SUTENT®
(sunitinib malate) Capsules, Oral
SUTENT, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor, is the malate salt of sunitinib. Sunitinib malate is described chemically as Butanedioic acid, hydroxy-, (2S)-, compound with N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-5-[(Z)-(5-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-indol-3-ylidine)methyl]-2,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide (1:1). The molecular formula is C22H27FN4O2 •C4H6O5 and the molecular weight is 532.6 Daltons.
The chemical structure of sunitinib malate is:
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Sunitinib malate is a yellow to orange powder with a pKa of 8.95. The solubility of sunitinib malate in aqueous media over the range pH 1.2 to pH 6.8 is in excess of 25 mg/mL. The log of the distribution coefficient (octanol/water) at pH 7 is 5.2.
SUTENT (sunitinib malate) capsules are supplied as printed hard shell capsules containing sunitinib malate equivalent to 12.5 mg, 25 mg or 50 mg of sunitinib together with mannitol, croscarmellose sodium, povidone (K-25) and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients.
The orange gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide, and red iron oxide. The caramel gelatin capsule shells also contain yellow iron oxide and black iron oxide. The printing ink contains shellac, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, povidone and titanium dioxide.
Last updated on RxList: 8/24/2009
SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate.
SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.
The recommended dose of SUTENT for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one 50 mg oral dose taken once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2). SUTENT may be taken with or without food.
Dose increase or reduction of 12.5 mg increments is recommended based on individual safety and tolerability.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations. Selection of an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential is recommended. A dose reduction for SUTENT to a minimum of 37.5 mg daily should be considered if SUTENT must be co-administered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations. Selection of an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme induction potential is recommended. A dose increase for SUTENT to a maximum of 87.5 mg daily should be considered if SUTENT must be co-administered with a CYP3A4 inducer. If dose is increased, the patient should be monitored carefully for toxicity [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hard gelatin capsule with orange cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 12.5 mg” on the body.
Hard gelatin capsule with caramel cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 25 mg” on the body.
Hard gelatin capsule with caramel top and caramel body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 50 mg” on the body.
Hard gelatin capsule with orange cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 12.5 mg” on the body; available in:
Bottles of 28: NDC 0069-0550-38
Hard gelatin capsule with caramel cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 25 mg” on the body; available in:
Bottles of 28: NDC 0069-0770-38
Hard gelatin capsule with caramel cap and caramel body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 50 mg” on the body; available in:
Bottles of 28: NDC 0069-0980-38
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Distributed by: Pfizer Labs Division of Pfizer Inc. New York, NY 10017.
Last updated on RxList: 8/24/2009
The data described below reflect exposure to SUTENT in 577 patients who participated in a placebo-controlled trial (n=202) for the treatment of GIST or an active-controlled trial (n=375) for the treatment of MRCC. In these two studies, 225 patients were exposed to SUTENT for at least 6 months and 16 were exposed for greater than one year. The population was 23 - 87 years of age and 69% male and 31% female. The race distribution was 92% White, 3% Asian, 2% Black and 3% not reported. The patients received a starting oral dose of 50 mg daily on Schedule 4/2 in repeated cycles.
The most common adverse reactions ( ≥ 20%) in patients with GIST or MRCC are fatigue, asthenia, diarrhea, nausea, mucositis/stomatitis, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, constipation, hypertension, rash, hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration, altered taste, anorexia, and bleeding. The potentially serious adverse reactions of left ventricular dysfunction, QT interval prolongation, hemorrhage, hypertension, and adrenal function are discussed in WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS. Other adverse reactions occurring in GIST and MRCC studies are described below.
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.
Median duration of blinded study treatment was two cycles for patients on SUTENT (mean 3.0, range 1-9) and one cycle (mean 1.8, range 1-6) for patients on placebo. Dose reductions occurred in 23 patients (11%) on SUTENT and none on placebo. Dose interruptions occurred in 59 patients (29%) on SUTENT and 31 patients (30%) on placebo. The rates of treatment-emergent, non-fatal adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation were 7% and 6% in the SUTENT and placebo groups, respectively.
Most treatment-emergent adverse reactions in both study arms were Grade 1 or 2 in severity. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent adverse reactions were reported in 56% versus 51% of patients on SUTENT versus placebo, respectively. Table 1 compares the incidence of common ( ≥ 10%) treatment-emergent adverse reactions for patients receiving SUTENT and reported more commonly in patients receiving SUTENT than in patients receiving placebo.
Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported in Study A in at Least
10% of GIST Patients who Received SUTENT and More Commonly Than in Patients
Given Placebo*
| Adverse Reaction, n (%) | GIST | |||
| SUTENT (n=202) | Placebo (n=102) | |||
| All Grades | Grade 3/4 | All Grades | Grade 3/4 | |
| Any | 114 (56) | 52 (51) | ||
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Diarrhea | 81 (40) | 9 (4) | 27 (27) | 0 (0) |
| Mucositis/stomatitis | 58 (29) | 2 (1) | 18 (18) | 2 (2) |
| Constipation | 41 (20) | 0 (0) | 14 (14) | 2 (2) |
| Cardiac | ||||
| Hypertension | 31 (15) | 9 (4) | 11 (11) | 0 (0) |
| Dermatology | ||||
| Skin discoloration | 61 (30) | 0 (0) | 23 (23) | 0 (0) |
| Rash | 28 (14) | 2 (1) | 9 (9) | 0 (0) |
| Hand-foot syndrome | 28 (14) | 9 (4) | 10 (10) | 3 (3) |
| Neurology | ||||
| Altered taste | 42 (21) | 0 (0) | 12 (12) | 0 (0) |
| Musculoskeletal | ||||
| Myalgia/limb pain | 28 (14) | 1 (1) | 9 (9) | 1 (1) |
| Metabolism/Nutrition | ||||
| Anorexiaa | 67 (33) | 1 (1) | 30 (29) | 5 (5) |
| Asthenia | 45 (22) | 10 (5) | 11 (11) | 3 (3) |
| * Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE),
Version 3.0 a Includes decreased appetite |
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Oral pain other than mucositis/stomatitis occurred in 12 patients (6%) on SUTENT versus 3 (3%) on placebo. Hair color changes occurred in 15 patients (7%) on SUTENT versus 4 (4%) on placebo. Alopecia was observed in 10 patients (5%) on SUTENT versus 2 (2%) on placebo.
Table 2 provides common ( ≥ 10%) treatment-emergent laboratory abnormalities.
Table 2. Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in Study A in
at Least 10% of GIST Patients Who Received SUTENT or Placebo*
| Laboratory Parameter, n (%) | GIST | |||
| SUTENT (n=202) | Placebo (n=102) | |||
| All Grades* | Grade 3/4*a | All Grades* | Grade 3/4*b | |
| Any | 68 (34) | 22 (22) | ||
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| AST/ALT | 78 (39) | 3 (2) | 23 (23) | 1 (1) |
| Lipase | 50 (25) | 20 (10) | 17 (17) | 7 (7) |
| Alkaline phosphatase | 48 (24) | 7 (4) | 21 (21) | 4 (4) |
| Amylase | 35 (17) | 10 (5) | 12 (12) | 3 (3) |
| Total bilirubin | 32 (16) | 2 (1) | 8 (8) | 0 (0) |
| Indirect bilirubin | 20 (10) | 0 (0) | 4 (4) | 0 (0) |
| Cardiac | ||||
| Decreased LVEF | 22 (11) | 2 (1) | 3 (3) | 0 (0) |
| Renal/Metabolic | ||||
| Creatinine | 25 (12) | 1 (1) | 7 (7) | 0 (0) |
| Potassium decreased | 24 (12) | 1 (1) | 4 (4) | 0 (0) |
| Sodium increased | 20 (10) | 0 (0) | 4 (4) | 1 (1) |
| Hematology | ||||
| Neutrophils | 107 (53) | 20 (10) | 4 (4) | 0 (0) |
| Lymphocytes | 76 (38) | 0 (0) | 16 (16) | 0 (0) |
| Platelets | 76 (38) | 10 (5) | 4 (4) | 0 (0) |
| Hemoglobin | 52 (26) | 6 (3) | 22 (22) | 2 (2) |
| LVEF=Left ventricular ejection fraction * Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), Version 3.0 a Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in patients on SUTENT included alkaline phosphatase (1%), lipase (2%), creatinine (1%), potassium decreased (1%), neutrophils (2%), hemoglobin (2%), and platelets (1%). b Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in patients on placebo included amylase (1%), lipase (1%) and hemoglobin (2%). |
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The as-treated patient population for the interim safety analysis of the treatment-naive MRCC study included 735 patients, 375 randomized to SUTENT and 360 randomized to IFN-α. The median duration of treatment was 5.6 months (range: 0.4-15.6) for SUTENT treatment and 4.1 months (range: 0.1-13.7) on IFN-α treatment. Dose reductions occurred in 121 patients (32%) on SUTENT and 77 patients (21%) on IFN-α. Dose interruptions occurred in 142 patients (38%) on SUTENT and 115 patients (32%) on IFN-α. The rates of treatment-emergent, non-fatal adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation were 9% and 12% in the SUTENT and IFN-α groups, respectively. Most treatment-emergent adverse reactions in both study arms were Grade 1 or 2 in severity. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent adverse reactions were reported in 67% versus 51% of patients on SUTENT versus IFN-α, respectively.
Table 3 compares the incidence of common ( ≥ 10%) treatment-emergent adverse reactions for patients receiving SUTENT versus IFN-α.
Table 3. Adverse Reactions Reported in at Least 10% of Patients
with MRCC Who Received SUTENT or IFN-α*
| Adverse Reaction, n (%) | Treatment-Naïve MRCC | |||
| SUTENT (n=375) | IFN-α (n=360) | |||
| All Grades | Grade 3/4a | All Grades | Grade 3/4b | |
| Any | 370 (99) | 250 (67) | 354 (98) | 184(51) |
| Constitutional | ||||
| Fatigue | 218 (58) | 35 (9) | 199 (55) | 50 (14) |
| Asthenia | 79 (21) | 27 (7) | 85 (24) | 20 (6) |
| Fever | 62 (17) | 3 (1) | 129 (36) | 0 (0) |
| Weight decreased | 45 (12) | 0 (0) | 54 (15) | 2 (1) |
| Chills | 42 (11) | 3 (1) | 108 (30) | 0 (0) |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Diarrhea | 218 (58) | 22 (6) | 72 (20) | 0 (0) |
| Nausea | 183 (49) | 16 (4) | 136 (38) | 5 (1) |
| Mucositis/stomatitis | 162 (43) | 12 (3) | 14 (4) | 2 ( < 1) |
| Vomiting | 105 (28) | 15 (4) | 51 (14) | 3 (1) |
| Dyspepsia | 105 (28) | 4 (1) | 14 (4) | 0 (0) |
| Abdominal painc | 83 (22) | 10 (3) | 42 (12) | 5 (1) |
| Constipation | 60 (16) | 0 (0) | 44 (12) | 1 ( < 1) |
| Dry mouth | 45 (12) | 0 (0) | 26 (7) | 1 ( < 1) |
| GERD/reflux esophagitis | 42 (11) | 0 (0) | 3 (1) | 0(0) |
| Flatulence | 39 (10) | 0 (0) | 8 (2) | 0 (0) |
| Oral pain | 38 (10) | 0 (0) | 2 (1) | 0 (0) |
| Glossodynia | 37 (10) | 0 (0) | 2 (1) | 0 (0) |
| Cardiac | ||||
| Hypertension | 111 (30) | 36 (10) | 13 (4) | 1 ( < 1) |
| Edema, peripheral | 42 (11) | 2 (1) | 15 (4) | 2 (1) |
| Dermatology | ||||
| Rash | 103 (27) | 3 (1) | 40 (11) | 2 (1) |
| Hand-foot syndrome | 78 (21) | 20 (5) | 3 (1) | 0 (0) |
| Skin discoloration/yellow skin | 72 (19) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Dry skin | 67 (18) | 1 ( < 1) | 23 (6) | 0 (0) |
| Hair color changes | 56 (16) | 0 (0) | 1 ( < 1) | 0 (0) |
| Neurology | ||||
| Altered tasted | 166 (44) | 1 ( < 1) | 52 (14) | 0 (0) |
| Headache | 68 (18) | 3 (1) | 61 (17) | 0 (0) |
| Dizziness | 28 (7) | 1 ( < 1) | 42 (12) | 1 ( < 1) |
| Musculoskeletal | ||||
| Back pain | 70 (19) | 13 (3) | 44 (13) | 6 (2) |
| Arthralgia | 69 (18) | 5 (1) | 60 (17) | 1 ( < 1) |
| Pain in extremity/limb discomfort | 65 (17) | 6 (2) | 28 (8) | 4 (1) |
| Respiratory | ||||
| Cough | 64 (18) | 2 (1) | 45 (12) | 0 (0) |
| Dyspnea | 58 (15) | 15 (4) | 65 (18) | 14 (4) |
| Metabolism/Nutrition | ||||
| Anorexiae | 142 (38) | 6 (2) | 145 (40) | 7 (2) |
| Dehydration | 30 (8) | 8 (2) | 17 (5) | 2 (1) |
| Hemorrhage/Bleeding | ||||
| Bleeding, all sites | 112 (30) | 10 (3)f | 27 (8) | 2 (1) |
| Psychiatric | ||||
| Insomnia | 42 (11) | 1 ( < 1) | 31 (9) | 0 (0) |
| Depressiong | 29 (8) | 0 (0) | 47 (12) | 5 (1) |
| * Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE),
Version 3.0 a Grade 4 ARs in patients on SUTENT included back pain (1%), arthralgia ( < 1%), asthenia ( < 1%), dehydration ( < 1%), fatigue ( < 1%), limb pain ( < 1%) and rash ( < 1%). b Grade 4 ARs in patients on IFN-α included dyspnea (1%), fatigue (1%) and depression ( < 1%). c Includes flank pain d Includes ageusia, hypogeusia and dysgeusia e Includes decreased appetite f Includes one patient with Grade 5 gastric hemorrhage g Includes depressed mood |
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Treatment-emergent Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities are presented in Table 4.
Table 4. Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in at Least 10%
of Treatment-Naïve MRCC Patients Who Received SUTENT or IFN-α
| Laboratory Parameter, n (%) | Treatment-Naïve MRCC | |||
| SUTENT (n=375) | IFN-α (n=360) | |||
| All Grades* | Grade 3/4*a | All Grades* | Grade 3/4*b | |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| AST | 195 (52) | 6 (2) | 124 (34) | 6 (2) |
| ALT | 171 (46) | 10 (3) | 140 (39) | 6 (2) |
| Lipase | 196 (52) | 60 (16) | 153 (43) | 23 (6) |
| Alkaline phosphatase | 156 (42) | 7 (2) | 126 (35) | 6 (2) |
| Amylase | 118 (31) | 19 (5) | 101 (28) | 8 (2) |
| Total bilirubin | 72 (19) | 3 (1) | 6 (2) | 0 (0) |
| Indirect bilirubin | 46 (12) | 4 (1) | 3 (1) | 0 (0) |
| Renal/Metabolic | ||||
| Creatinine | 246 (66) | 1 ( < 1) | 175 (49) | 1 ( < 1) |
| Uric acid | 155 (41) | 43 (12) | 112 (31) | 29 (8) |
| Creatine kinase | 152 (41) | 1 ( < 1) | 35 (10) | 2 (1) |
| Phosphorus | 134 (36) | 17 (5) | 115 (32) | 22 (6) |
| Calcium decreased | 132 (35) | 1 ( < 1) | 133 (37) | 0 (0) |
| Glucose decreased | 73 (19) | 0 (0) | 54 (15) | 1 ( < 1) |
| Albumin | 68 (18) | 3 (1) | 67 (19) | 0 (0) |
| Glucose increased | 58 (15) | 10 (3) | 49 (14) | 20 (6) |
| Sodium decreased | 51 (14) | 18 (5) | 41 (11) | 9 (3) |
| Potassium increased | 42 (11) | 7 (2) | 54 (15) | 13 (4) |
| Sodium increased | 40 (11) | 0 (0) | 35 (10) | 0 (0) |
| Hematology | ||||
| Neutrophils | 271 (72) | 44 (12) | 166 (46) | 24 (7) |
| Hemoglobin | 266 (71) | 11 (3) | 232 (64) | 16 (4) |
| Platelets | 244 (65) | 30 (8) | 77 (21) | 0 (0) |
| Lymphocytes | 223 (59) | 44 (12) | 227 (63) | 79 (22) |
| Leukocytes | 292 (78) | 19 (5) | 202 (56) | 8 (2) |
| * Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE),
Version 3.0 a Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in patients on SUTENT included uric acid (12%), lipase (3%), amylase (1%), neutrophils (1%), ALT ( < 1%), calcium decreased ( < 1%), phosphorous ( < 1%), potassium increased ( < 1%), sodium decreased ( < 1%)and hemoglobin ( < 1%). b Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in patients on IFN-α included uric acid (8%), lipase (1%), amylase ( < 1%), calcium increased ( < 1%), glucose decreased ( < 1%), potassium increased ( < 1%) and hemoglobin ( < 1%). |
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Seven patients (3%) on SUTENT and none on placebo in GIST Study A experienced venous thromboembolic events; five of the seven were Grade 3 deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and two were Grade 1 or 2. Four of these seven GIST patients discontinued treatment following first observation of DVT.
Eight (2%) patients receiving SUTENT for treatment-naïve MRCC had venous thromboembolic events reported. Four (1%) of these patients had pulmonary embolism, one was Grade 3 and three were Grade 4, and four (1%) patients had DVT, including one Grade 3. One patient was permanently withdrawn from SUTENT due to pulmonary embolism; dose interruption occurred in two patients with pulmonary embolism and one with DVT. In treatment-naïve MRCC patients receiving IFN-α, six (2%) venous thromboembolic events occurred; one patient ( < 1%) experienced a Grade 3 DVT and five patients (1%) had pulmonary embolism, one Grade 1 and four with Grade 4.
There have been rare ( < 1%) reports of subjects presenting with seizures and radiological evidence of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS). None of these subjects had a fatal outcome to the event. Patients with seizures and signs/symptoms consistent with RPLS, such as hypertension, headache, decreased alertness, altered mental functioning, and visual loss, including cortical blindness should be controlled with medical management including control of hypertension. Temporary suspension of SUTENT is recommended; following resolution, treatment may be resumed at the discretion of the treating physician.
If symptoms of pancreatitis or hepatic failure are present, patients should have SUTENT discontinued. Pancreatitis was observed in 5 (1%) patients receiving SUTENT for treatment-naïve MRCC compared to 1 ( < 1%) patient receiving IFN-α. Hepatic failure was observed in < 1% of solid tumor patients treated with SUTENT.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of SUTENT. 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.
Cases of serious infection (with or without neutropenia), in some cases with fatal outcome, have been reported.
Cases of myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis, some with acute renal failure, have been reported. Patients with signs or symptoms of muscle toxicity should be managed as per standard medical practice.
Thrombotic microangiopathy has been reported in patients on SUTENT. Suspension of SUTENT is recommended; following resolution, treatment may be resumed at the discretion of the treating physician.
Cases of proteinuria and rare cases of nephrotic syndrome have been reported. Baseline urinalysis is recommended, and patients should be monitored for the development or worsening of proteinuria. The safety of continued SUTENT treatment in patients with moderate to severe proteinuria has not been systematically evaluated. Discontinue SUTENT in patients with nephrotic syndrome.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations. Selection of an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential is recommended. Concurrent administration of SUTENT with the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, resulted in 49% and 51% increases in the combined (sunitinib + primary active metabolite) Cmax and AUC0-„ values, respectively, after a single dose of SUTENT in healthy volunteers. Co-administration of SUTENT with strong inhibitors of the CYP3A4 family (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, atazanavir, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole) may increase sunitinib concentrations. Grapefruit may also increase plasma concentrations of sunitinib. A dose reduction for SUTENT should be considered when it must be co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations. Selection of an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme induction potential is recommended. Concurrent administration of SUTENT with the strong CYP3A4 inducer, rifampin, resulted in a 23% and 46% reduction in the combined (sunitinib + primary active metabolite) Cmax and AUC0-„ values, respectively, after a single dose of SUTENT in healthy volunteers. Co-administration of SUTENT with inducers of the CYP3A4 family (e.g., dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentin, phenobarbital, St. John's Wort) may decrease sunitinib concentrations. St. John's Wort may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations unpredictably. Patients receiving SUTENT should not take St. John's Wort concomitantly. A dose increase for SUTENT should be considered when it must be co-administered with CYP3A4 inducers [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
In vitro studies indicated that sunitinib does not induce or inhibit major CYP enzymes. The in vitro studies in human liver microsomes and hepatocytes of the activity of CYP isoforms CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4/5, and CYP4A9/11 indicated that sunitinib and its primary active metabolite are unlikely to have any clinically relevant drug-drug interactions with drugs that may be metabolized by these enzymes.
Last updated on RxList: 8/25/2009
Pregnancy Category D
As angiogenesis is a critical component of embryonic and fetal development, inhibition of angiogenesis following administration of SUTENT should be expected to result in adverse effects on pregnancy. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SUTENT in pregnant women. If the drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with SUTENT.
Sunitinib was evaluated in pregnant rats (0.3, 1.5, 3.0, 5.0 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (0.5, 1, 5, 20 mg/kg/day) for effects on the embryo. Significant increases in the incidence of embryolethality and structural abnormalities were observed in rats at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 5.5 times the systemic exposure [combined AUC of sunitinib + primary active metabolite] in patients administered the recommended daily doses [RDD]). Significantly increased embryolethality was observed in rabbits at 5 mg/kg/day while developmental effects were observed at ≥ 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg/day). Developmental effects consisted of fetal skeletal malformations of the ribs and vertebrae in rats. In rabbits, cleft lip was observed at 1 mg/kg/day and cleft lip and cleft palate were observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.7 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD). Neither fetal loss nor malformations were observed in rats dosed at ≤ 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.3 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD).
In the presence of clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF), discontinuation of SUTENT is recommended. The dose of SUTENT should be interrupted and/or reduced in patients without clinical evidence of CHF but with an ejection fraction < 50% and > 20% below baseline.
More patients treated with SUTENT experienced decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) than patients receiving either placebo or interferon-a (IFN-α). In GIST Study A, 22/209 patients (11%) on SUTENT and 3/102 patients (3%) on placebo had treatment-emergent LVEF values below the lower limit of normal (LLN). Nine of 22 GIST patients on SUTENT with LVEF changes recovered without intervention. Five patients had documented LVEF recovery following intervention (dose reduction: one patient; addition of antihypertensive or diuretic medications: four patients). Six patients went off study without documented recovery. Additionally, three patients on SUTENT had Grade 3 reductions in left ventricular systolic function to LVEF < 40%; two of these patients died without receiving further study drug. No GIST patients on placebo had Grade 3 decreased LVEF. In GIST Study A, 1 patient on SUTENT and 1 patient on placebo died of diagnosed heart failure; 2 patients on SUTENT and 2 patients on placebo died of treatment-emergent cardiac arrest.
In the treatment-naïve MRCC study, 78/375 (21%) and 44/360 (12%) patients on SUTENT and IFN-α, respectively, had an LVEF value below the LLN. Thirteen patients on SUTENT (4%) and four on IFN-α (1%) experienced declines in LVEF of > 20% from baseline and to below 50%. Left ventricular dysfunction was reported in three patients (1%) and CHF in one patient ( < 1%) who received SUTENT.
Patients who presented with cardiac events within 12 months prior to SUTENT administration, such as myocardial infarction (including severe/unstable angina), coronary/peripheral artery bypass graft, symptomatic CHF, cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, or pulmonary embolism were excluded from SUTENT clinical studies. It is unknown whether patients with these concomitant conditions may be at a higher risk of developing drug-related left ventricular dysfunction. Physicians are advised to weigh this risk against the potential benefits of the drug. These patients should be carefully monitored for clinical signs and symptoms of CHF while receiving SUTENT. Baseline and periodic evaluations of LVEF should also be considered while the patient is receiving SUTENT. In patients without cardiac risk factors, a baseline evaluation of ejection fraction should be considered.
SUTENT has been shown to prolong the QT interval in a dose dependent manner, which may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes. Torsade de Pointes has been observed in < 0.1% of SUTENT-exposed patients.
SUTENT should be used with caution in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, patients who are taking antiarrhythmics, or patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease, bradycardia, or electrolyte disturbances. When using SUTENT, periodic monitoring with on-treatment electrocardiograms and electrolytes (magnesium, potassium) should be considered. Concomitant treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, which may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations, should be used with caution and dose reduction of SUTENT should be considered [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Patients should be monitored for hypertension and treated as needed with standard anti-hypertensive therapy. In cases of severe hypertension, temporary suspension of SUTENT is recommended until hypertension is controlled.
Of patients receiving SUTENT for treatment-naïve MRCC, 111/375 patients (30%) receiving SUTENT compared with 13/360 patients (4%) on IFN-α experienced hypertension. Grade 3 hypertension was observed in 36/375 treatment-naïve MRCC patients (10%) on SUTENT compared to 1/360 patient ( < 1%) on IFN-α. While all-grade hypertension was similar in GIST patients on SUTENT compared to placebo, Grade 3 hypertension was reported in 9/202 GIST patients on SUTENT (4%), and none of the GIST patients on placebo. No Grade 4 hypertension was reported. SUTENT dosing was reduced or temporarily delayed for hypertension in 18/375 patients (5%) on the treatment-naive MRCC study. Two treatment-naïve MRCC patients, including one with malignant hypertension, and no GIST patients discontinued treatment due to hypertension. Severe hypertension ( > 200 mmHg systolic or 110 mmHg diastolic) occurred in 8/202 GIST patients on SUTENT (4%), 1/102 GIST patients on placebo (1%), and in 20/375 treatment-naïve MRCC patients (5%) on SUTENT and 2/360 patients (1%) on IFN-α.
In patients receiving SUTENT for treatment-naïve MRCC, 112/375 patients (30%) had bleeding events compared with 27/360 patients (8%) receiving IFN-α. Bleeding events occurred in 37/202 patients (18%) receiving SUTENT in GIST Study A, compared to 17/102 patients (17%) receiving placebo. Epistaxis was the most common hemorrhagic adverse event reported. Less common bleeding events in GIST or MRCC patients included rectal, gingival, upper gastrointestinal, genital, and wound bleeding. In GIST Study A, 14/202 patients (7%) receiving SUTENT and 9/102 patients (9%) on placebo had Grade 3 or 4 bleeding events. In addition, one patient in Study A taking placebo had a fatal gastrointestinal bleeding event during Cycle 2. Most events in MRCC patients were Grade 1 or 2; there was one Grade 5 event of gastric bleed in a treatment-naïve patient.
Tumor-related hemorrhage has been observed in patients treated with SUTENT. These events may occur suddenly, and in the case of pulmonary tumors may present as severe and life-threatening hemoptysis or pulmonary hemorrhage. Fatal pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients receiving SUTENT on a clinical trial of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Both patients had squamous cell histology. SUTENT is not approved for use in patients with NSCLC. Treatment-emergent Grade 3 and 4 tumor hemorrhage occurred in 5/202 patients (3%) with GIST receiving SUTENT on Study A. Tumor hemorrhages were observed as early as Cycle 1 and as late as Cycle 6. One of these five patients received no further drug following tumor hemorrhage. None of the other four patients discontinued treatment or experienced dose delay due to tumor hemorrhage. No patients with GIST in the Study A placebo arm were observed to undergo intratumoral hemorrhage. Tumor hemorrhage has not been observed in patients with MRCC. Clinical assessment of these events should include serial complete blood counts (CBCs) and physical examinations.
Serious, sometimes fatal gastrointestinal complications including gastrointestinal perforation, have occurred rarely in patients with intraabdominal malignancies treated with SUTENT.
Baseline laboratory measurement of thyroid function is recommended and patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism should be treated as per standard medical practice prior to the start of SUTENT treatment. All patients should be observed closely for signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction on SUTENT treatment. Patients with signs and/or symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction should have laboratory monitoring of thyroid function performed and be treated as per standard medical practice.
Treatment-emergent acquired hypothyroidism was noted in eight GIST patients (4%) on SUTENT versus one (1%) on placebo. Hypothyroidism was reported as an adverse reaction in eleven patients (3%) on SUTENT in the treatment-naïve MRCC study and in one patient ( < 1%) in the IFN-α arm. An additional seven patients (2%) with no prior history of hypothyroidism were started on thyroid replacement therapy while on study.
Cases of hyperthyroidism, some followed by hypothyroidism, have been reported in clinical trials and through post-marketing experience.
Physicians prescribing SUTENT are advised to monitor for adrenal insufficiency in patients who experience stress such as surgery, trauma or severe infection.
Adrenal toxicity was noted in non-clinical repeat dose studies of 14 days to 9 months in rats and monkeys at plasma exposures as low as 0.7 times the AUC observed in clinical studies. Histological changes of the adrenal gland were characterized as hemorrhage, necrosis, congestion, hypertrophy and inflammation. In clinical studies, CT/MRI obtained in 336 patients after exposure to one or more cycles of SUTENT demonstrated no evidence of adrenal hemorrhage or necrosis. ACTH stimulation testing was performed in approximately 400 patients across multiple clinical trials of SUTENT. Among patients with normal baseline ACTH stimulation testing, one patient developed consistently abnormal test results during treatment that are unexplained and may be related to treatment with SUTENT. Eleven additional patients with normal baseline testing had abnormalities in the final test performed, with peak cortisol levels of 12-16.4 mcg/dL (normal > 18 mcg/dL) following stimulation. None of these patients were reported to have clinical evidence of adrenal insufficiency.
CBCs with platelet count and serum chemistries including phosphate should be performed at the beginning of each treatment cycle for patients receiving treatment with SUTENT.
See for FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, stomatitis, dyspepsia, and vomiting were the most commonly reported gastrointestinal events occurring in patients who received SUTENT. Supportive care for gastrointestinal adverse events requiring treatment may include anti-emetic or anti-diarrheal medication.
Skin discoloration possibly due to the drug color (yellow) occurred in approximately one third of patients. Patients should be advised that depigmentation of the hair or skin may occur during treatment with SUTENT. Other possible dermatologic effects may include dryness, thickness or cracking of skin, blister or rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Other commonly reported adverse events included fatigue, high blood pressure, bleeding, swelling, mouth pain/irritation and taste disturbance.
Patients should be advised to inform their health care providers of all concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Although definitive carcinogenicity studies with sunitinib have not been performed, carcinoma and hyperplasia of the Brunner's gland of the duodenum have been observed at the highest dose tested in H2ras transgenic mice administered doses of 0, 10, 25, 75, or 200 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Sunitinib did not cause genetic damage when tested in in vitro assays (bacterial mutation [AMES Assay], human lymphocyte chromosome aberration) and an in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus test.
Effects on the female reproductive system were identified in a 3-month repeat dose monkey study (2, 6, 12 mg/kg/day), where ovarian changes (decreased follicular development) were noted at 12 mg/kg/day (approximately 5.1 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD), while uterine changes (endometrial atrophy) were noted at ≥ 2 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD). With the addition of vaginal atrophy, the uterine and ovarian effects were reproduced at 6 mg/kg/day in the 9-month monkey study (0.3, 1.5 and 6 mg/kg/day administered daily for 28 days followed by a 14 day respite; the 6 mg/kg dose produced a mean AUC that was approximately 0.8 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD). A no effect level was not identified in the 3 month study; 1.5 mg/kg/day represents a no effect level in monkeys administered sunitinib for 9 months.
Although fertility was not affected in rats, SUTENT may impair fertility in humans. In female rats, no fertility effects were observed at doses of ≤ 5.0 mg/kg/day [(0.5, 1.5, 5.0 mg/kg/day) administered for 21 days up to gestational day 7; the 5.0 mg/kg dose produced an AUC that was approximately 5 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD], however significant embryolethality was observed at the 5.0 mg/kg dose. No reproductive effects were observed in male rats dosed (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg/day) for 58 days prior to mating with untreated females. Fertility, copulation, conception indices, and sperm evaluation (morphology, concentration, and motility) were unaffected by sunitinib at doses ≤ 10 mg/kg/day (the 10 mg/kg/day dose produced a mean AUC that was approximately 25.8 times the AUC in patients administered the RDD).
Pregnancy Category D [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Sunitinib and its metabolites are excreted in rat milk. In lactating female rats administered 15 mg/kg, sunitinib and its metabolites were extensively excreted in milk at concentrations up to 12-fold higher than in plasma. It is not known whether sunitinib or its primary active metabolite are excreted in human milk. Because drugs are commonly excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
The safety and efficacy of SUTENT in pediatric patients have not been studied in clinical trials.
Physeal dysplasia was observed in Cynomolgus monkeys with open growth plates treated for ≥ 3 months (3 month dosing 2, 6, 12 mg/kg/day; 8 cycles of dosing 0.3, 1.5, 6.0 mg/kg/day) with sunitinib at doses that were > 0.4 times the RDD based on systemic exposure (AUC). In developing rats treated continuously for 3 months (1.5, 5.0 and 15.0 mg/kg) or 5 cycles (0.3, 1.5, and 6.0 mg/kg/day), bone abnormalities consisted of thickening of the epiphyseal cartilage of the femur and an increase of fracture of the tibia at doses ≥ 5 mg/kg (approximately 10 times the RDD based on AUC). Additionally, caries of the teeth were observed in rats at > 5 mg/kg. The incidence and severity of physeal dysplasia were dose-related and were reversible upon cessation of treatment however findings in the teeth were not. A no effect level was not observed in monkeys treated continuously for 3 months, but was 1.5 mg/kg/day when treated intermittently for 8 cycles. In rats the no effect level in bones was ≤ 2 mg/kg/day.
Of 825 GIST and MRCC patients who received SUTENT on clinical studies, 277 (34%) were 65 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between younger and older patients.
No dose adjustment is required when administering SUTENT to patients with Child-Pugh Class A or B hepatic impairment. Sunitinib and its primary metabolite are primarily metabolized by the liver. Systemic exposures after a single dose of SUTENT were similar in subjects with mild or moderate (Child-Pugh Class A and B) hepatic impairment compared to subjects with normal hepatic function. SUTENT was not studied in subjects with severe (Child-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment. Studies in cancer patients have excluded patients with ALT or AST > 2.5 x ULN or, if due to liver metastases, > 5.0 x ULN.
Last updated on RxList: 8/25/2009
Treatment of overdose with SUTENT should consist of general supportive measures. There is no specific antidote for overdosage with SUTENT. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage. No overdose of SUTENT was reported in completed clinical studies. In non-clinical studies mortality was observed following as few as 5 daily doses of 500 mg/kg (3000 mg/m2) in rats. At this dose, signs of toxicity included impaired muscle coordination, head shakes, hypoactivity, ocular discharge, piloerection and gastrointestinal distress. Mortality and similar signs of toxicity were observed at lower doses when administered for longer durations.
Sunitinib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), some of which are implicated in tumor growth, pathologic angiogenesis, and metastatic progression of cancer. Sunitinib was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against a variety of kinases ( > 80 kinases) and was identified as an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ), vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3), stem cell factor receptor (KIT), Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3), colony stimulating factor receptor Type 1 (CSF-1R), and the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor receptor (RET). Sunitinib inhibition of the activity of these RTKs has been demonstrated in biochemical and cellular assays, and inhibition of function has been demonstrated in cell proliferation assays. The primary metabolite exhibits similar potency compared to sunitinib in biochemical and cellular assays.
Sunitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of multiple RTKs (PDGFRβ, VEGFR2, KIT) in tumor xenografts expressing RTK targets in vivo and demonstrated inhibition of tumor growth or tumor regression and/or inhibited metastases in some experimental models of cancer. Sunitinib demonstrated the ability to inhibit growth of tumor cells expressing dysregulated target RTKs (PDGFR, RET, or KIT) in vitro and to inhibit PDGFRP- and VEGFR2-dependent tumor angiogenesis in vivo.
The pharmacokinetics of sunitinib and sunitinib malate have been evaluated in 135 healthy volunteers and in 266 patients with solid tumors.
Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of sunitinib are generally observed between 6 and 12 hours (Tmax) following oral administration. Food has no effect on the bioavailability of sunitinib. SUTENT may be taken with or without food.
Binding of sunitinib and its primary active metabolite to human plasma protein in vitro was 95% and 90%, respectively, with no concentration dependence in the range of 100 - 4000 ng/mL. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) for sunitinib was 2230 L. In the dosing range of 25 -100 mg, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and Cmax increase proportionately with dose.
Sunitinib is metabolized primarily by the cytochrome P450 enzyme, CYP3A4, to produce its primary active metabolite, which is further metabolized by CYP3A4. The primary active metabolite comprises 23 to 37% of the total exposure. Elimination is primarily via feces. In a human mass balance study of [14C]sunitinib, 61% of the dose was eliminated in feces, with renal elimination accounting for 16% of the administered dose. Sunitinib and its primary active metabolite were the major drug-related compounds identified in plasma, urine, and feces, representing 91.5%, 86.4% and 73.8% of radioactivity in pooled samples, respectively. Minor metabolites were identified in urine and feces but generally not found in plasma. Total oral clearance (CL/F) ranged from 34 to 62 L/hr with an inter-patient variability of 40%.
Following administration of a single oral dose in healthy volunteers, the terminal half-lives of sunitinib and its primary active metabolite are approximately 40 to 60 hours and 80 to 110 hours, respectively. With repeated daily administration, sunitinib accumulates 3- to 4-fold while the primary metabolite accumulates 7- to 10-fold. Steady-state concentrations of sunitinib and its primary active metabolite are achieved within 10 to 14 days. By Day 14, combined plasma concentrations of sunitinib and its active metabolite ranged from 62.9 - 101 ng/mL. No significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of sunitinib or the primary active metabolite were observed with repeated daily administration or with repeated cycles in the dosing regimens tested.
The pharmacokinetics were similar in healthy volunteers and in the solid tumor patient populations tested, including patients with GIST and MRCC.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses of demographic data indicate that there are no clinically relevant effects of age, body weight, creatinine clearance, race, gender, or ECOG score on the pharmacokinetics of SUTENT or the primary active metabolite.
Pediatric Use: The pharmacokinetics of SUTENT have not been evaluated in pediatric patients.
Renal Insufficiency: No clinical studies of SUTENT were conducted in patients with impaired renal function. Studies that were conducted excluded patients with serum creatinine > 2.0 x ULN. Population pharmacokinetic analyses have shown that sunitinib pharmacokinetics were unaltered in patients with calculated creatinine clearances in the range of 42 -347 mL/min.
Hepatic Insufficiency: Systemic exposures after a single dose of SUTENT were similar in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) or moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment compared to subjects with normal hepatic function.
See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.
The clinical safety and efficacy of SUTENT have been studied in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate, and in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC).
Study A was a two-arm, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of SUTENT in patients with GIST who had disease progression during prior imatinib mesylate (imatinib) treatment or who were intolerant of imatinib. The objective was to compare Time-to-Tumor Progression (TTP) in patients receiving SUTENT plus best supportive care versus patients receiving placebo plus best supportive care. Other objectives included Progression-Free Survival (PFS), Objective Response Rate (ORR), and Overall Survival (OS). Patients were randomized (2:1) to receive either 50 mg SUTENT or placebo orally, once daily, on Schedule 4/2 until disease progression or withdrawal from the study for another reason. Treatment was unblinded at the time of disease progression. Patients randomized to placebo were then offered crossover to open-label SUTENT, and patients randomized to SUTENT were permitted to continue treatment per investigator judgment.
The intent-to-treat (ITT) population included 312 patients. Two-hundred seven (207) patients were randomized to the SUTENT arm, and 105 patients were randomized to the placebo arm. Demographics were comparable between the SUTENT and placebo groups with regard to age (69% vs 72% < 65 years for SUTENT vs. placebo, respectively), gender (Male: 64% vs. 61%), race (White: (88% both arms, Asian: 5% both arms, Black: 4% both arms, remainder not reported), and Performance Status (ECOG 0: 44% vs. 46%, ECOG 1: 55% vs. 52%, and ECOG 2: 1 vs. 2%). Prior treatment included surgery (94% vs. 93%) and radiotherapy (8% vs. 15%). Outcome of prior imatinib treatment was also comparable between arms with intolerance (4% vs. 4%), progression within 6 months of starting treatment (17% vs. 16%), or progression beyond 6 months (78% vs. 80%) balanced.
A planned interim efficacy and safety analysis was performed after 149 TTP events had occurred. There was a statistically significant advantage for SUTENT over placebo in TTP and progression-free survival. OS data were not mature at the time of the interim analysis. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 5 and the Kaplan-Meier curve for TTP is in Figure 1.
Table 5. GIST Efficacy Results from Study A (interim analysis)
| Efficacy Parameter | SUTENT (n=207) |
Placebo (n=105) |
P-value (log-rank test) | HR (95% CI) |
| Time to Tumor Progressiona [median, weeks (95% CI)] | 27.3 (16.0, 32.1) |
6.4 (4.4, 10.0) |
< 0.0001* | 0.33 (0.23, 0.47) |
| Progression-free Survivalb [median, weeks (95% CI)] | 24.1 (11.1, 28.3) |
6.0 (4.4, 9.9) |
< 0.0001* | 0.33 (0.24, 0.47) |
| Objective Response Rate (PR) [%, (95% CI)] | 6.8 (3.7, 11.1) |
0 | 0.006c | |
| CI=Confidence interval, HR=Hazard ratio, PR=Partial response * A comparison is considered statistically significant if the p-value is < 0.0042 (O'Brien Fleming stopping boundary) a Time from randomization to progression; deaths prior to documented progression were censored at time of last radiographic evaluation b Time from randomization to progression or death due to any cause c Pearson chi-square test |
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Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Curve of TTP in Study A (Intent-to-Treat
Population)
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Study B was an open-label, multi-center, single-arm, dose-escalation study conducted in patients with GIST following progression on or intolerance to imatinib. Following identification of the recommended Phase 2 regimen (50 mg once daily on Schedule 4/2), 55 patients in this study received the 50 mg dose of SUTENT on treatment Schedule 4/2. Partial responses were observed in 5 of 55 patients [9.1% PR rate, 95% CI (3.0, 20.0)].
A multi-center, international randomized study comparing single-agent SUTENT with IFN-α was conducted in patients with treatment-naïve MRCC. The objective was to compare Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in patients receiving SUTENT versus patients receiving IFN-α. Other endpoints included Objective Response Rate (ORR), Overall Survival (OS) and safety. Seven hundred fifty (750) patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either 50 mg SUTENT once daily on Schedule 4/2 or to receive IFN-α administered subcutaneously at 9 MIU three times a week. Patients were treated until disease progression or withdrawal from the study.
The ITT population for this interim analysis included 750 patients, 375 randomized to SUTENT and 375 randomized to IFN-α. Demographics were comparable between the SUTENT and IFN-α groups with regard to age (59% vs. 67% < 65 years for SUTENT vs. IFN-α, respectively), gender (Male: 71% vs. 72%), race (White: 94% vs. 91%, Asian: 2% vs. 3%, Black: 1% vs. 2%, remainder not reported), and Performance Status (ECOG 0: 62% vs. 61%, ECOG 1: 38% each arm, ECOG 2: 0 vs. 1%). Prior treatment included nephrectomy (91% vs. 89%) and radiotherapy (14% each arm). The most common site of metastases present at screening was the lung (78% vs. 80%, respectively), followed by the lymph nodes (58% vs. 53%, respectively) and bone (30% each arm); the majority of the patients had multiple (2 or more) metastatic sites at baseline (80% vs. 77%, respectively).
A planned interim analysis showed a statistically significant advantage for SUTENT over IFN-α in the endpoint of PFS (see Table 6 and Figure 2). In the pre-specified stratification factors of LDH ( > 1.5 ULN vs. ≤ 1.5 ULN), ECOG performance status (0 vs. 1), and prior nephrectomy (yes vs.no), the hazard ratio favored SUTENT over IFN-α. The ORR was higher in the SUTENT arm (see Table 6). OS data were not mature at the time of the interim analysis.
Table 6. Treatment-Naïve MRCC Efficacy Results (interim analysis)
| Efficacy Parameter | SUTENT (n=375) |
IFN-α (n=375) |
P-value (log-rank test) | HR (95% CI) |
| Progression-Free Survivala [median, weeks (95% CI)] | 47.3 (42.6, 50.7) |
22.0 (16.4, 24.0) |
< 0.000001b | 0.415 (0.320, 0.539) |
| Objective Response Ratea [%, (95% CI)] | 27.5 (23.0, 32.3) |
5.3 (3.3, 8.1) |
< 0.001c | NA |
| CI=Confidence interval, NA=Not applicable a Assessed by blinded core radiology laboratory; 90 patients' scans had not been read at time of analysis b A comparison is considered statistically significant if the p-value is < 0.0042 (O'Brien Fleming stopping boundary) c Pearson Chi-square test |
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Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier Curve of PFS in Treatment-Naïve MRCC
Study (Intent-to-Treat Population)
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The use of single agent SUTENT in the treatment of cytokine-refractory MRCC was investigated in two single-arm, multi-center studies. All patients enrolled into these studies experienced failure of prior cytokine-based therapy. In Study 1, failure of prior cytokine therapy was based on radiographic evidence of disease progression defined by RECIST or World Health Organization (WHO) criteria during or within 9 months of completion of 1 cytokine therapy treatment (IFN-α, interleukin-2, or IFN-α plus interleukin-2; patients who were treated with IFN-α alone must have received treatment for at least 28 days). In Study 2, failure of prior cytokine therapy was defined as disease progression or unacceptable treatment-related toxicity. The endpoint for both studies was ORR. Duration of Response (DR) was also evaluated.
One hundred six patients (106) were enrolled into Study 1, and 63 patients were enrolled into Study 2. Patients received 50 mg SUTENT on Schedule 4/2. Therapy was continued until the patients met withdrawal criteria or had progressive disease. The baseline age, gender, race and ECOG performance statuses of the patients were comparable between Studies 1 and 2. Approximately 86-94% of patients in the two studies were White. Men comprised 65% of the pooled population. The median age was 57 years and ranged from 24 to 87 years in the studies. All patients had an ECOG performance status < 2 at the screening visit.
The baseline malignancy and prior treatment history of the patients were comparable between Studies 1 and 2. Across the two studies, 95% of the pooled population of patients had at least some component of clear-cell histology. All patients in Study 1 were required to have a histological clear-cell component. Most patients enrolled in the studies (97% of the pooled population) had undergone nephrectomy; prior nephrectomy was required for patients enrolled in Study 1. All patients had received one previous cytokine regimen. Metastatic disease present at the time of study entry included lung metastases in 81% of patients. Liver metastases were more common in Study 1 (27% vs. 16% in Study 2) and bone metastases were more common in Study 2 (51% vs. 25% in Study 1); 52% of patients in the pooled population had at least 3 metastatic sites. Patients with known brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease were excluded from both studies.
The ORR and DR data from Studies 1 and 2 are provided in Table 7. There were 36 PRs in Study 1 as assessed by a core radiology laboratory for an ORR of 34.0% (95% CI 25.0, 43.8). There were 23 PRs in Study 2 as assessed by the investigators for an ORR of 36.5% (95% CI 24.7, 49.6). The majority ( > 90%) of objective disease responses were observed during the first four cycles; the latest reported response was observed in Cycle 10. DR data from Study 1 is premature as only 9 of 36 patients (25%) responding to treatment had experienced disease progression or died at the time of the data cutoff.
Table 7. Cytokine-Refractory MRCC Efficacy Results
| Efficacy Parameter | Study 1 (N=106) |
Study 2 (N=63) |
| Objective Response Rate [%, (95% CI)] | 34.0a (25.0, 43.8) |
36.5b (24.7, 49.6) |
| Duration of Response (DR) [median, weeks (95% CI)] | * (42.0, **) | 54b (34.3, 70.1) |
| CI=Confidence interval * Median DR has not yet been reached ** Data not mature enough to determine upper confidence limit a Assessed by blinded core radiology laboratory b Assessed by investigators |
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Last updated on RxList: 8/24/2009
Read the patient information leaflet that comes with SUTENT before you start taking it. Read the leaflet each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not replace talking with your doctor about your condition or treatment. If you have any questions about SUTENT, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the most important information I should know about SUTENT?
What is SUTENT?
SUTENT is a medicine that treats 2 kinds of cancer.
What should I tell my doctor before taking SUTENT?
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you:
SUTENT and other medicines
Tell your doctor about all your medicines. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can react with SUTENT and cause serious side effects. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
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Keep a list of your medicines. Show it to your doctor or pharmacist. Talk with your doctor before starting any new medicines.
What are possible side effects of SUTENT?
Possible serious side effects include:
Common side effects:
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There are other side effects. For a more complete list, ask your cancer specialist nurse or doctor.
How should I take SUTENT?
How do I store SUTENT?
General information about SUTENT
Doctors can prescribe medicines for conditions that are not in this patient information leaflet. Use SUTENT only for what your doctor prescribed. Do not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This leaflet gives the most important information about SUTENT. For more information about SUTENT, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can visit our website at www.SUTENT.com.
What is in SUTENT?
Active ingredient: sunitinib malate
Inactive ingredients: mannitol, croscarmellose sodium, povidone (K-25), magnesium stearate Orange gelatin capsule shell: titanium dioxide, red iron oxide Caramel gelatin capsule shell: yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide Printing ink: shellac, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, povidone, titanium dioxide
Last updated on RxList: 8/24/2009
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
SUNITINIB - ORAL
(soo-NI-ti-nib)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sutent
USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (kidney and intestinal). Sunitinib works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer tumors. It also works by slowing the growth of new blood vessels within the tumor.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using sunitinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off, or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication may cause patchy or complete hair loss and changes in hair/skin color. These effects are not harmful.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: headache, rash/blisters on palms of hands/soles of feet, sores/pain on the tongue/mouth, easy bruising/bleeding, swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, seizures, unusual weight gain, cold intolerance, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.
This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills or persistent sore throat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking sunitinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), high blood pressure, liver problems, thyroid disease, certain mineral imbalances (low potassium/magnesium blood levels).
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports.
If you need to have surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. To avoid pregnancy, both males and females using the drug must use reliable form(s) of birth control during treatment.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Other drugs besides sunitinib that may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, and sotalol, among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) slow/fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (e.g., severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. Before using sunitinib, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: bevacizumab, "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin, heparins), certain "water pills"/diuretics that cause potassium loss from the body (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide/furosemide), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove sunitinib from your body (e.g., azole antifungals such as ketoconazole/itraconazole, cimetidine, HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir/saquinavir, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifamycins such as rifampin/rifabutin, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine/phenytoin/phenobarbital).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, complete blood count, certain heart function tests such as LVEF, LFTs, pancreatic enzymes, sodium/potassium/phosphate levels) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
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