Belrapzo Drug Information

Generic name: BENDAMUSTINE HYDROCHLORIDE

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Uses of Belrapzo

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) BELRAPZO is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Efficacy relative to first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) BELRAPZO is indicated for the treatment of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.

Dosage & Administration of Belrapzo

Admixture Stability

BELRAPZO contains no antimicrobial preservative. The admixture should be prepared as close as possible to the time of patient administration. If diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 2.5% Dextrose/0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, the final admixture is stable for 24 hours when stored refrigerated (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F) or for 3 hours when stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F) and room light.

Administration of diluted BELRAPZO must be completed within this period of time. BELRAPZO (bendamustine hydrochloride injection) is supplied in a multiple-dose vial. Retain the partially used vial in original package to protect from light and store refrigerated (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F) if additional dose withdrawal from the same vial is intended.

Stability of Partially Used Vials (Needle Punched Vials) BELRAPZO is supplied as a multiple-dose vial. Although it does not contain any antimicrobial preservative, BELRAPZO is bacteriostatic. The partially used vials are stable for up to 28 days when stored in its original carton under refrigeration (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F).

Each vial is not recommended for more than a total of six dose withdrawals. After first use, store the partially used vial in original carton at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), and then discard after 28 days.

Body Surface Area (m 2 )Volume of BELRAPZO to withdraw (mL)
120 mg/m 2100 mg/m 290 mg/m 260 mg/m 250 mg/m 225 mg/m 2
14.843.62.421
1.15.34.442.62.21.1
1.25.84.84.32.92.41.2
1.36.25.24.73.12.61.3
1.46.75.653.42.81.4
1.57.265.43.631.5
1.67.76.45.83.83.21.6
1.78.26.86.14.13.41.7
1.88.67.26.54.33.61.8
1.99.17.66.84.63.81.9
29.687.24.842
2.110.18.47.654.22.1
2.210.68.87.95.34.42.2
2.3119.28.35.54.62.3
2.411.59.68.65.84.82.4
2.512109652.5
2.612.510.49.46.25.22.6
2.71310.89.76.55.42.7
2.813.411.210.16.75.62.8
2.913.911.610.475.82.9
314.41210.87.263

Side Effects of Belrapzo

Clinical Trials Experience

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. Clinical Trials Experience in CLL The data described below reflect exposure to bendamustine hydrochloride in 153 patients. Bendamustine hydrochloride was studied in an active-controlled, randomized trial.

The population was 45-77 years of age, 63% male, 100% white, and had treatment naïve CLL. Adverse reactions were reported according to NCI CTC v.2.0. Other adverse reactions seen frequently in one or more studies included asthenia, fatigue, malaise, and weakness; dry mouth; somnolence; cough; constipation; headache; mucosal inflammation and stomatitis.

Worsening hypertension was reported in 4 patients treated with bendamustine hydrochloride in the randomized CLL clinical study and in none treated with chlorambucil. Three of these 4 adverse reactions were described as a hypertensive crisis and were managed with oral medications and resolved. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to study withdrawal for patients receiving bendamustine hydrochloride were hypersensitivity (2%) and pyrexia (1%).

Table 1 contains the treatment emergent adverse reactions, regardless of attribution, that were reported in ≥ 5% of patients in either treatment group in the randomized CLL clinical study. These findings confirm the myelosuppressive effects seen in patients treated with bendamustine hydrochloride. Red blood cell transfusions were administered to 20% of patients receiving bendamustine hydrochloride compared with 6% of patients receiving chlorambucil.

Table 2: Incidence of Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients Who Received Bendamustine Hydrochloride or Chlorambucil in the Randomized CLL Clinical Study 30 In the randomized CLL trial, 34% of patients had bilirubin elevations, some without associated significant elevations in AST and ALT. Grade 3 or 4 increased bilirubin occurred in 3% of patients. Patients treated with bendamustine hydrochloride may also have changes in their creatinine levels.

If abnormalities are detected, monitoring of these parameters should be continued to ensure that further deterioration does not occur. Clinical Trials Experience in NHL The data described below reflect exposure to bendamustine hydrochloride in 176 patients with indolent B-cell NHL treated in two single-arm studies. The population was 31-84 years of age, 60% male, and 40% female.

The adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of the NHL patients, regardless of severity, are shown in Table 3. Table 3: Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 5% of NHL Patients Treated with Bendamustine Hydrochloride by System Organ Class and Preferred Term (N=176) 10 2 Hematologic toxicities, based on laboratory values and CTC grade, in NHL patients treated in both single arm studies combined are described in Table 4. Table 4: Incidence of Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients Who Received Bendamustine Hydrochloride in the NHL Studies In both studies, serious adverse reactions, regardless of causality, were reported in 37% of patients receiving bendamustine hydrochloride.

The most common serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients were febrile neutropenia and pneumonia. Other important serious adverse reactions reported in clinical trials and/or post-marketing experience were acute renal failure, cardiac failure, hypersensitivity, skin reactions, pulmonary fibrosis, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Serious drug-related adverse reactions reported in clinical trials included myelosuppression, infection, pneumonia, tumor lysis syndrome and infusion reactions.

Adverse reactions occurring less frequently but possibly related to bendamustine hydrochloride treatment were hemolysis, dysgeusia/taste disorder, atypical pneumonia, sepsis, herpes zoster, erythema, dermatitis, and skin necrosis.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of bendamustine hydrochloride. 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. Blood and lymphatic systems disorders: Pancytopenia Cardiovascular disorders: Atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure (some fatal), myocardial infarction (some fatal), palpitation General disorders and administration site conditions: Injection site reactions (including phlebitis, pruritus, irritation, pain, swelling), infusion site reactions (including phlebitis, pruritus, irritation, pain, swelling) Immune system disorders: Anaphylaxis Infections and infestations: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) Renal and urinary disorders: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Pneumonitis Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Table 1: Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Occurring in Randomized CLL Clinical Study in at Least 5% of Patients
Number (%) of patients
Bendamustine Hydrochloride (N=153)Chlorambucil (N=143)
Body System Adverse ReactionAll GradesGrade 3/4All GradesGrade 3/4
Total number of patients with at least 1 adverse reaction121 (79)52 (34)96 (67)25 (17)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea31 (20)1 (<1)21 (15)1 (<1)
Vomiting24 (16)1 (<1)9 (6)0
Diarrhea14 (9)2 (1)5 (3)0
General disorders and administration site conditions
Pyrexia36 (24)6 (4)8 (6)2 (1)
Fatigue14 (9)2 (1)8 (6)0
Asthenia13 (8)06 (4)0
Chills9 (6)01 (<1)0
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity7 (5)2 (1)3 (2)0
Infections and infestations
Nasopharyngitis10 (7)012 (8)0
Infection9 (6)3 (2)1 (<1)1 (<1)
Herpes simplex5 (3)07 (5)0
Investigations
Weight decreased11 (7)05 (3)0
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyperuricemia11 (7)3 (2)2 (1)0
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough6 (4)1 (<1)7 (5)1 (<1)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash12 (8)4 (3)7 (5)3 (2)
Pruritus8 (5)02 (1)0
Table 2: Incidence of Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients Who Received Bendamustine Hydrochloride or Chlorambucil in the Randomized CLL Clinical Study
Laboratory AbnormalityBendamustine Hydrochloride N=150Chlorambucil N=141
All Grades n (%)Grade 3/4 n (%)All Grades n (%)Grade 3/4 n (%)
Hemoglobin Decreased134 (89)20 (13)115 (82)12 (9)
Platelets Decreased116 (77)16 (11)110 (78)14 (10)
Leukocytes Decreased92 (61)42 (28)26 (18)4 (3)
Lymphocytes Decreased102 (68)70 (47)27 (19)6 (4)
Neutrophils Decreased113 (75)65 (43)86 (61)30 (21)
Table 3: Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 5% of NHL Patients Treated with Bendamustine Hydrochloride by System Organ Class and Preferred Term (N=176)
*Patients may have reported more than 1 adverse reaction.
NOTE: Patients counted only once in each preferred term category and once in each system organ class category
Body SystemNumber (%) of patients
Adverse ReactionAll GradesGrade 3/4
Total number of patients with at least 1 adverse reaction176 (100)94 (53)
Cardiac Disorders
Tachycardia13 (7)0
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea132 (75)7 (4)
Vomiting71 (40)5 (3)
Diarrhea65 (37)6 (3)
Constipation51 (29)1 (<1)
Stomatitis27 (15)1 (<1)
Abdominal pain22 (13)2 (1)
Dyspepsia20 (11)0
Gastroesophageal reflux disease18 (10)0
Dry mouth15 (9)1 (<1)
Abdominal pain upper8 (5)0
Abdominal distension8 (5)0
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue101 (57)19 (11)
Pyrexia59 (34)3 (2)
Chills24 (14)0
Edema peripheral23 (13)1 (<1)
Asthenia19 (11)4 (2)
Chest pain11 (6)1 (<1)
Infusion site pain11 (6)0
Pain10 (6)0
Catheter site pain8 (5)0
Infections and infestations
Herpes zoster18 (10)5 (3)
Upper respiratory tract infection18 (10)0
Urinary tract infection17 (10)4 (2)
Sinusitis15 (9)0
Pneumonia14 (8)9 (5)
Febrile neutropenia11 (6)11 (6)
Oral candidiasis11 (6)2 (1)
Nasopharyngitis11 (6)0
Investigations
Weight decreased31 (18)3 (2)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia40 (23)3 (2)
Dehydration24 (14)8 (5)
Decreased appetite22 (13)1 (<1)
Hypokalemia15 (9)9 (5)
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain25 (14)5 (3)
Arthralgia11 (6)0
Pain in extremity8 (5)2 (1)
Bone pain8 (5)0
Nervous system disorders
Headache36 (21)0
Dizziness25 (14)0
Dysgeusia13 (7)0
Psychiatric disorder
Insomnia23 (13)0
Anxiety14 (8)1 (<1)
Depression10 (6)0
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough38 (22)1 (<1)
Dyspnea28 (16)3 (2)
Pharyngolaryngeal pain14 (8)1 (<1)
Wheezing8 (5)0
Nasal congestion8 (5)0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash28 (16)1 (<1)
Pruritus11 (6)0
Dry skin9 (5)0
Night sweats9 (5)0
Hyperhidrosis8 (5)0
Vascular disorders
Hypotension10 (6)2 (1)
Table 4: Incidence of Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients Who Received Bendamustine Hydrochloride in the NHL Studies
Hematology VariablePercent of Patients
All GradesGrade 3/4
Lymphocytes Decreased9994
Leukocytes Decreased9456
Hemoglobin Decreased8811
Neutrophils Decreased8660
Platelets Decreased8625

Warnings & Cautions for Belrapzo

Myelosuppression

Bendamustine hydrochloride caused severe myelosuppression (Grade 3-4) in 98% of patients in the two NHL studies. Three patients (2%) died from myelosuppression-related adverse reactions; one each from neutropenic sepsis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with Grade 3 thrombocytopenia, and pneumonia from an opportunistic infection (CMV). BELRAPZO causes myelosuppression.

Monitor complete blood counts, including leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin (Hgb), and neutrophils frequently. In the clinical trials, blood counts were monitored every week initially. Hematologic nadirs were observed predominantly in the third week of therapy.

Myelosuppression may require dose delays and/or subsequent dose reductions if recovery to the recommended values has not occurred by the first day of the next scheduled cycle. Prior to the initiation of the next cycle of therapy, the ANC should be ≥ 1 x 10 9 /L and the platelet count should be ≥ Infections Infection, including pneumonia, sepsis, septic shock, hepatitis and death has occurred in adult and pediatric patients in clinical trials and in postmarketing reports for bendamustine hydrochloride. Patients with myelosuppression following treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride are more susceptible to infections.

Advise patients with myelosuppression following BELRAPZO treatment to contact a physician immediately if they have symptoms or signs of infection. Patients treated with BELRAPZO are at risk for reactivation of infections including (but not limited to) hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and herpes zoster. Patients should undergo appropriate measures (including clinical and laboratory monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment) for infection and infection reactivation prior to administration.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal cases, have occurred following treatment with bendamustine, primarily in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab. Consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients with new or worsening neurological, cognitive or behavioral signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected, withhold BELRAPZO treatment and perform appropriate diagnostic evaluations.

Consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML.

Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions

Infusion reactions to bendamustine hydrochloride have occurred commonly in clinical trials. Symptoms include fever, chills, pruritus and rash. In rare instances severe anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions have occurred, particularly in the second and subsequent cycles of therapy.

Monitor clinically and discontinue drug for severe reactions. Ask patients about symptoms suggestive of infusion reactions after their first cycle of therapy. Patients who experience Grade 3 or worse allergic-type reactions should not be rechallenged.

Consider measures to prevent severe reactions, including antihistamines, antipyretics and corticosteroids in subsequent cycles in patients who have experienced Grade 1 or 2 infusion reactions. Discontinue BELRAPZO for patients with Grade 4 infusion reactions. Consider discontinuation for Grade 3 infusion reactions as clinically appropriate considering individual benefits, risks, and supportive care.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome associated with bendamustine hydrochloride has occurred in patients in clinical trials and in post-marketing reports. The onset tends to be within the first treatment cycle of bendamustine hydrochloride and, without intervention, may lead to acute renal failure and death. Preventive measures include vigorous hydration and close monitoring of blood chemistry, particularly potassium and uric acid levels.

Allopurinol has also been used during the beginning of bendamustine hydrochloride therapy. However, there may be an increased risk of severe skin toxicity when bendamustine hydrochloride and allopurinol are administered concomitantly.

Skin Reactions Fatal and serious skin reactions have been reported with bendamustine hydrochloride treatment in clinical trials and postmarketing safety reports, including toxic skin reactions. Events occurred when bendamustine hydrochloride was given as a single agent and in combination with other anticancer agents or allopurinol. Where skin reactions occur, they may be progressive and increase in severity with further treatment.

Monitor patients with skin reactions closely. If skin reactions are severe or progressive, withhold or discontinue BELRAPZO.

Hepatotoxicity Fatal and serious cases of liver injury have been reported with bendamustine hydrochloride injection. Combination therapy, progressive disease or reactivation of hepatitis B were confounding factors in some patients. Most cases were reported within the first three months of starting therapy.

Monitor liver chemistry tests prior to and during BELRAPZO therapy.

Other Malignancies There are reports of pre-malignant and malignant diseases that have developed in patients who have been treated with bendamustine hydrochloride, including myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders, acute myeloid leukemia, bronchial carcinoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Monitor patients for the development of secondary malignancies. Perform dermatologic evaluations during and after treatment with BELRAPZO.

Extravasation Injury

Bendamustine hydrochloride extravasations have been reported in postmarketing resulting in hospitalizations from erythema, marked swelling, and pain. Assure good venous access prior to starting BELRAPZO infusion and monitor the intravenous infusion site for redness, swelling, pain, infection, and necrosis during and after administration of BELRAPZO.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and the drug’s mechanism of action, BELRAPZO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Single intraperitoneal doses of bendamustine (that approximated the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis caused adverse developmental outcomes, including an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformations, and decreased fetal body weights. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with BELRAPZO and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BELRAPZO and for 3 months after the last dose.

Drug Interactions with Belrapzo

Effect of Other Drugs on BELRAPZO CYP1A2 Inhibitors

The coadministration of BELRAPZO with CYP1A2 inhibitors may increase bendamustine plasma concentrations and may result in increased incidence of adverse reactions with BELRAPZO. Consider alternative therapies that are not CYP1A2 inhibitors during treatment with BELRAPZO. CYP1A2 Inducers The coadministration of BELRAPZO with CYP1A2 inducers may decrease bendamustine plasma concentrations and may result in decreased efficacy of BELRAPZO.

Pregnancy Safety for Belrapzo

Pregnancy Risk Summary In animal reproduction studies, intraperitoneal administration of bendamustine to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses 0.6 to 1.8 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) resulted in embryo-fetal and/or infant mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations to growth ( see Data ). There are no available data on bendamustine hydrochloride use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population 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 respectively.

Data Animal data Bendamustine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally administered once to mice from 210 mg/m 2 (approximately 1.8 times the MRHD) during organogenesis and caused an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformations (exencephaly, cleft palates, accessory rib, and spinal deformities) and decreased fetal body weights. This dose did not appear to be maternally toxic and lower doses were not evaluated. Bendamustine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally administered once to rats from 120 mg/m 2 (approximately the MRHD) on gestation days and caused embryo and fetal lethality as indicated by increased resorptions and a decrease in live fetuses.

A significant increase in external (effect on tail, head, and herniation of external organs ) and internal (hydronephrosis and hydrocephalus) malformations were seen in dosed rats.

Pediatric Use of Belrapzo

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential BELRAPZO can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of treatment with BELRAPZO. Contraception Females Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BELRAPZO and for 6 months after the last dose.

Males Based on genotoxicity findings, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BELRAPZO and for 3 months after the last dose. Infertility Based on findings from clinical studies, BELRAPZO may impair male fertility. Impaired spermatogenesis, azoospermia, and total germinal aplasia have been reported in male patients treated with alkylating agents, especially in combination with other drugs.

In some instances spermatogenesis may return in patients in remission, but this may occur only several years after intensive chemotherapy has been discontinued. Advise patients of the potential risk to their reproductive capacities. Based on findings from animal studies, BELRAPZO may impair male fertility due to an increase in morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.

The long-term effects of BELRAPZO on male fertility, including the reversibility of adverse effects, have not been studied.

Contraindications for Belrapzo

BELRAPZO is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions) to bendamustine, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, or monothioglycerol. BELRAPZO is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to bendamustine, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, or monothioglycerol. Reactions to bendamustine hydrochloride have included anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions.

Overdosage Information for Belrapzo

The intravenous LD50 of bendamustine hydrochloride is 240 mg/m 2 in the mouse and rat. Toxicities included sedation, tremor, ataxia, convulsions and respiratory distress. Across all clinical experience, the reported maximum single dose received was 280 mg/m 2.

Three of four patients treated at this dose showed ECG changes considered dose-limiting at 7 and 21 days post-dosing. These changes included QT prolongation (one patient), sinus tachycardia (one patient), ST and T wave deviations (two patients) and left anterior fascicular block (one patient). Cardiac enzymes and ejection fractions remained normal in all patients.

No specific antidote for bendamustine hydrochloride overdose is known. Management of overdosage should include general supportive measures, including monitoring of hematologic parameters and ECGs.

Clinical Studies of Belrapzo

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

The safety and efficacy of bendamustine hydrochloride were evaluated in an open-label, randomized, controlled multicenter trial comparing bendamustine hydrochloride to chlorambucil. The trial was conducted in 301 previously-untreated patients with Binet Stage B or C (Rai Stages I - IV) CLL requiring treatment. Need-to-treat criteria included hematopoietic insufficiency, B-symptoms, rapidly progressive disease or risk of complications from bulky lymphadenopathy.

Patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia or autoimmune thrombocytopenia, Richter’s syndrome, or transformation to prolymphocytic leukemia were excluded from the study. Ninety percent of patients in both treatment groups had immuno-phenotypic confirmation of CLL (CD5, CD23 and either CD19 or CD20 or both). Efficacy endpoints of objective response rate and progression-free survival were calculated using a pre-specified algorithm based on NCI working group criteria for CLL.

The results of this open-label randomized study demonstrated a higher rate of overall response and a longer progression-free survival for bendamustine hydrochloride compared to chlorambucil ( see Table 5). Survival data are not mature. Table 5: Efficacy Data for CLL Kaplan-Meier estimates of progression-free survival comparing bendamustine hydrochloride with chlorambucil are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Progression-Free Survival figure 1

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

The efficacy of bendamustine hydrochloride was evaluated in a single arm study of 100 patients with indolent B-cell NHL that had progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen. Patients were included if they relapsed within 6 months of either the first dose (monotherapy) or last dose (maintenance regimen or combination therapy) of rituximab. Patients were treated for up to 8 cycles.

Major tumor subtypes were follicular lymphoma (62%), diffuse small lymphocytic lymphoma (21%), and marginal zone lymphoma (16%). Ninety-nine percent of patients had received previous chemotherapy, 91% of patients had received previous alkylator therapy, and 97% of patients had relapsed within 6 months of either the first dose (monotherapy) or last dose (maintenance regimen or combination therapy) of rituximab. Efficacy was based on the assessments by a blinded independent review committee (IRC) and included overall response rate (complete response + complete response unconfirmed + partial response) and duration of response (DR) as summarized in Table 6.

Table 6: Efficacy Data for NHL 9.2 months

Table 5: Efficacy Data for CLL
CI = confidence interval CR was defined as peripheral lymphocyte count ≤ 4 x 10 9 /L, neutrophils ≥ 1.5 x 10 9 /L, platelets >100 x 10 9 /L, hemoglobin > 110g/L, without transfusions, absence of palpable hepatosplenomegaly, lymph nodes ≤ 1.5 cm, < 30% lymphocytes without nodularity in at least a normocellular bone marrow and absence of “B” symptoms. The clinical and laboratory criteria were required to be maintained for a period of at least 56 days. nPR was defined as described for CR with the exception that the bone marrow biopsy shows persistent nodules. PR was defined as ≥50% decrease in peripheral lymphocyte count from the pretreatment baseline value, and either ≥50% reduction in lymphadenopathy, or ≥50% reduction in the size of spleen or liver, as well as one of the following hematologic improvements: neutrophils ≥ 1.5 x 10 9 /L or 50% improvement over baseline, platelets >100 x 10 9 /L or 50% improvement over baseline, hemoglobin >110g/L or 50% improvement over baseline without transfusions, for a period of at least 56 days. PFS was defined as time from randomization to progression or death from any cause.
Bendamustine Hydrochloride (N=153)Chlorambucil (N=148)p-value
Response Rate n (%)
Overall response rate90 (59)38 (26)<0.0001
(95% CI)(51, 66.6)(18.6, 32.7)
Complete response (CR)13 (8)1 (<1)
Nodular partial response (nPR)4 (3)0
Partial response (PR)73 (48)37 (25)
Progression-Free Survival
Median, months (95% CI)18 (11.7, 23.5)6 (5.6, 8.6)
Hazard ratio (95% CI)0.27 (0.17, 0.43)<0.0001
Table 6: Efficacy Data for NHL
CI = confidence interval *IRC assessment was based on modified International Working Group response criteria (IWG-RC). Modifications to IWG-RC specified that a persistently positive bone marrow in patients who met all other criteria for CR would be scored as PR. Bone marrow sample lengths were not required to be ≥20 mm
Bendamustine Hydrochloride (N=100)
Response Rate (%)
Overall response rate (CR+CRu+PR)74
(95% CI)(64.3, 82.3)
Complete response (CR)13
Complete response unconfirmed (CRu)4
Partial response (PR)57
Duration of Response (DR)
Median, months (95% CI)9.2 months (7.1, 10.8)

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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