Pfizer Inc. announced today that PROFILE 1014, a Phase 3 study of
anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor XALKORI®
(crizotinib), met its primary objective of significantly prolonging
progression-free survival (PFS) in previously untreated patients with
ALK-positive advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
when compared to standard platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. PROFILE
1014 is the second positive global Phase 3 study that evaluated XALKORI
against chemotherapy, a standard of care for patients with advanced
NSCLC.
“The results of the PROFILE 1014 study are important in that they
demonstrate, for the first time, that XALKORI is superior to standard
chemotherapy doublet regimens in prolonging survival without progression
as first-line treatment for patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC,”
said Dr. Mace Rothenberg, senior vice president of Clinical Development
and Medical Affairs and chief medical officer for Pfizer Oncology.
“These findings build upon the data from the PROFILE 1007 randomized
Phase 3 study in previously treated patients and collectively establish
XALKORI as a standard of care in both the first and second-line setting
for patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC.”
No unexpected safety issues were identified in the PROFILE 1014 study.
The adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile for
XALKORI. Efficacy and safety data from this study will be submitted for
presentation at a future medical meeting.
“These data from the PROFILE 1014 study highlight the importance of not
only testing a tissue specimen for the presence of biomarkers at the
time of diagnosis in all patients with advanced stage NSCLC, but
actually having those results in hand before determining the most
appropriate treatment option for each patient,” said Professor Tony Mok,
Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation Professor of Clinical Oncology at the
Chinese University of Hong Kong. “It is clear that a multidisciplinary
collaborative approach to molecular testing is required in order to
deliver those results on time, which in fact is the foundation of
personalized medicine in lung cancer.”
XALKORI was first approved in 2011 through the accelerated approval
program of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It was granted
regular approval in 2013 in the U.S. based on the results of PROFILE
1007, a Phase 3 study demonstrating that XALKORI significantly prolonged
PFS in previously treated patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC when
compared to single agent chemotherapy. To date, more than 8,000 patients
have been treated with XALKORI1, now approved in 74 countries2,
including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the European
Union.
About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.3
NSCLC accounts for about 85 percent of lung cancer cases and remains
difficult to treat, particularly in the metastatic setting.4
Approximately 75 percent of NSCLC patients are diagnosed late with
metastatic, or advanced, disease where the five-year survival rate is
only 5 percent.5,6,7
XALKORI® (crizotinib) Indication and
Important Safety Information
XALKORI is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma
kinase (ALK)-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatotoxicity: Drug-induced hepatotoxicity with fatal outcome
occurred in 0.2% of patients treated with XALKORI across clinical trials
(n=1225). Transaminase elevations generally occurred within the first 2
months of treatment. Monitor with liver function tests including ALT and
total bilirubin every 2 weeks during the first 2 months of treatment,
then once a month and as clinically indicated. Permanently discontinue
for ALT or AST elevation greater than 3 times ULN with concurrent total
bilirubin elevation greater than 1.5 times ULN (in the absence of
cholestasis or hemolysis), otherwise temporarily suspend and dose reduce
XALKORI as indicated.
Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung
disease (ILD)/pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with XALKORI.
Across clinical trials (n=1225), 2.5% of XALKORI-treated patients had
any grade ILD, 0.9% of patients had Grade 3 or 4, and 0.5% had fatal
cases. These cases generally occurred within 2 months after the
initiation of treatment. Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms
indicative of pneumonitis. Exclude other causes and permanently
discontinue XALKORI in patients with drugrelated pneumonitis.
QT Interval Prolongation: QTc prolongation can occur in patients
treated with XALKORI. Across clinical trials (n=1225), QTc prolongation
(all grades) was observed in 2.7% of patients and QTc greater than 500
ms on at least 2 separate ECGs occurred in 1.4% of patients. Avoid use
of XALKORI in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Consider
periodic monitoring with electrocardiograms and electrolytes in patients
who have a history of or predisposition for QTc prolongation, or who are
taking medications that prolong the QT interval. Permanently discontinue
XALKORI in patients who develop QTc greater than 500 ms or greater than
or equal to 60 ms change from baseline with Torsade de pointes,
polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or signs/symptoms of serious
arrhythmia, otherwise temporarily suspend and dose reduce XALKORI as
indicated.
Bradycardia: Symptomatic bradycardia can occur in patients
receiving XALKORI. Across clinical trials, bradycardia with a heart rate
less than 50 beats per minute occurred in 11% of patients treated with
XALKORI (n=1174). Monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Avoid
using XALKORI in combination with other agents known to cause
bradycardia to the extent possible. Permanently discontinue for
life-threatening bradycardia due to XALKORI; however, if associated with
concomitant medications known to cause bradycardia or hypotension, hold
XALKORI until recovery to asymptomatic bradycardia or to a heart rate of
60 bpm or above. If concomitant medications can be adjusted or
discontinued, restart XALKORI at 250 mg once daily with frequent
monitoring. Otherwise temporarily suspend and resume or dose reduce
XALKORI as indicated.
Embryofetal Toxicity: XALKORI can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing potential should
be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving XALKORI. If the
patient or their partner becomes pregnant while taking this drug,
apprise the patient of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Adverse Reactions: Safety was evaluated in a phase 3 study in
patients with ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC randomized to XALKORI
(n=172) or chemotherapy (n=171). Serious adverse reactions were reported
in 37.2% patients treated with XALKORI. The most frequent serious
adverse reactions reported in patients treated with XALKORI were
pneumonia (4.1%), pulmonary embolism (3.5%), dyspnea (2.3%), and ILD
(2.9%). Fatal adverse reactions in XALKORI-treated patients occurred in
9 (5%) patients, consisting of: acute respiratory distress syndrome,
arrhythmia, dyspnea, ILD, pneumonia, pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism,
respiratory failure, and sepsis. Common adverse reactions occurring in
≥25% included vision disorder (diplopia, photophobia, photopsia, vision
blurred, visual acuity reduced, visual impairment, vitreous floaters),
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, edema, decreased appetite,
fatigue, upper respiratory infection, and dysgeusia. Grade 3 or 4 events
occurring at a higher incidence with XALKORI than with chemotherapy and
at greater than 2% incidence were syncope (3%), QT prolongation (3%),
and pulmonary embolism (5%). Elevation of ALT of any grade occurred in
76% of patients and grade 3 or 4 in 17% of patients. Neutropenia of any
grade occurred in 49% of patients and grade 3 or 4 in 12% of patients.
Lymphopenia of any grade occurred in 51% of patients and grade 3 or 4 in
9% of patients. Renal cysts occurred in 4% and neuropathy in 19% of
patients treated with XALKORI.
Drug Interactions: Exercise caution with concomitant use of
moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice which
may increase plasma concentrations of crizotinib. Avoid concomitant use
of strong CYP3A inducers and inhibitors. Dose reduction may be needed
for coadministered drugs that are predominantly metabolized by CYP3A.
Nursing Mothers: Given the potential for serious adverse
reactions in nursing infants, consider whether to discontinue nursing or
discontinue XALKORI.
Hepatic Impairment: XALKORI has not been studied in patients with
hepatic impairment. As crizotinib is extensively metabolized in the
liver, hepatic impairment is likely to increase plasma Crizotinib
concentrations. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment: Administer XALKORI at a starting dose of 250 mg
taken orally once daily in patients with severe renal impairment
(CLcr<30 mL/min) not requiring dialysis. No starting dose adjustment is
needed for patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.
For more information and full prescribing information, please visit www.XALKORI.com
About Pfizer Oncology
Pfizer Oncology is committed to the discovery, investigation and
development of innovative treatment options to improve the outlook for
cancer patients worldwide. Our strong pipeline of biologics and small
molecules, one of the most robust in the industry, is studied with
precise focus on identifying and translating the best scientific
breakthroughs into clinical application for patients across a wide range
of cancers. By working collaboratively with academic institutions,
individual researchers, cooperative research groups, governments, and
licensing partners, Pfizer Oncology strives to cure or control cancer
with breakthrough medicines, to deliver the right drug for each patient
at the right time. For more information, please visit www.Pfizer.com.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of
March 25, 2014. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update
forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of
new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information that involves
substantial risks and uncertainties regarding XALKORI (crizotinib),
including its potential benefits, and about the PROFILE 1014 trial. Such
risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties
inherent in research and development; uncertainty concerning the
commercial impact of the outcome of the PROFILE 1014 trial; whether and
when regulatory submissions may be made for XALKORI for the first-line
treatment of patients with ALK-positive, advanced, non-small cell lung
cancer in jurisdictions in which that indication has not been approved,
and whether and when regulatory authorities in such jurisdictions will
approve any such submissions, as well as their decisions regarding
labeling and other matters that could affect the availability and
commercial potential of that indication for XALKORI in those
jurisdictions; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in
Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2013 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
1 Pfizer data on file.
2 Pfizer data on file.
3 The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the World
Health Organization, GLOBOCAN 2008, Available at: http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx
(select “World” from the drop-down menu). Accessed August 8, 2013.
4 Reade CA, Ganti AK. EGFR targeted therapy in non-small cell
lung cancer: potential role of cetuximab. Biologics. 2009; 3: 215–224.
5 Reade CA, Ganti AK. EGFR targeted therapy in non-small cell
lung cancer: potential role of cetuximab. Biologics. 2009; 3: 215–224.
6 Yang P, Allen MS, Aubry MC, et al. Clinical features of
5,628 primary lung cancer patients: experience at Mayo Clinic from 1997
to 2003. Chest.2005;128(1):452–462.
7 American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Lung Cancer
(Non-Small Cell). Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-survival-rates.
Accessed October 14, 2013.
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