Beleodaq Drug Information

Generic name: BELINOSTAT

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor [EPC]

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Uses of Beleodaq

Beleodaq is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. An improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not been established.

Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial.

Dosage & Administration of Beleodaq

Dosage Modification for Hematologic and Non-Hematologic Toxicities Table 1 displays the recommended Beleodaq dosage modifications for hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities. Base dosage adjustments for thrombocytopenia and neutropenia on platelet and absolute neutrophil nadir (lowest value) counts in the preceding cycle of therapy. • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be greater than or equal to 1 x 10 9 /L and the platelet count should be greater than or equal to 50 x 10 9 /L prior to the start of each cycle and prior to resuming treatment following toxicity. Resume subsequent treatment with Beleodaq according to the guidelines described in Table 1 below.

Monitor complete blood counts at baseline and weekly. Perform serum chemistry tests, including renal and hepatic functions prior to the start of the first dose of each cycle. Avoid use of Beleodaq in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 3 x ULN, any AST).

No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN, any AST). Avoid use of Beleodaq in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min). No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with mild renal impairment (CLcr 60 to < 90 mL/min).

Dosage Modification for Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity Reduce the starting dose of Beleodaq to 750 mg/m 2 in patients known to be homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele.

Dosage Modification for Concomitant Use with UGT1A1 Inhibitors Avoid concomitant use of Beleodaq with UGT1A1 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a UGT1A1 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce the Beleodaq dosage by 25% as shown in Table 2. Table 2: Dosage Modifications for Concomitant Use with a UGT1A1 Inhibitor

Preparation and Administration Beleodaq is a hazardous drug

  • Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Preparation: Aseptically reconstitute each vial of Beleodaq by adding 9 mL of Sterile Water for Injection into the Beleodaq vial with a suitable syringe to achieve a concentration of 50 mg of belinostat per mL. Swirl the contents of the vial until there are no visible particles in the resulting solution. If not used immediately, the reconstituted product may be stored for up to 12 hours at room temperature (15°C to 25°C; 59°F to 77°F). Aseptically withdraw the volume needed for the required dosage (based on the 50 mg/mL concentration and the patient’s BSA ) and transfer to an infusion bag containing 250 mL of 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection. If not used immediately, the infusion bag with drug solution may be stored at room temperature (15°C to 25°C; 59°F to 77°F) for up to 36 hours including infusion time. Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter. Do not use if cloudiness or particulates are observed.
  • Administration: Connect the infusion bag containing drug solution to an infusion set with a 0.22 micron in-line filter for administration. Infuse intravenously over 30 minutes. If infusion site pain or other symptoms potentially attributable to the infusion occur, the infusion time may be extended to 45 minutes.
Table 1: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic and Non-Hematologic Toxicities
Dosage Modification
Dosage Modifications due to Hematologic Toxicities
Platelet count ≥ 25 x 10 9 /L and nadir ANC ≥ 0.5 x 10 9 /LNo Change
Nadir ANC < 0.5 x 10 9 /L (any platelet count)Decrease dosage by 25% (750 mg/m 2 )
Platelet count < 25 x 10 9 /L (any nadir ANC)
Dosage Modifications due to Non-Hematologic Toxicities
Any CTCAE Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction ªDecrease dosage by 25% (750 mg/m 2 )
Recurrence of CTCAE Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction after two dosage reductionsDiscontinue Beleodaq
Table 2: Dosage Modifications for Concomitant Use with a UGT1A1 Inhibitor
Beleodaq Starting DosageBeleodaq Modified Dosage
1,000 mg/m 2750 mg/m 2
750 mg/m 2562.5 mg/m 2
500 mg/m 2Interrupt Beleodaq treatment for the duration of UGT1A1 inhibitor use. After discontinuation of a UGT1A1 inhibitor of 5 half-lives, resume the Beleodaq dosage that was taken prior to initiating the UGT1A1 inhibitor.
Table 1: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic and Non-Hematologic Toxicities
Dosage Modification
Dosage Modifications due to Hematologic Toxicities
Platelet count ≥ 25 x 10 9 /L and nadir ANC ≥ 0.5 x 10 9 /LNo Change
Nadir ANC < 0.5 x 10 9 /L (any platelet count)Decrease dosage by 25% (750 mg/m 2 )
Platelet count < 25 x 10 9 /L (any nadir ANC)
Dosage Modifications due to Non-Hematologic Toxicities
Any CTCAE Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction ªDecrease dosage by 25% (750 mg/m 2 )
Recurrence of CTCAE Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction after two dosage reductionsDiscontinue Beleodaq

Side Effects of Beleodaq

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of Beleodaq may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma The safety of Beleodaq was evaluated in 129 patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL in the single arm clinical trial in which patients were administered Beleodaq at a dosage of 1,000 mg/m 2 administered over 30 minutes by IV infusion once daily on Days 1 through 5 of a 21-day cycle. The median duration of treatment was 2 cycles (range 1 – 33 cycles).

The most common adverse reactions observed in the trial of patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL treated with Beleodaq were nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, anemia, and vomiting. Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions regardless of causality from the trial in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory PTCL (NCI CTC Grade 1-4) 0 Note: Adverse reactions are listed by order of incidence in the “All Grades” category first, then by incidence in “the Grade 3 or 4” category; Measured by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 3.0 Serious Adverse Reactions Sixty-one patients (47.3%) experienced serious adverse reactions while taking Beleodaq or within 30 days after their last dose of Beleodaq.

The most common serious adverse reactions (> 2%) were pneumonia, pyrexia, infection, anemia, increased creatinine, thrombocytopenia, and multi-organ failure. One treatment-related death associated with hepatic failure was reported in the trial. One patient with baseline hyperuricemia and bulky disease experienced Grade 4 tumor lysis syndrome during the first cycle of treatment and died due to multi-organ failure.

A treatment-related death from ventricular fibrillation was reported in another monotherapy clinical trial with Beleodaq. ECG analysis did not identify QTc prolongation. Discontinuations due to Adverse Reactions Twenty-five patients (19.4%) discontinued treatment with Beleodaq due to adverse reactions.

The adverse reactions reported most frequently as the reason for discontinuation of treatment included anemia, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, and multi-organ failure. Dosage Modifications due to Adverse Reactions In the trial, dosage adjustments due to adverse reactions occurred in 12% of Beleodaq-treated patients.

Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory PTCL (NCI CTC Grade 1-4)
Adverse ReactionsPercentage of Patients (%) (N=129)
All GradesGrade 3 or 4
All Adverse Reactions9761
Nausea421
Fatigue375
Pyrexia352
Anemia3211
Vomiting291
Constipation231
Diarrhea232
Dyspnea226
Rash201
Peripheral Edema200
Cough190
Thrombocytopenia167
Pruritus163
Chills161
Increased Blood Lactate Dehydrogenase162
Decreased Appetite152
Headache150
Infusion Site Pain140
Hypokalemia124
Prolonged QT114
Abdominal pain111
Hypotension103
Phlebitis101
Dizziness100
Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory PTCL (NCI CTC Grade 1-4)
Adverse ReactionsPercentage of Patients (%) (N=129)
All GradesGrade 3 or 4
All Adverse Reactions9761
Nausea421
Fatigue375
Pyrexia352
Anemia3211
Vomiting291
Constipation231
Diarrhea232
Dyspnea226
Rash201
Peripheral Edema200
Cough190
Thrombocytopenia167
Pruritus163
Chills161
Increased Blood Lactate Dehydrogenase162
Decreased Appetite152
Headache150
Infusion Site Pain140
Hypokalemia124
Prolonged QT114
Abdominal pain111
Hypotension103
Phlebitis101
Dizziness100

Warnings & Cautions for Beleodaq

Hematologic Toxicity Beleodaq can cause thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (neutropenia and lymphopenia), and/or anemia; monitor blood counts weekly during treatment, and modify dosage as necessary.

Infections Serious and sometimes fatal infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, have occurred with Beleodaq. Do not administer Beleodaq to patients with an active infection. Patients with a history of extensive or intensive chemotherapy may be at higher risk of life threatening infections.

Hepatotoxicity Beleodaq can cause fatal hepatotoxicity and liver function test abnormalities. Monitor liver function tests before treatment and before the start of each cycle. Interrupt or adjust dosage until recovery, or permanently discontinue Beleodaq based on the severity of the hepatic toxicity.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome has occurred in Beleodaq-treated patients in the clinical trial of patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL. Monitor patients with advanced stage disease and/or high tumor burden and take appropriate precautions.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur with Beleodaq and may require the use of antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings of genotoxicity, Beleodaq can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with Beleodaq and for 6 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations.

Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Beleodaq and for 3 months after the last dose.

Drug Interactions with Beleodaq

UGT1A1 Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant administration of Beleodaq with UGT1A1inhibitors. If concomitant use of a UGT1A1 inhibitor is unavoidable, modify the Beleodaq dose. Belinostat is primarily metabolized by UGT1A1.

Concomitant use with a UGT1A1 inhibitor increases belinostat exposure, which may increase the risk of Beleodaq adverse reactions.

Pregnancy Safety for Beleodaq

Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action, Beleodaq can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality because it is genotoxic and targets actively dividing cells. There are no available data on Beleodaq use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. No animal reproduction studies were conducted with Beleodaq.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Pediatric Use of Beleodaq

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Beleodaq in pediatric patients have not been established.

Overdosage Information for Beleodaq

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage of Beleodaq. There is no antidote for Beleodaq and it is not known if Beleodaq is dialyzable. If an overdose occurs, general supportive measures should be instituted as deemed necessary by the treating physician.

The elimination half-life of belinostat is 1.1 hours.

Clinical Studies of Beleodaq

There were 120 patients who had histologically confirmed PTCL by central review evaluable for efficacy. Patients were treated with repeat cycles every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Efficacy was evaluated using response rate (complete response and partial response) as assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) using the International Workshop Criteria (IWC) (Cheson 2007).

Duration of response was measured from the first day of documented response to disease progression or death. Response and progression of disease were evaluated by the IRC using the IWC. Table 4 summarizes the baseline demographic and disease characteristics of the study population, who were evaluable for efficacy.

Table 5: Response Analysis per Central Assessment Using IWC in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory PTCL =partial response The median duration of response based on the first date of response to disease progression or death was 8.4 months (95% CI: 4.5 - 29.4). Of the responders, the median time to response was 5.6 weeks (range 4.3 - 50.4 weeks). Nine patients (7.5%) were able to proceed to a stem cell transplant after treatment with Beleodaq.

Table 4 Baseline Patient Characteristics (PTCL Population)
CharacteristicsEvaluable Patients (N=120)
Age (years) Median (range)64 (29-81)
Sex, % Male Female52 48
Race, % White Black Asian Latin Other88 6 3 3 2
PTCL Subtype Based on Central Diagnosis, % PTCL Unspecified (NOS) Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) ALK-1 negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) Other64 18 11 7
Baseline Platelet Count, % ≥100,000/μL <100,000/μL83 17
ECOG Performance Status, % 0 1 2 334 43 22 1
Median Time (months) from Initial PTCL Diagnosis (Range)12 (2.6 - 266.4)
Median Number of Prior Systemic Therapies (Range)2 (1-8)
Table 5: Response Analysis per Central Assessment Using IWC in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory PTCL
Evaluable Patients (N=120)
Response RateN (%)(95% CI)
CR+PR31 (25.8)18.3-34.6
CR13 (10.8)5.9-17.8
PR18 (15.0)9.1-22.7

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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