2 |
25 |
4 |
27 |
5 |
| Constipation |
32 |
4 |
27 |
2 |
21 |
2 |
| Diarrhea-colostomy |
13 |
2 |
16 |
7 |
16 |
3 |
| Gastrointestinal NOS* |
5 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
| Hematology/Infection |
| Infection normal ANC** |
10 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
7 |
2 |
| Infection low ANC** |
8 |
8 |
12 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
| Lymphopenia |
6 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
| Febrile neutropenia |
4 |
4 |
15 |
14 |
12 |
11 |
| Hepatic/Metabolic/Laboratory/Renal |
| Hyperglycemia |
14 |
2 |
11 |
3 |
12 |
3 |
| Hypokalemia |
11 |
3 |
7 |
4 |
6 |
2 |
| Dehydration |
9 |
5 |
16 |
11 |
14 |
7 |
| Hypoalbuminemia |
8 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
9 |
1 |
| Hyponatremia |
8 |
2 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
| Urinary frequency |
5 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
| Neurology |
| Overall Neuropathy |
82 |
19 |
18 |
2 |
69 |
7 |
| Paresthesias |
77 |
18 |
16 |
2 |
62 |
6 |
| Pharyngo-laryngeal dysesthesias |
38 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
28 |
1 |
| Neuro-sensory |
12 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
9 |
1 |
| Neuro NOS* |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
| Pulmonary |
| Cough |
35 |
1 |
25 |
2 |
17 |
1 |
| Dyspnea |
18 |
7 |
14 |
3 |
11 |
2 |
| Hiccups |
5 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
* Not otherwise specified
** Absolute neutrophil count |
The following table provides adverse reactions reported in the previously untreated
for advanced colorectal cancer study [see Clinical
Studies] by body system and decreasing order of frequency in the ELOXATIN
and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm for events with overall incidences
≥ 5% but with incidences < 1% NCI Grade 3/4 events.
Table 6 - Adverse Reactions Reported in Patients
Previously Untreated for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial ( ≥ 5%
of all patients but with < 1% NCI Grade 3/4 events)
| |
ELOXATIN +
5-FU/LV
N=259 |
irinotecan +
5-FU/LV
N=256 |
ELOXATIN +
irinotecan
N=258 |
| Adverse reaction (WHO/Pref) |
All Grades (%) |
All Grades (%) |
All Grades (%) |
| Allergy/Immunology |
| Rash |
11 |
4 |
7 |
| Rhinitis allergic |
10 |
6 |
6 |
| Cardiovascular |
| Edema |
15 |
13 |
10 |
| Constitutional Symptoms/Pain/Ocular/Visual |
| Headache |
13 |
6 |
9 |
| Weight loss |
11 |
9 |
11 |
| Epistaxis |
10 |
2 |
2 |
| Tearing |
9 |
1 |
2 |
| Rigors |
8 |
2 |
7 |
| Dysphasia |
5 |
3 |
3 |
| Sweating |
5 |
6 |
12 |
| Arthralgia |
5 |
5 |
8 |
| Dermatology/Skin |
| Alopecia |
38 |
44 |
67 |
| Flushing |
7 |
2 |
5 |
| Pruritis |
6 |
4 |
2 |
| Dry Skin |
6 |
2 |
5 |
| Taste perversion |
14 |
6 |
8 |
| Dyspepsia |
12 |
7 |
5 |
| Flatulence |
9 |
6 |
5 |
| Mouth Dryness |
5 |
2 |
3 |
| Hematology/ Infection |
| Fever normal ANC* |
16 |
9 |
9 |
| Hepatic/Metabolic/Laboratory/Renal |
| Hypocalcemia |
7 |
5 |
4 |
| Elevated Creatinine |
4 |
4 |
5 |
| Neurology |
| Insomnia |
13 |
9 |
11 |
| Depression |
9 |
5 |
7 |
| Dizziness |
8 |
6 |
10 |
| Anxiety |
5 |
2 |
6 |
| * Absolute neutrophil co unt |
|
|
|
Adverse reactions were similar in me n and women and in
patients < 65 and ≥ 65 years, but older patients may have been more
susceptible to diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia, leukopenia, fatigue and
syncope. The following additional adverse reactions, at least possibly related
to treatment and potentially important, were reported in ≥ 2% and < 5%
of the patients in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm
(listed in decreasing order of frequency): metabolic, pneumonitis, catheter
infection, vertigo, prothrombin time, pulmonary, rectal bleeding, dysuria, nail
changes, chest pain, rectal pain, syncope, hypertension, hypoxia, unknown
infection, bone pain, pigmentation changes, and urticaria.
Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Four hundred and fifty patients (about 150 receiving the
combination of ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) were studied in a
randomized trial in patients with refractory and relapsed colorectal cancer
[see Clinical Studies]. The adverse reaction profile in this study was
similar to that seen in other studies and the adverse reactions in this trial
are shown in the tables below. Thirteen percent of patients in the ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leu covorin combination arm and 18% in the
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm of the previously treated study had to
discontinue treatment because of adverse effects related to gastrointestinal, o
r hematologic adverse reactions, or neuropathies. Both 5-fluorouracil and
ELOXATIN are associated with gastrointestinal and hematologic adverse
reactions. When ELOXATIN is administered in combination with 5-fluorouracil, the
incidence of these events is increased.
The incidence of death within 30 days of treatment in the
previously treated study, regardless of causality, was 5% with the ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination, 8% with ELOXATIN alone, and 7% with
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. Of the 7 deaths that occurred on the ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm within 30 days of stopping treatment,
3 may have been treatment related, associated with gastrointestinal bleeding or
dehydration.
The following table provides adverse reactions reported in
the previously treated study [see Clinical Studies] by body system and
in decreasing order of frequency in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
combination arm for events with overall incidences ≥ 5% and for grade 3/4
events with incidences ≥ 1%. This table does not include hematologic and
blood chemistry abnormalities; these are shown separately below.
Table 7 Adverse Reactions Reported In Previously
Treated Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial ( ≥ 5% of all patients and with
≥ 1% NCI Grade 3/4 events)
| |
5-FU/LV
(N = 142) |
ELOXATIN
(N = 153) |
ELOXATIN
+ 5-FU/LV
(N = 150) |
| Adverse reaction (WHO/Pref) |
Grades All (%) |
3/4 Grade (%) |
Grades All (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Any Event |
98 |
41 |
100 |
46 |
99 |
73 |
| Cardiovascular |
| Dyspnea |
11 |
2 |
13 |
7 |
20 |
4 |
| Coughing |
9 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
19 |
1 |
| Edema |
13 |
1 |
10 |
1 |
15 |
1 |
| Thromboembolism |
4 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
8 |
| Chest Pain |
4 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
| Constitutional Symptoms/Pain |
| Fatigue |
52 |
6 |
61 |
9 |
68 |
7 |
| Back Pain |
16 |
4 |
11 |
0 |
19 |
3 |
| Pain |
9 |
3 |
14 |
3 |
15 |
2 |
| Dermatology/Skin |
| Injection Site Reaction |
5 |
1 |
9 |
0 |
10 |
3 |
| Gastrointestinal |
| Diarrhea |
44 |
3 |
46 |
4 |
67 |
11 |
| Nausea |
59 |
4 |
64 |
4 |
65 |
11 |
| Vomiting |
27 |
4 |
37 |
4 |
40 |
9 |
| Stomatitis |
32 |
3 |
14 |
0 |
37 |
3 |
| Abdominal Pain |
31 |
5 |
31 |
7 |
33 |
4 |
| Anorexia |
20 |
1 |
20 |
2 |
29 |
3 |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
| Hematology/ Infection |
| Fever |
23 |
1 |
25 |
1 |
29 |
1 |
| Febrile Neutropenia |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
| Hepatic/Metabolic/Laboratory/Renal |
| Hypokalemia |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
9 |
4 |
| Dehydration |
6 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
| Neurology |
| Neuropathy |
17 |
0 |
76 |
7 |
74 |
7 |
| Acute |
10 |
0 |
65 |
5 |
56 |
2 |
| Persistent |
9 |
0 |
43 |
3 |
48 |
6 |
The following table provides adverse reactions reported in
the previously treated study [see Clinical Studies] by body system and
in decreasing order of frequency in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
combination arm for events with overall incidences ≥ 5% but with
incidences < 1% NCI Grade 3/4 events.
Table 8 - Adverse Reactions Reported In Previously
Treated Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial ( ≥ 5% of all patients but with
< 1 % NCI Grade 3/4 events)
| |
5-FU/LV
(N = 142) |
ELOXATIN
(N = 153) |
ELOX ATIN
+
5-FU/LV
(N = 150) |
| Adverse reaction (WHO/Pref) |
All Grades (%) |
All Grades (%) |
All Grades (%) |
| Allergy/Immunology |
| Rhinitis |
4 |
6 |
15 |
| Allergic Reaction |
1 |
3 |
10 |
| Rash |
5 |
5 |
9 |
| Cardiovascular |
| Peripheral Edema |
11 |
5 |
10 |
| Constitutional Symptoms/Pain/Ocular/Visual |
| Headache |
8 |
13 |
17 |
| Arthralgia |
10 |
7 |
10 |
| Epistaxis |
1 |
2 |
9 |
| Abnormal Lacrimation |
6 |
1 |
7 |
| Rigors |
6 |
9 |
7 |
| Skin |
| Hand-Foot Syndrome |
13 |
1 |
11 |
| Flushing |
2 |
3 |
10 |
| Alopecia |
3 |
3 |
7 |
| Gastrointestinal |
| Constipation |
23 |
31 |
32 |
| Dyspepsia |
10 |
7 |
14 |
| Taste Perversion |
1 |
5 |
13 |
| Mucositis |
10 |
2 |
7 |
| Flatulence |
6 |
3 |
5 |
| Hepatic/Metabolic/Laboratory/Renal |
| Hematuria |
4 |
0 |
6 |
| Dysuria |
1 |
1 |
6 |
| Neurology |
| Dizziness |
8 |
7 |
13 |
| Insomnia |
4 |
11 |
9 |
| Pulmonary |
| Upper Resp Tract Infection |
4 |
7 |
10 |
| Pharyngitis |
10 |
2 |
9 |
| Hiccup |
0 |
2 |
5 |
Adverse reactions were similar in m en and women and in
patients < 65 and ≥ 65 years, but older patients may have been more
susceptible to dehydration, diarrhea, hypokalemia and fatigue. The following
additional adverse reactions, at l east possibly related to treatment and
potentially important, were reported in ≥ 2% and < 5% of the patients in
the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm (listed in decreasing
order of frequency): anxiety, myalgia, erythematous rash, increased sweating,
conjunctivitis, weight decrease, dry mouth, rectal hemorrhage, depression,
ataxia, ascites, hemorrhoids, muscle weakness, nervousness, tachycardia,
abnormal micturition frequency, dry skin, pruritus, hemoptysis, purpura,
vaginal hemorrhage, melena, somnolence, pneumonia, proctitis, involuntary
muscle contractions, intestinal obstruction, gingivitis, tenesmus, hot flashes,
enlarged abdomen, urinary incontinence.
Hematologic Changes
The following tables list the hematologic changes occurring
in ≥ 5% of patients, based on laboratory values and NCI grade, with the
exception of those events occurring in adjuvant patients and anemia in the
patients previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer, respectively,
which are based on AE reporting and NCI grade alone.
Table 9 - Adverse Hematologic Reactions in Patients with Colon Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Therapy ( ≥ 5% of patients)
| |
ELOXATIN +
5-FU/LV
(N=1108) |
5-FU/LV
(N=1111) |
| Hematology Parameter |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Anemia |
76 |
1 |
67 |
< 1 |
| Neutropenia |
79 |
41 |
40 |
5 |
| Thrombocytopenia |
77 |
2 |
19 |
< 1 |
Table 10 Adverse Hematologic Reactions in Patients
Previously Un treated for Advanced Colorectal Cancer ( ≥ 5% of patients)
| |
ELOXATIN
+ 5-FU/LV
N=259 |
Irinotecan +
5-FU/LV
N=256 |
ELOXATIN +
irinotecan
N=258 |
| Hematology Parameter |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grade (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grade (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Anemia |
27 |
3 |
28 |
4 |
25 |
3 |
| Leukopenia |
85 |
20 |
84 |
23 |
76 |
24 |
| Neutropenia |
81 |
53 |
77 |
44 |
71 |
36 |
| Thrombocytopenia |
71 |
5 |
26 |
2 |
44 |
4 |
Table 11 Adverse Hematologic Reactions in Previously
Treated Patients ( ≥ 5% of patients)
| |
5-FU/LV
(N=142) |
ELOXATIN
(N=153) |
ELOXATIN +
5-FU/LV
(N=150) |
| Hematology Parameter |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Anemia |
68 |
2 |
64 |
1 |
81 |
2 |
| Leukopenia |
34 |
1 |
13 |
0 |
76 |
19 |
| Neutropenia |
25 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
73 |
44 |
| Thrombocytopenia |
20 |
0 |
30 |
3 |
64 |
4 |
Thrombocytopenia and Bleeding
Thrombocytopenia was frequently reported with the
combination of ELOXATIN and infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. The incidence
of all hemorrhagic events in the adjuvant and previously treated patients was
higher on the ELOXATIN combination arm compared to the infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. These events included gastrointestinal bleeding,
hematuria, and epistaxis. In the adjuvant trial, two patients died from
intracerebral hemorrhages.
The incidence of Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was 2% in
adjuvant patients with colon cancer. In patients treated for advanced
colorectal cancer the incidence of Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was 3-5%, and the
incidence of these events was greater for the combination of ELOX ATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin over the irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin or
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin control groups. Grade 3/4 gastrointestinal bleeding
was reported in 0.2% of adjuvant patients receiving ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. In the previously untreated patients, the incidence
of epistaxis was 10% in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm, and 2%
and 1%, respectively, in the irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin or
irinotecan plus ELOXATIN arms.
Neutropenia
Neutropenia was frequently observed with the combination of
ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, with Grade 3 and 4 events reported in
29% and 12% of adjuvant patien ts with colon cancer, respectively. In the
adjuvant trial, 3 patients died from sepsis/neutropenic sepsis. Grade 3 and 4
events were reported in 35% and 18% of the patients previously untreated for
advanced colorectal cancer, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 events were reported in
27% and 17% of previously treated patients, respectively. In adjuvant patients
the incidence of either febrile neutropenia (0.7%) or documented infection with
concomitant grade 3/4 neutropenia (1.1%) was 1.8% in the ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. The incidence of febrile neutropenia in the
patients previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer was 15% (3% of
cycles) in the irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm and 4% (less than
1% of cycles) in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm.
Additionally, in this same population, infection with grade 3 or 4 neutropenia
was 12% in the irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, and 8% in the
ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination. The incidence of febrile
neutropenia in the previously treated patients was 1% in the
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm and 6% (less than 1% of cycles) in the ELOXATIN
and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm.
Gastrointestinal
In patients receiving the combination of ELOXATIN plus
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin for adjuvant treatment for colon cancer
the incidence of Grade 3/4 nausea and vomiting was greater than those receiving
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin alone (see table). In patients previously
untreated for advanced colorectal cancer receiving the combination of ELOXATIN
and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, the incidence of Grade 3 and 4 vomiting and
diarrhea was less compared to irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
controls (see table). In previously treated patients receiving the combination
of ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, the incidence of Grade 3 and 4
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis/stomatitis increased compared to
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin controls (see table).
The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions in the
previously untreated and previously treated patients appears to be similar
across cycles. Premedication with antiemetics, including 5HT3
blockers, is recommended. Diarrhea and mucositis may be exacerbated by the
addition of ELOXATIN to 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, and should be managed with
appropriate supportive care. Since cold temperature can exacerbate acute
neurological symptoms, ice (mucositis prophylaxis) should be avoided during the
infusion of ELOXATIN.
Dermatologic
ELOXATIN did not increase the incidence of alopecia compared
to 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin alone. No complete alopecia was reported. The
incidence of Grade 3/4 skin disorders was 2% in both the ELOXATIN plus
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin and the infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
alone arms in the adjuvant colon cancer patients. The incidence of hand-foot
syndrome in patients previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer was 2%
in the irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm and 7% in the ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm. The incidence of hand-foot syndrome
in previously treated patients was 13% in the 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm and
11% in the ELOXATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm.
Intravenous Site Reactions
Extravasation, in some cases including necrosis, has been
reported.
Injection site reaction, including redness, swelling, and
pain, has been reported.
Anticoagulation and Hemorrhage
There have been reports while on study and from post-marketing
surveillance of prolonged prothrombin time and INR occasionally associated with
hemorrhage in patients who received ELOXATIN plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
while on anticoagulants. Patients receiving ELOXATIN plus
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin and requiring oral anticoagulants may require closer
monitoring.
Renal
About 5-10% of patients in all groups had some degree of
elevation of serum creatinine. The incidence of Grade 3/4 elevations in serum
creatinine in the ELO XATIN and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm was 1%
in the previously treated patients. Serum creatinine measurements were not
reported in the adjuvant trial.
Hepatic
Hepatotoxicity (defined as elevation of liver enzymes) appears to be related
to ELOXATIN combination therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The following tables list the clinical chemistry changes associated with hepatic
toxicity occurring in ≥ 5% of patients, based on adverse reactions reported
and NCI CTC grade for adjuvant patients and patients previously untreated for
advanced colorectal cancer, laboratory values and NCI CTC grade for previously
treated patients.
Table 12 - Adverse Hepatic Reactions in Patients with
Stage II or III Colon Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Therapy ( ≥ 5% of patients)
| |
ELOXATIN + 5-FU/LV (N=1108) |
5-FU/LV (N=1111) |
| Hepatic Parameter |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| Increase in transaminases |
57 |
2 |
34 |
1 |
| ALP increased |
42 |
< 1 |
20 |
< 1 |
| Bilirubinaemia |
20 |
4 |
20 |
5 |
Table 13 Adverse Hepatic Clinical Chemistry
Abnormalities in Patients Previously Untreated for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
( ≥ 5% of patients)
| |
ELOXATIN +
5-FU/LV
N=259 |
irinotecan +
5-FU/LV
N=256 |
ELOXATIN
+ irinotecan
N=258 |
| Clinical Chemistry |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| ALT (SGPTALAT) |
6 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
| AST (SGOTASAT) |
17 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
1 |
| Alkaline Phosphatase |
16 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
14 |
2 |
| Total Bilirubin |
6 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
Table 14 Adverse Hepatic Clinical Chemistry
Abnormalities in Previously Treated Patients ( ≥ 5% of patients)
| |
5-FU/LV
(N=142) |
ELOXATIN
(N=153) |
ELOXATIN +
5-FU/LV
(N=150) |
| Clinical Chemistry |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3/4 (%) |
| ALT (SGPT ALAT) |
28 |
3 |
36 |
1 |
31 |
0 |
| AST (SGOTASAT) |
39 |
2 |
54 |
4 |
47 |
0 |
| Total Bilirubin |
22 |
6 |
13 |
5 |
13 |
1 |
Thromboembolism
The incidence of thromboembolic events in adjuvant patients
with colon cancer was 6% (1.8% grade 3/4) in the infusional
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm and 6% (1.2% grade 3/4) in the ELOXATIN and
infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combined arm, respectively. The incidence
was 6 and 9% of the patients previously untreated for advanced colorectal
cancer and previously treated patients in the ELOXATIN and
5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination arm, respectively.
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during
post-approval use of ELOXATIN. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily
from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably
estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Body as a whole: angioedema, anaphylactic
shock
Central and peripheral nervous system disorders:
loss of deep tendon reflexes, dysarthria, Lhermitte's sign, cranial nerve
palsies, fasciculations, convulsion
Liver and Gastrointestinal system disorders:
severe diarrhea/vomiting resulting in hypokalemia, colitis (including
Clostridium difficile diarrhea), metabolic acidosis; ileus; intestinal
obstruction, pancreatitis; veno-occlusive disease of liver also known as
sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and perisinusoidal fibrosis which rarely may
progress.
Hearing and vestibular system disorders: deafness
Platelet, bleeding, and clotting disorders:
immuno-allergic thrombocytopenia prolongation of prothrombin time and of INR in
patients receiving anticoagulants
Red Blood Cell disorders: hemolytic uremic
syndrome, immuno-allergic hemolytic anemia
Renal disorders: Acute tubular necrosis, acute
interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure.
Respiratory system disorders: pulmonary
fibrosis, and other interstitial lung diseases (sometimes fatal)
Vision disorders: decrease of visual acuity,
visual field disturbance, optic neuritis and transient vision loss (reversible
following therapy discontinuation)