SAGRAMOSTIM (LEUKINE®)
DESCRIPTION
LEUKINE® (sargramostim) is a recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) produced by recombinant DNA technology in a yeast (S. cerevisiae) expression system. GM-CSF is a hematopoietic growth factor which stimulates proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. LEUKINE is a glycoprotein of 127 amino acids characterized by 3 primary molecular species having molecular masses of 19,500, 16,800 and 15,500 daltons. The amino acid sequence of LEUKINE differs from the natural human GM-CSF by a substitution of leucine at position 23, and the carbohydrate moiety may be different form the native protein. Sargramostim has been selected as the proper name for yeast-derived rhu GM-CSF.
The LEUKINE Liquid presentation is formulated as a sterile, preserved (1.1% benzyl alcohol), injectable solution (500 mcg/mL) in a vial. Lyophilized LEUKINE is a sterile, white, preservative-free powder (250 mcg) that requires reconstitution with 1 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP or 1 mL Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP.
LEUKINE Liquid and reconstituted lyophilized LEUKINE are clear, colorless liquids suitable for subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. LEUKINE Liquid contains 500 mcg (2.8 10 6 IU/mL) sargramostim and 1.1% benzyl alcohol in a 1 mL solution. The vial of lyophilized LEUKINE contains 250 mcg (1.4 10 6 IU/vial) sargramostim. The LEUKINE Liquid vial and reconstituted lyophilized LEUKINE vial also contain 40 mg/mL mannitol, USP; 10 mg/mL sucrose, NF; and 1.2 mg/mL tromethamine, USP, as excipients. Biological potency is expressed in International Units (IU) as tested against the WHO First International Reference Standard. The specific activity of LEUKINE is approximately 5.6 10 6 IU/mg.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
General GM-CSF belongs to a group of growth factors termed colony stimulating factors which support survival, clonal expansion, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. GM-CSF induces partially committed progenitor cells to divide and differentiate in the granulocyte-macrophage pathways.
GM-CSF is also capable of activating mature granulocytes and macrophages. GM-CSF is a multilineage factor and, in addition to dose-dependent effects on the myelomonocytic lineage, can promote the proliferation of megakaryocytic and erythroid progenitors. 1 However, other factors are required to induce complete maturation in these two lineages. The various cellular responses (i.e., division, maturation, activation) are induced through GM-CSF binding to specific receptors expressed on the cell surface of target cells. 2
In vitro Studies of LEUKINE in Human Cells: The biological activity of GM-CSF is species-specific. Consequently, in vitro studies have been performed on human cells to characterize the pharmacological activity of LEUKINE. In vitro exposure of human bone marrow cells to LEUKINE at concentrations ranging from 1-100 ng/mL results in the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors and in the formation of pure granulocyte, pure macrophage and mixed granulocyte-macrophage colonies. 3 Chemotactic, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic 4 activities of granulocytes and monocytes are increased by exposure to LEUKINE in vitro . LEUKINE increases the cytotoxicity of monocytes toward certain neoplastic cell lines 3 and activates polymorphonuclear neutrophils to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
In vivo Primate Studies of LEUKINE /toxicology studies of LEUKINE were performed in cynomolgus monkeys. An acute toxicity study revealed an absence of treatment-related toxicity following a single IV bolus injection at a dose of 300 mcg/kg. Two subacute studies were performed using IV injection (maximum dose 200 mcg/kg/day 14 days) and subcutaneous injection (maximum dose 200 mcg/kg/day 28 days). No major visceral organ toxicity was documented. Notable histopathology findings included increased cellularity in hematologic organs and heart and lung tissues. A dose-dependent increase in leukocyte count, which consisted primarily of segmented neutrophils, occurred during the dosing period; increases in monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes were also noted. Leukocyte counts decreased to pretreatment values over a 1-2 week recovery period.
Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetic profiles have been analyzed in controlled studies of 24 normal male volunteers. Liquid and lyophilized LEUKINE, at the recommended dose of 250 mcg/m 2 , have been determined to be bioequivalent based on the statistical evaluation of AUC. 5
When LEUKINE (either liquid or lyophilized) was administered IV over 2 hours to normal volunteers, the mean beta half-life was approximately 60 minutes. Peak concentrations of GM-CSF were observed in blood samples obtained during or immediately after completion of LEUKINE infusion. For LEUKINE Liquid, the mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 5.0 ng/mL, the mean clearance rate was approximately 420 mL/min/m 2 and the mean AUC (0-inf) was 640 ng/mL·min. Corresponding results for lyophilized LEUKINE in the same subjects were mean Cmax of 5.4 ng/mL, mean clearance rate of 431 mL/min/m 2 , and mean AUC (0-inf) of 677 ng/mL·min. GM-CSF was last detected in the blood samples obtained at 3 to 6 hours.
When LEUKINE (either liquid or lyophilized) was administered SC to normal volunteers, GM-CSF was detected in the serum at 15 minutes, the first sample point. The mean beta half-life was approximately 162 minutes. Peak levels occurred at 1 to 3 hours post injection, and LEUKINE remained undetectable for up to 6 hours after injection. The mean Cmax was 1.5 ng/mL. For LEUKINE Liquid, the mean clearance was 549 mL/min/m 2 and the mean AUC (0-inf) was 549 ng/mL min. For lyophilized LEUKINE, the mean clearance was 529 mL/min/m 2 and the mean AUC (0-inf) was 501 ng/mL min.
Antibody Formation: Serum samples collected before and after LEUKINE treatment from 214 patients with a variety of underlying diseases have been examined for the presence of antibodies. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 5 of 214 patients (2.3%) after receiving LEUKINE by continuous IV infusion (3 patients) or subcutaneous injection (2 patients) for 28 to 84 days in multiple courses. All 5 patients had impaired hematopoiesis before the administration of LEUKINE and consequently the effect of the development of anti-GM-CSF antibodies on normal hematopoiesis could not be assessed. Drug-induced neutropenia, neutralization of endogenous GM-CSF activity and diminution of the therapeutic effect of LEUKINE secondary to formation of neutralizing antibody remain a theoretical possibility.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Use Following Induction Chemotherapy in Acute Myocardial Leukemia: LEUKINE is indicated for use following induction chemotherapy in older adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) to shorten time to neutrophil recovery and to reduce the incidence of severe and life-threatening infections and infections resulting in death. The safety and efficacy of LEUKINE have not been assessed in patients with AML under 55 years of age.
The term acute myelogenous leukemia, also referred to as acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), encompasses a heterogeneous group of leukemias arising from various non-lymphoid cell lines which have been defined morphologically by the French-American-British (FAB) system of classification.
Use in Mobilization and Following Transplantation of Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells: LEUKINE is indicated for the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis. Mobilization allows for the collection of increased numbers of progenitor cells capable of engraftment as compared with collection without mobilization. After myeloablative chemotherapy, the transplantation of an increased number of progenitor cells can lead to more rapid engraftment, which may result in a decreased need for supportive care. Myeloid reconstitution is further accelerated by administration of LEUKINE following peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation.
Use in Myeloid Reconstitution After Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation: LEUKINE is indicated for acceleration of myeloid recovery in patients with non-Hodgkin’ lymphoma (NHL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Hodgkin’ disease undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT). After autologous BMT in patients with NHL, ALL, or Hodgkin’ disease, LEUKINE has been found to be safe and effective in accelerating myeloid engraftment, decreasing median duration of antibiotic administration, reducing the median duration of infectious episodes and shortening the median duration of hospitalization. Hematologic response to LEUKINE can be detected by complete blood count (CBC) with differential performed twice per week.
Use in Myeloid Reconstitution After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation: LEUKINE is indicated for acceleration of myeloid recovery in patients undergoing allogeneic BMT from HLA-matched related doners LEUKINE has been found to be safe and effective in accelerating myeloid engraftment, reducing the incidence of bacteremia and other culture positive infections, and shortening the median duration of hospitalization.
Use in Bone Marrow Transplantation Failure or Engraftment Delay: LEUKINE is indicated in patients who have undergone allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in whom engraftment is delayed or has failed. LEUKINE has been found to be safe and effective in prolonging survival of patients who are experiencing graft failure or enlargement delay, in the presence or absence of infection, following autologous or allogeneic BMT. Survival benefit may be relatively greater in those patients who demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics: autologous BMT failure or engraftment delay, no previous total body irradiation, malignancy other than leukemia or a multiple organ failure (MOF) score </= 2 (see CLINICAL EXPERIENCE ). Hematologic response to LEUKINE can be detected by complete blood count (CBC) with differential performed twice per week.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: The safety and efficacy of sargramostim in patients with AML who are younger than 55 years of age have not been determined. Based on Phase II data suggesting the best therapeutic effects could be achieved in patients at highest risk for severe infections and mortality while neutropenic, the Phase III clinical trial was conducted in older patients. The safety and efficacy of LEUKINE in the treatment of AML were evaluated in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 99 newly diagnosed adult patients, 55-70 years of age, receiving induction with or without consolidation. 6 A combination of standard doses of daunorubicin (days 1-3) and ara-C (days 1-7) was administered during induction and high dose ara-C was administered days 1-6 as a single course of consolidation, if given. Bone marrow evaluation was performed on day 10 following induction chemotherapy. If hypoplasia with <5% blasts was not achieved, patients immediately received a second cycle of induction chemotherapy. If the bone marrow was hypoplastic with <5% blasts on day 10 or 4 days following the second cycle of induction chemotherapy, LEUKINE (250 mcg/m 2 /day) or placebo was given IV over 4 hours each day, starting 4 days after the completion of chemotherapy. Study drug was continued until an ANC >/=1500/mm 3 for three consecutive days was attained or a maximum of 42 days. LEUKINE or placebo was also administered after the single course of consolidation chemotherapy if delivered (ara-C 3-6 weeks after induction following neutrophil recovery). Study drug was discontinued immediately if leukemic regrowth occurred.
Hematological Recovery (in Days): Induction Dataset sargramostim n=52 * Median (25%, 75%) Placebo n=47 Median (25%, 75%) p-value ** ANC>500/mm 3 a 13 (11, 16) 17 (13, 25) 0.009 ANC>1000/mm 3 b 14 (12, 18) 21 (13, 34) 0.003 PLT>20,000/mm 3 c 11 (7, 14) 12 (9, >42) 0.10 RBC § 12 (9, 24) 14 (9. 42) 0.53 * Patients with missing data censored. a 2 patients on sargamostim and 4 patients on placebo had missing values. b 2 patients on sargramostim and 3 patients on placebo had missing values. c 4 patients on placebo had missing values. 3 patients on sargramostim and 4 patients on placebo had missing values. ** p=Generalized Wilcoxon
LEUKINE (sargramostim) significantly shortened the median duration of ANC <500/mm 3 by 4 days and <1000/mm 3 by 7 days following induction (see table at right), 75% of patients receiving LEUKINE achieved ANC >500/mm 3 by day 16, compared to day 25 for patients receiving placebo. The proportion of patients receiving 1 cycle (70%) for 2 cycles (30%) of induction was similar in both treatment groups; LEUKINE significantly shortened the median times to neutrophil recovery whether one cycle (12 versus 15 days) or two cycles (14 versus 23 days) of induction chemotherapy was administered. Median times to platelet (>20,000/mm 3 ) and RBC transfusion independence were not significantly different between treatment groups.
During the consolidation phase of treatment, LEUKINE did not shorten the median time to recovery of ANC to 500/mm 3 (13 days) or 1000/mm 3 (14.5 days) compared to placebo. There were no significant differences in time to platelet and RBC transfusion independence.
The incidence of severe infections and deaths associated with infections was significantly reduced in patients who received LEUKINE. During induction or consolidation, 27 of 52 patients receiving LEUKINE and 35 of 47 patients receiving placebo had at least one grade 3, 4 or 5 infection (p=0.02). Twenty-five patients receiving LEUKINE and 30 patients receiving placebo experienced severe and fatal infections during induction only. There were significantly fewer deaths from infectious causes in the sargramostim arm (3 versus 11, p=0.02). The majority of deaths in the placebo group were associated with fungal infections with pneumonia as the primary infection.
Disease outcomes were not adversely affected by the use of LEUKINE. The proportion of patients achieving complete remission (CR) was higher in the LEUKINE group (69% as compared to 55% for the placebo group), but the difference was not significant (p=0.21). There was no significant difference in relapse rates; 12 of 36 patients who received LEUKINE and 5 of 26 patients who received placebo relapsed within 180 days of documented CR (p=0.26). The overall median survival was 378 days for patients receiving LEUKINE and 268 days for those on placebo (p=0.17). The study was not sized to assess the impact of LEUKINE treatment on response or survival.
Mobilization and Engraftment of PBPC: A retrospective review was conducted on data from patients with cancer undergoing collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) at a single transplant center. Mobilization of PBPC and myeloid reconstitution post-transplant were compared between four groups of patients (n=196) receiving LEUKINE for mobilization and a historical control group who did not receive any mobilization treatment [progenitor cells collected by leukapheresis without mobilization (n=100)]. Sequential cohorts received LEUKINE. The cohorts differed by dose (125 or 250 mcg/m 2 /day), route (IV over 24 hours or SC) and use of LEUKINE post-transplant. Leukaphereses were initiated for all mobilization groups after the WBC reached 10,000/mm 3 . Leukaphereses continued until both a minimum number of mononucleated cells (MNC) were collected (6.5 or 8.0 10 8 /kg body weight) and a minimum number of phereses (5-8) were performed. Both minimum requirements varied by treatment cohort and planned conditioning regimen. If subjects failed to reach a WBC of 10,000 cells/mm 3 by day 5, another cytokine was substituted for LEUKINE; these subjects were all successfully leukapheresed and transplanted. The most marked mobilization and post-transplant effects were seen in patients administered the higher dose of LEUKINE (250 mcg/m 2 ) either IV (n=63) or SC (n=41).
PBPCs from patients treated at the 250 mcg/m 2 /day dose had significantly higher number of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM) than those collected without mobilization. The mean value after thawing was 11.41 10 4 CFU-GM/kg for all LEUKINE-mobilized patients, compared to 0.96 10 4 /kg for the non-mobilized group. A similar difference was observed in the mean number of erythrocyte burst-forming units (BFU-E) collected (23.96 10 4 /kg for patients mobilized with 250 mcg/m 2 doses of LEUKINE administered SC vs. 1.63 10 4 /kg for non-mobilized patients).
ANC and Platelet Recovery after PBPC Transplant ENGRAFTMENT (median value in days) Route for Mobilization Post-transplant LEUKINE ANC>500/mm 3 Last platelet transfusion No Mobilization – no 29 28 LEUKINE 250 mcg/m 2 IV IV SC no yes yes 21 12 12 24 19 17
After transplantation, mobilized subjects had shorter times to myeloid engraftment and fewer days between transplantation and the last platelet transfusion compared to non-mobilized subjects. Neutrophil recovery (ANC >500/mm 3 ) was more rapid in patients administered LEUKINE following PBPC transplantation with LEUKINE-mobilized cells (see table at right). Mobilized patients also had fewer days to the last platelet transfusion and last RBC transfusion, and a shorter duration of hospitalization than did non-mobilized subjects.
A second retrospective review of data from patients undergoing PBPC at another single transplant center was also conducted. LEUKINE was given SC at 250 mcg/m 2 /day once a day (n=10) or twice a day (n=21) until completion of the pheresis. Phereses were begun on day 5 of LEUKINE administration and continued until the targeted MNC count of 9 10 8 /kg or CD34+ cell count of 1 10 6 /kg was reached. There was no difference in CD34+ cell count in patients receiving LEUKINE once or twice a day. The median time to ANC>500/mm 3 was 12 days and to platelet recovery (>25,000/mm 3 ) was 23 days.
Survival studies comparing mobilized study patients to the non-mobilized patients and to an autologous historical bone marrow transplant group showed no differences in median survival time.
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation 7 Following a dose-ranging Phase I/II trial in patients undergoing autologous BMT for lymphoid malignancies, 8, 9 three single center, randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded studies were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LEUKINE for promoting hematopoietic reconstitution following autologous BMT. A total of 128 patients (65 LEUKINE, 63 placebo) were enrolled in these 3 studies. The majority of the patients had lymphoid malignancy (87 NHL, 17 ALL), 23 patients had Hodgkin’ disease, and 1 patient had acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). In 72 patients with NHL or ALL, the bone marrow harvest was purged prior to storage with one of several monoclonal antibodies. No chemical agent was used for in vitro treatment of the bone marrow. Preparative regimens in the 3 studies included cyclophosphamide (total dose 120-150 mg/kg) and total body irradiation (total dose 1,200-1,575 rads). Other regimens used in patients with Hodgkin’ disease and NHL without radiotherapy consisted of 3 or more of the following in combination (expressed as total dose): cytosine arabinoside (400 mg/m 2 ) and carmustine (300 mg/m 2 ), cyclophosphamide (140-150 mg/kg), hydroxyurea (4.5 grams/m 2 ) and etoposide (375-450 mg/m 2 ).
Compared to placebo, administration of LEUKINE in 2 studies (n=44 and 47) significantly improved the following hematologic and clinical endpoints: time to neutrophil engraftment, duration of hospitalization and infection experience or antibacterial usage. In the third study (n=37) there was a positive trend toward earlier myeloid engraftment in favor of LEUKINE. This latter study differed from the other 2 in having enrolled a large number of patients with Hodgkin’ disease who had also received extensive radiation and chemotherapy prior to harvest of autologous bone marrow. A subgroup analysis of the data from all 3 studies revealed that the median time to engraftment for patients with Hodgkin’ disease, regardless of treatment, was 6 days longer when compared to patients with NHL and ALL, but that the overall beneficial LEUKINE treatment was the same. In the following combined analysis of the 3 studies, these 2 subgroups (NHL and ALL vs Hodgkin’ disease) are presented separately.
Patients with Lymphoid Malignancy (Non-Hodgkin’ Lymphoma and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia): Myeloid engraftment (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] >/= 500 cells/mm 3 ) in 54 patients receiving LEUKINE was observed 6 days earlier than in 50 patients treated with placebo (see table at right).
Autologous BMT: Combined Analysis from Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Responses in Patients with NHL and ALL Median Value (days) ANC >/=500/mm 3 ANC >/=1000/mm 3 Duration of Hospitalization Duration of Infection Duration of Antibacterial Therapy LEUKINE (n=54) 18 * # 24 * # 25 * # 1 * 21 * Placebo (n=50) 24 32 31 4 25 * p<0.05 Wilcoxon or CMH ridit chi-squared # p<0.05 Log rank Note: The single AML patient was not included.
Accelerated myeloid engraftment was associated with significant clinical benefits. The median duration of hospitalization was 6 days shorter with the LEUKINE group than for the placebo group. Median duration of infectious episodes (defined as fever and neutropenia; or 2 positive cultures of the same organism; or fever >38°C and 1 positive blood culture; or clinical evidence of infection) was 3 days less in the group treated with LEUKINE. The median duration of antibacterial administration in the post-transplantation period was 4 days shorter for the patients treated with LEUKINE than for the placebo-treated patients. The study was unable to detect a significant difference between the treatment groups in rate of disease relapse 24 months post-transplantation. As a group, leukemic subjects receiving LEUKINE derived less benefit than NHL subjects. However, both the leukemic and NHL groups receiving LEUKINE engrafted earlier than controls.
Patients with Hodgkin’ Disease: If patients with Hodgkin’ disease are analysed separately, a trend toward earlier myeloid engraftment is noted. LEUKINE-treated patients engrafted earlier (by 5 days) than the placebo-treated patients (p=0.189, Wilcoxon) but the number of patients was small (n=22). Studies are in progress to confirm statistically the trend toward earlier engraftment with LEUKINE in patients with Hodgkin’ disease.
Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation: A multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LEUKINE for promoting hematopoietic reconstitution following allogeneic BMT. A total of 109 patients (53 LEUKINE, 56 placebo) were enrolled in the study. Twenty-three patients (11 LEUKINE, 12 placebo) were 18 years old or younger. Sixty-seven patients had myeloid malignancies (33 AML, 34 CML), 17 had lymphoid malignancies (12 ALL, 5 NHL), 3 patients had Hodgkin’ disease, 6 had multiple myeloma, 9 had myelodysplastic disease, and 7 patients had aplastic anemia. In 22 patients at one of the seven study sites, bone marrow harvests were depleted of T cells. Preparative regimens included cyclophosphamide, busulfan, cytosine arabinoside, etoposide, methotrexate, corticosteroids, and asparaginase. Some patients also received total body, splenic, or testicular irradiation. Primary graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was cyclosporine A and a corticosteroid.
Accelerated myeloid engraftment was associated with significant laboratory and clinical benefits. Compared to placebo, administration of LEUKINE significantly improved following: time to neutrophil engraftment, duration of hospitalization, number of patients with bacteremia and overall incidence of infection (see table at right).
Allogeneic BMT: Analysis of Data from Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Median Values (days or number of patients) ANC >/= 500/mm 3 ANC >/= 1000/mm 3 Number of Patients with Infections Number of Patients with Bacteremia Days of Hospitalization LEUKINE (n=53) 13 * 14 * 30 * 9 ** 25 * Placebo (n=56) 17 19 42 19 26 * p<0.05 generalized Wilcoxon test ** p<0.05 simple chi-square test
Median time to myeloid engraftment (ANC >/=500 cells/mm 3 ) in 53 patients receiving LEUKINE (sargramostim) was 4 days less than in 56 patients treated with placebo (see table at right). The number of patients with bacteremia and infection was significantly lower in the LEUKINE group compared to the placebo group (9/53 versus 19/56 and 30/53 versus 42/56, respectively). There were a number of secondary laboratory and clinical endpoints. Of these, only the incidence of severe (grade 3/4) mucositis was significantly improved in the LEUKINE group (4/53) compared to the placebo group (16/56) at p<0.05. LEUKINE-treated patients also had a shorter median duration of post-transplant IV antibiotic infusions, and shorter median number of days to last platelet and RBC transfusions compared to placebo patients, but none of these differences reached statistical significance.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Failure or Engraftment Delay: A historically controlled study was conducted in patients experiencing graft failure following allogeneic or autologous BMT to determine whether LEUKINE improved survival after BMT failure.
Three categories of patients were eligible for this study:
1. patients displaying a delay in engraftment (ANC </= 100 cells/mm 3 by day 28 post-transplantation);
2. patients displaying a delay in engraftment (ANC </= 100 cells/mm 3 by day 21 post-transplantation) and who had evidence of an active infection, and
3. patients who lost their marrow graft after a transient engraftment (manifested by an average of ANC >/= 500 cells/mm 3 for at least one week followed by loss of engraftment with ANC <500 cells/mm 3 for at least one week beyond day 21 post-transplantation).
A total of 140 eligible patients from 35 institutions were treated with LEUKINE and evaluated in comparison to 103 historical control patients from a single institution. One hundred sixty-three patients had lymphoid or myeloid leukemia, 24 patients had non-Hodgkin’ lymphoma, 19 patients had Hodgkin’ disease and 37 patients had other diseases, such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplasia or non-hematologic malignancy. The majority of patients (223 out of 243) had received prior chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy prior to preparation for transplantation.
One hundred day survival was improved in favor of the patients treated with LEUKINE after graft failure following either autologous or allogeneic BMT. In addition, the median survival was improved by greater than 2-fold. The median survival of patients treated with LEUKINE after autologus failure was 474 days versus 161 days for the historical patients. Similarly, after allogeneic failure, the median survival was 97 days with LEUKINE treatment and 35 days for the historical controls. Improvement in survival was better in patients with fewer impaired organs.
The MOF score is a simple clinical laboratory assessment of 7 major organ systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hematologic, renal, hepatic and neurologic. 10 Assessment of the MOF score is recommended as an additional method of determining the need to initiate treatment with LEUKINE in patients with graft failure or delay in engraftment following autologous or allogeneic BMT.
Median Survival by Multiple Organ failure (MOF) Category Median Survival (days) MOF </= 2 Organs MOF </= 2 Organs MOF (Composite of Both Groups) Autologous BMT LEUKINE 474 (n=58) 78.5 (n=10) 474 (n=68) Historical 165 (n=14) 39 (n=3) 161 (n=17) Allogeneic BMT LEUKINE 174 (n =50) 27 (n=22)Â Â 97 (n=72) Historical 52.5 (n=60) 15.5 (n=26) 35 (n=86)
Factors that Contribute to Survival: The probability of survival was relatively greater for patients with any one of the following characteristics: autologous BMT failure or delay in engraftment, exclusion of total body irradiation from the preparative regimen, a non-leukemic malignancy or MOF score </= 2 (0, 1 or 2 dysfunctional organ systems). Leukemic subjects derived less benefit than other subjects.
Contra-Indications:
LEUKINE is contraindicated:
1. in patients with excessive leukemic myeloid blasts in the bone marrow or peripheral blood (>/= 10%);
2. in patients with known hypersensitivity to GM-CSF, yeast-derived products or any component of the product;
3. for concomitant use with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Due to the potential sensitivity of rapidly dividing hematopoietic progenitor cells, LEUKINE should not be administered simultaneously with cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy or within 24 hours preceding or following chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In one controlled study, patients with small cell lung cancer received LEUKINE and concurrent thoracic radiotherapy and chemotherapy or the identical radiotherapy and chemotherapy without LEUKINE. The patients randomized to LEUKINE had significantly higher incidence of adverse events, including higher mortality and a higher incidence of grade 3 and 4 infections and grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia. 11
Manufacturers’ Warnings In Clinical States:
Pediatric Use: Benzyl alcohol is a constituent of LEUKINE Liquid and Bacteriostatic Water for Injection diluent. Benzyl alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal “Gasping Syndrome” in premature infants Liquid solutions containing benzyl alcohol (including LEUKINE Liquid) or lyophilized LEUKINE reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol) should not be administered to neonates (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
Fluid Retention: Edema, capillary leak syndrome, pleural and/or pericardial effusion have been reported in patients after LEUKINE administration. In 156 patients enrolled in placebo-controlled studies using LEUKINE at a dose of 250 mcg/m 2 /day by 2-hour IV infusion, the reported incidences of fluid retention (LEUKINE vs. placebo) were as follows: peripheral edema, 11% vs. 7%; pleural effusion, 1% vs. 0%; and pericardial effusion, 4% vs. 1%. Capillary leak syndrome was not observed in this limited number of studies; based on other uncontrolled studies and reports from users of marketed LEUKINE, the incidence is estimated to be less than 1%. In patients with preexisting pleural and pericardial effusions, administration of LEUKINE may aggravate fluid retention; however, fluid retention associated with or worsened by LEUKINE has been reversible after interruption or dose reduction of LEUKINE with or without diuretic therapy. LEUKINE should be used with caution in patients with preexisting fluid retention, pulmonary infiltrates or congestive heart failure.
Respiratory Symptoms Sequestration of granulocytes in the pulmonary circulation has been documented following LEUKINE infusion, 12 and dyspnea has been reported occasionally in patients treated with LEUKINE. Special attention should be given to respiratory symptoms during or immediately following LEUKINE infusion, especially in patients with preexisting lung disease. In patients displaying dyspnea during LEUKINE administration, the rate of infusion should be reduced by half. If respiratory symptoms worsen despite infusion rate reduction, the infusion should be discontinued. Subsequent IV infusions may be administered following the standard dose schedule with careful monitoring. LEUKINE should be administered with caution in patients with hypoxia.
Cardiovascular Symptoms: Occasional transient supraventricular arrhythmia has been reported in uncontrolled studies during LEUKINE administration, particularly in patients with a previous history of cardiac arrhythmia. However, these arrhythmias have been reversible after discontinuation of LEUKINE. LEUKINE should be used with caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease.
Renal and Hepatic Dysfunction: In some patients with preexisting renal or hepatic dysfunction enrolled in uncontrolled clinical trials, administration of LEUKINE has induced elevation of serum creatinine or bilirubin and hepatic enzymes. Dose reduction or interruption of LEUKINE administration has resulted in a decrease to pretreatment values. However, in controlled clinical trials the incidences of renal and hepatic dysfunction were comparable between LEUKINE (250 mcg/m 2 /day by 2-hour IV infusion) and placebo-treated patients. Monitoring of renal and hepatic function in patients displaying renal or hepatic dysfunction prior to initiation of treatment is recommended at least every other week during LEUKINE administration.
Precautions:
General: Parenteral administration of recombinant proteins should be attended by appropriate precautions in case an allergic or untoward reaction occurs. Serious allergic or anaphylactic reactions have been reported. If any serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs, LEUKINE therapy should immediately be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated.
A syndrome characterized by respiratory distress, hypoxia, flushing, hypotension, syncope, and/or tachycardia has been reported following the first administration of LEUKINE (sargramostim) in a particular cycle. These signs have resolved with symptomatic treatment and usually do not recur with subsequent doses in the same cycle of treatment.
Stimulation of marrow precursors with LEUKINE may result in a rapid rise in white blood cell (WBC) count. If the ANC exceeds 20,000 cells/mm 3 or if the platelet count exceeds 500,000/mm 3, LEUKINE administration should be interrupted or the dose reduced by half. The decision to reduce the dose or interrupt treatment should be based on the clinical condition of the patient. Excessive blood counts have returned to normal or baseline levels within 3 to 7 days following cessation of LEUKINE therapy. Twice weekly monitoring of CBC with differential (including examination for the presence of blast cells) should be performed to preclude development of excessive counts.
Growth Factor Potential: LEUKINE is a growth factor that primarily stimulates normal myeloid precursors. However, the possibility that LEUKINE can act as a growth factor for any tumor type, particularly myeloid malignancies, cannot be excluded. Because of the possibility of tumor growth potentiation, precaution should be exercised when using this drug in any malignancy with myeloid characteristics.
Should disease progression be detected during LEUKINE treatment, LEUKINE therapy should be discontinued.
LEUKINE has been administered to patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in uncontrolled studies without evidence of increased relapse rates. 13, 14, 15 Controlled studies have not been performed in patients with MDS.
Use in Patients Receiving Purged Bone Marrow: LEUKINE is effective in accelerating myeloid recovery in patients receiving bone marrow purged by anti-B lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies. Data obtained from uncontrolled studies suggest that if in vitro marrow purging with chemical agents causes a significant decrease in the number of responsive hematopoietic progenitors, the patient may not respond to LEUKINE. When the bone marrow purging process preserves a sufficient number of progenitors (>1.2 10 4 /kg), a beneficial effect of LEUKINE on myeloid engraftment has been reported. 16
Use in Patients Previously Exposed to Intensive Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy: In patients who before autologous BMT, have received extensive radiotherapy to hematopoietic sites for the treatment of primary disease in the abdomen or chest, or have been exposed to multiple myelotoxic agents (alkylating agents, anthracycline antibiotics and antimetabolites), the effect of LEUKINE on myeloid reconstitution may be limited.
Use in Patients with Malignancy Undergoing LEUKINE-Mobilized PBPC Collection: When using LEUKINE to mobilize PBPC, the limited in vitro data suggest that tumor cells may be released and reinfused into the patient in the leukapheresis product. The effect of reinfusion of tumor cells has not been well studied and the data are inconclusive.
Patient Monitoring: LEUKINE can induce variable increases in WBC and/or platelet counts. In order to avoid potential complications of excessive leukocytosis (WBC >50,000 cells/mm 3 ; ANC >20,000 cells/mm 3 ), a CBC is recommended twice per week during LEUKINE therapy. Monitoring of renal and hepatic function in patients displaying renal or hepatic dysfunction prior to initiation of treatment is recommended at least biweekly during LEUKINE administration. Body weight and hydration status should be carefully monitored during LEUKINE administration.
Drug Interaction: Interactions between LEUKINE and other drugs have not been fully evaluated. Drugs which may potentiate the myeloproliferative effects of LEUKINE, such as lithium and corticosteroids, should be used with caution.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Animal studies have not been conducted with LEUKINE to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility.
Pregnancy (Category C): Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with LEUKINE. It is not known whether LEUKINE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capability. LEUKINE should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether LEUKINE is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, LEUKINE should be administered to a nursing women only if clearly needed.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; however, available safety data indicate that LEUKINE does not exhibit any greater toxicity in pediatric patients than in adults. A total of 124 pediatric subjects between the ages of 4 months and 18 years have been treated with LEUKINE in clinical trials at doses ranging from 60-1,000 mcg/m 2 /day intravenously and 4-1,500 mcg/m 2 /day subcutaneously. In 53 pediatric patients enrolled in controlled studies at a dose of 250 mcg/m 2 /day by 2-hour IV infusion, the type and frequency of adverse events were comparable to those reported for the adult population. Liquid solutions containing benzyl alcohol (including LEUKINE Liquid) or lyophilized LEUKINE reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol) should not be administered to neonates (see WARNINGS ).
Adverse Reactions:
Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation LEUKINE is generally well tolerated. In 3 placebo-controlled studies enrolling a total of 156 patients after autologous BMT or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation, events reported in at least 10% of patients who received IV LEUKINE or placebo were as reported at right.
No significant differences were observed between LEUKINE and placebo-treated patients in the type or frequency of laboratory abnormalities, including renal and hepatic parameters. In some patients with preexisting renal or hepatic dysfunction enrolled in uncontrolled clinical trials, administration of LEUKINE has induced elevation of serum creatinine or bilirubin and hepatic enzymes (see WARNINGS ). In addition, there was no significant difference in relapse rate and 24 month survival between the LEUKINE and placebo-treated patients.
In the placebo-controlled trial of 109 patients after allogeneic BMT, events reported in at least 10% of patients who received IV LEUKINE or placebo were as reported at right.
There were no significant differences in the incidence or severity of GVHD, relapse rates and survival between the LEUKINE and placebo-treated patients.
Adverse events observed for the patients treated with LEUKINE (sargramostim) in the historically controlled BMT failure study were similar to those reported in the placebo-controlled studies. In addition, headache (26%), pericardial effusion (25%), arthralgia (21%) and myalgia (18%) were also reported in patients treated with LEUKINE in the graft failure study.
In uncontrolled Phase I/II studies with LEUKINE in 215 patients, the most frequent adverse events were fever, asthenia, headache, bone pain, chills and myalgia. These systemic events were generally mild or moderate and were usually prevented or reversed by the administration of anaglesics and antipyretics such as acetaminophen. In these uncontrolled trials, other infrequent events reported were dyspnea, peripheral edema, and rash.
Reports of events occurring marketed LEUKINE include arrhythmia, fainting, eosinophilia, dizziness, hypotension, injection site reactions, pain (including abdominal, back, chest, and joint pain), tachycardia, thrombosis, and transient liver function abnormalities.
In patients with preexisting edema, capillary leak syndrome, pleural and/or pericardial effusion, administration of LEUKINE may aggravate fluid retention (see WARNINGS ). Body weight and hydration status should be carefully monitored during LEUKINE administration.
Adverse events observed in pediatric patients in controlled studies were comparable to those observed in adult patients.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Adverse events reported in at least 10% of patients who received LEUKINE or placebo were as reported at right.
Nearly all patients reported leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. The frequency and type of adverse events observed following induction were similar between LEUKINE and placebo groups. The only significant difference in the rates of these adverse events was an increase in skin associated events in the LEUKINE group (p=0.002). No significant differences were observed in laboratory results, renal or hepatic toxicity. No significant differences were observed between the LEUKINE- and placebo-treated patients for adverse events following consolidation. There was no significant difference in response rate or relapse rate.
In a historically controlled study of 86 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the LEUKINE treated group exhibited an increased incidence of weight gain (p=0.007), low serum proteins and prolonged prothrombin time (p=0.02) when compared to the control group. Two LEUKINE treated patients had progressive increase in circulating monocytes and promonocytes and blasts in the marrow which reversed when LEUKINE was discontinued. The historical control group exhibited an increased incidence of cardiac events (p=0.018), liver function abnormalities (p=0.008), and neurocortical hemorrhagic events (p=0.025). 15
Overdosage: The maximum amount of LEUKINE that can be safely administered in single or multiple doses has not been determined. Doses up to 100 mcg/kg/day (4,000 mcg/m 2 /day or 16 times the recommended dose) were administered to 4 patients in a Phase I uncontrolled clinical study by continuous IV infusion for 7 to 18 days. Increases in WBC up to 200,000 cells/mm 3 were observed. Adverse events reported were dyspnea, malaise, nausea, fever, rash, sinus tachycardia, headache and chills. All these events were reversible after discontinuation of LEUKINE.
In case of overdosage, LEUKINE therapy should be discontinued and the patient carefully monitored for WBC increase and respiratory symptoms.
Dosage And Administration:
Neutrophil Recovery Following Chemotherapy in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia The recommended dose is 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered intravenously over a 4 hour period starting approximately on day 11 or 4 days following the completion of induction chemotherapy, if the day 10 bone marrow is hypoplastic with <5% blasts. If a second cycle of induction chemotherapy is necessary, LEUKINE should be administered approximately 4 days after the completion of chemotherapy if the bone marrow is hypoplastic with <5% blasts. LEUKINE should be continued until an ANC >1500 cells/mm 3 for 3 consecutive days or a maximum of 42 days. LEUKINE should be discontinued immediately if leukemic regrowth occurs. If a severe adverse reaction occurs, the dose can be reduced by 50% or temporarily discontinued until the reaction abates.
In order to avoid potential complications of excessive leukocytosis (WBC >50,000 cells/mm 3 or ANC >20,000 cells/mm 3 ) a CBC with differential is recommended twice per week during LEUKINE therapy. LEUKINE treatment should be interrupted or the dose reduced by half if the ANC exceeds 20,000 cells/mm 3 .
Mobilization of Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells The recommended dose is 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered IV over 24 hours or SC once daily. Dosing should continue at the same dose through the period of PBPC collection. The optimal schedule for PBPC collection has not been established. In clinical studies, collection of PBPC was usually begun by day 5 and performed daily until protocol specified targets were achieved (see CLINICAL EXPERIENCE , Mobilization and Engraftment of PBPC ). If WBC >50,000 cells/mm 3 , the LEUKINE dose should be reduced by 50%. If adequate numbers of progenitor cells are not collected, other mobilization therapy should be considered.
Post Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Transplantation: The recommended dose is 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered IV over 24 hours or SC once daily beginning immediately following infusion of progenitor cells and continuing until an ANC>1500 cells/mm 3 for 3 consecutive days is attained.
Myeloid Reconstitution After Autologous or Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation: The recommended dose is 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered IV over a 2-hour period beginning 2 to 4 hours after bone marrow infusion, and not less than 24 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients should not receive LEUKINE until the post marrow infusion ANC is less than 500 cells/mm 3 . LEUKINE should be continued until an ANC >1500 cells/mm 3 for 3 consecutive days is attained. If a severe adverse reaction occurs, the dose can be reduced by 50% of temporarily discontinued until the reaction abates. LEUKINE should be discontinued immediately if blast cells appear or disease progression occurs.
In order to avoid potential complications of excessive leukocytosis (WBC >50,000 cells/mm 3 , ANC >20,000 cells/mm 3 ) a CBC with differential is recommended twice per week during LEUKINE therapy. LEUKINE treatment should be interrupted or the dose reduced by 50% if the ANC exceeds 20,000 cells/mm 3 .
Bone Marrow Transplantation Failure or Engraftment Delay: The recommended dose is 250 mcg/m 2 /day for 14 days as a 2-hour IV infusion. The dose can be repeated after 7 days off therapy if engraftment has not occurred. If engraftment still has not occurred, a third course of 500 mcg/m 2 /day for 14 days may be tried after another 7 days off therapy. If there is still no improvement, it is unlikely that further dose escalation will be beneficial. If a severe adverse reaction occurs, the dose can be reduced by 50% or temporarily discontinued until the reaction abates. LEUKINE should be discontinued immediately if blast cells appear or disease progression occurs.
In order to avoid potential complications of excessive leukocytosis (WBC >50,000 cells/mm 3 , and ANC >20,000 cells/mm 3 ) a CBC with differential is recommended twice per week during LEUKINE therapy. LEUKINE treatment should be interrupted or the dose reduced by half if the ANC exceeds 20,000 cells/mm 3.
Preparation of LEUKINE
1. LEUKINE Liquid is formulated as a sterile, preserved (1.1% benzyl alcohol), injectable solution (500 mcg/mL) in a vial. Lyophilized LEUKINE is a sterile, white, preservative-free powder (250 mcg) that requires reconstitution with 1 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP, or 1 mL Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP.
2. LEUKINE Liquid may be stored for up to 20 days at 2-8°C once the vial has been entered. Discard any remaining solution after 20 days.
3. Lyophilized LEUKINE (250 mcg) should be reconstituted aseptically with 1.0 mL of diluent (see below). The contents of vials reconstituted with different diluents should not be mixed together.
Sterile Water for Injection, USP (without preservative) : Lypohilized LEUKINE vials contain no antibacterial preservative, and therefore solutions prepared with Sterile Water for Injection, USP should be administered as soon as possible, and within 6 hours following reconstitution and/or dilution for IV infusion. The vial should not be re-entered or reused. Do not save any unused portion for administration more than 6 hours following reconstitution.
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol): Reconstituted solutions prepared with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol) may be stored for up to 20 days at 2-8°C prior to use. Discard reconstituted solution after 20 days. Previously reconstituted solutions mixed with freshly reconstituted solutions must be administered within 6 hours following mixing. Preparations containing benzyl alcohol (including LEUKINE Liquid and lyophilized LEUKINE reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection) should not be used in neonates (see WARNINGS ).
4. During reconstitution of lyophilized LEUKINE the diluent should be directed at the side of the vial and the contents gently swirled to avoid foaming during dissolution. Avoid excessive or vigorous agitation; do not shake.
5. LEUKINE should be used for SC injection without further dilution. Dilution for IV infusion should be performed in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. If the final concentration of LEUKINE is below 10 mcg/mL, Albumin (Human) at a final concentration of 0.1% should be added to the saline prior to addition of LEUKINE to prevent adsorption to the components of the drug delivery system. To obtain a final concentration of 0.1% Albumin (Human), add 1 mg Albumin (Human) per 1 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (e.g., use 1 mL 5% Albumin [Human] in 50 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP).
6. An in-line membrane filter should NOT be used for intravenous infusion of LEUKINE.
7. Store LEUKINE Liquid and reconstituted lyophilized LEUKINE solutions under refrigeration at 2-8°C (36-46°F); DO NOT FREEZE.
8. In the absence of compatibility and stability information, no other medication should be added to infusion solutions containing LEUKINE. Use only 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to prepare IV infusion solutions.
9. Aseptic technique should be employed in the preparation of all LEUKINE solutions. To assure correct concentration following reconstitution, care should be exercised to eliminate any air bubbles from the needle hub of the syringe used to prepare the diluent. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
HOW SUPPLIED
LEUKINE Liquid is available in vials containing 500 mcg/mL (2.8 10 6 IU/mL) sargramostim. Lyophilized LEUKINE is available in vials containing 250 mcg (1.4 10 6 IU/vial) sargramostim.
Each dosage form is supplied as follows:
Carton of 5 vials of lyophilized LEUKINE 250 mcg (NDC 58406-002-33).
Carton of 5 multiple-dose vials; each vial contains 1 mL of preserved 500 mcg/mL LEUKINE Liquid (NDC 58406-050-30).
STORAGE
LEUKINE should be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Do not freeze or shake. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the vial.
SAGRAMOSTIM (LEUKINE®)
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