Pemetrexed Drug Information
Generic name: PEMETREXED DISODIUM
Uses of Pemetrexed
- 1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE PEMRYDI RTU ® is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy.
- Limitations of Use: PEMRYDI RTU is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer. initial treatment, in combination with cisplatin, of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery. 1.1 Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) PEMRYDI RTU ® is indicated: in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy.
Dosage & Administration of Pemetrexed
2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of PEMRYDI RTU administered with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes, administered after pembrolizumab and prior to platinum chemotherapy, on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. The recommended dose of PEMRYDI RTU, administered as a single agent or with cisplatin, in patients with creatinine clearance of 45 mL/minute or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle.
Initiate folic acid 400 mcg to 1,000 mcg orally, once daily, beginning 7 days prior to the first dose of PEMRYDI RTU and continue until 21 days after the last dose of PEMRYDI RTU. Following completion of platinum-based therapy, treatment with PEMRYDI RTU with or without pembrolizumab is administered until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Please refer to the full prescribing information for pembrolizumab and for carboplatin or cisplatin.
The recommended dose of PEMRYDI RTU for maintenance treatment of non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. Subsequent vitamin B 12 injections may be given the same day as treatment with PEMRYDI RTU. Do not substitute oral vitamin B 12 for intramuscular vitamin B 12.
Corticosteroids Administer dexamethasone 4 mg orally twice daily for three consecutive days, beginning the day before each PEMRYDI RTU administration. 2.5 Dosage Modification of Ibuprofen in Patients with Mild to Moderate Renal Impairment Receiving PEMRYDI RTU In patients with creatinine clearances between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min, modify administration of ibuprofen as follows: Avoid administration of ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of PEMRYDI RTU. Monitor patients more frequently for myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity, if concomitant administration of ibuprofen cannot be avoided. 2.6 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions Obtain complete blood count on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle. Assess creatinine clearance prior to each cycle.
Do not administer PEMRYDI RTU if the creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min. Upon recovery, modify the dosage of PEMRYDI RTU in the next cycle as specified in Table 1. For dosing modifications for cisplatin, carboplatin, or pembrolizumab, refer to their prescribing information.
Table 1: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions a Severe and life-threatening Skin Toxicity Permanently discontinue Interstitial Pneumonitis Permanently discontinue a National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 2 (NCI CTCAE v2). 2.7 Preparation for Administration PEMRYDI RTU is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Calculate the dose of PEMRYDI RTU and determine the volume of needed PEMRYDI RTU. Each vial contains an excess of PEMRYDI RTU to facilitate delivery of labeled amount.
Withdraw the calculated dose of PEMRYDI RTU from the vial(s) and discard the vial(s) with any unused portion. Transfer the calculated dose into an empty intravenous bag. Do NOT further dilute PEMRYDI RTU.
Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Discard if particulate matter or discoloration is observed. Immediately administer PEMRYDI RTU undiluted, as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes using an infusion pump.
If not used immediately, store undiluted PEMRYDI RTU solution in infusion bag for no more than 24 hours at controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Discard the infusion bag solution if not used within 24 hours.
| Toxicity in Most Recent Treatment Cycle | PEMRYDI RTU Dose Modification for Next Cycle |
|---|---|
| Myelosuppressive toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] | |
| ANC less than 500/mm 3 and platelets greater than or equal to 50,000/mm 3 OR Platelet count less than 50,000/mm 3 without bleeding. | 75% of previous dose |
| Platelet count less than 50,000/mm 3 with bleeding | 50% of previous dose |
| Recurrent Grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression after 2 dose reductions | Discontinue |
| Non-hematologic toxicity | |
| Any Grade 3 or 4 toxicities EXCEPT mucositis or neurologic toxicity OR Diarrhea requiring hospitalization | 75% of previous dose |
| Grade 3 or 4 mucositis | 50% of previous dose |
| Renal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] | Withhold until creatinine clearance is 45 mL/min or greater |
| Grade 3 or 4 neurologic toxicity | Permanently discontinue |
| Recurrent Grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity after 2 dose reductions | Permanently discontinue |
| Severe and life-threatening Skin Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] | Permanently discontinue |
| Interstitial Pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] | Permanently discontinue |
| a National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 2 (NCI CTCAE v2). | |
Side Effects of Pemetrexed
6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Myelosuppression Renal failure Bullous and exfoliative skin toxicity Interstitial pneumonitis Radiation recall The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) of pemetrexed, when administered as a single agent are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) of pemetrexed when administered with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) of pemetrexed when administered in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy are fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, and pyrexia. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Non-Squamous NSCLC First-line Treatment of Metastatic Non-squamous NSCLC with Pembrolizumab and Platinum Chemotherapy The safety of pemetrexed, in combination with pembrolizumab and investigator’s choice of platinum (either carboplatin or cisplatin), was investigated in Study KEYNOTE-189, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (2:1), active-controlled trial in patients with previously untreated, metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; or who had received more than 30 Gy of thoracic radiation within the prior 26 weeks were ineligible. The median duration of exposure to pemetrexed was 7.2 months (range: 1 day to 1.7 years). Seventy-two percent of patients received carboplatin.
Pemetrexed was discontinued for adverse reactions in 23% of patients in the pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum arm. The most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of pemetrexed in this arm were acute kidney injury (3%) and pneumonitis (2%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of pemetrexed occurred in 49% of patients in the pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum arm.
Table 2 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 20% of patients treated with pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum. Table 2: Table 3 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities that worsened from baseline in at least 20% of patients treated with pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum. Table 3: Laboratory Abnormalities Worsened from Baseline in ≥ Initial Treatment in Combination with Cisplatin The safety of pemetrexed was evaluated in Study JMDB, a randomized (1:1), open-label, multicenter trial conducted in chemotherapy-naive patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.
All patients were fully supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B 12. Study JMDB excluded patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS of 2 or greater), uncontrolled third-space fluid retention, inadequate bone marrow reserve and organ function, or a calculated creatinine clearance less than 45 mL/min. Patients unable to stop using aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or unable to take folic acid, vitamin B 12 or corticosteroids were also excluded from the study.
The data described below reflect exposure to pemetrexed plus cisplatin in 839 patients in Study JMDB. Patients received a median of 5 cycles of pemetrexed. Table 4 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 5% of 839 patients receiving pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin in Study JMDB.
Study JMDB was not designed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in adverse reaction rates for pemetrexed, as compared to the control arm, for any specified adverse reaction listed in Table 4. Table 4: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 5% of Fully Vitamin-Supplemented Patients Receiving Pemetrexed in Combination with Cisplatin Chemotherapy in Study JMDB The following additional adverse reactions were observed in patients assigned to receive pemetrexed. Incidence 1% to < 5% Body as a Whole — febrile neutropenia, infection, pyrexia General Disorders — dehydration Metabolism and Nutrition — increased AST, increased ALT Renal —renal failure Eye Disorder — conjunctivitis Incidence < 1% Cardiovascular — arrhythmia General Disorders — chest pain Metabolism and Nutrition — increased GGT Neurology — motor neuropathy Maintenance Treatment Following First-line Non- Pemetrexed Containing Platinum-Based Chemotherapy In Study JMEN, the safety of pemetrexed was evaluated in a randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled, multicenter trial conducted in patients with non-progressive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC following four cycles of a first-line, platinum-based chemotherapy regimen.
Patients received either pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 or matching placebo intravenously every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The data described below reflect exposure to pemetrexed in 438 patients in Study JMEN. Approximately half the patients (48%) completed at least six, 21-day cycles and 23% completed ten or more 21-day cycles of pemetrexed.
Table 5 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions reported in ≥ 5% of the 438 pemetrexed-treated patients in Study JMEN. The following additional adverse reactions were observed in patients who received pemetrexed. Incidence 1% to <5% Dermatology/Skin — alopecia, pruritus/itching Gastrointestinal — constipation General Disorders — edema, fever Hematologic — thrombocytopenia Eye Disorder — ocular surface disease (including conjunctivitis), increased lacrimation Incidence <1% Cardiovascular — supraventricular arrhythmia Dermatology/Skin — erythema multiforme General Disorders — febrile neutropenia, allergic reaction/hypersensitivity Neurology — motor neuropathy Renal — renal failure Maintenance Treatment Following First-line Pemetrexed Plus Platinum Chemotherapy The safety of pemetrexed was evaluated in PARAMOUNT, a randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled study conducted in patients with non-squamous NSCLC with non-progressive (stable or responding disease) locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC following four cycles of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin as first-line therapy for NSCLC.
Patients were randomized to receive pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 or matching placebo intravenously on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients in both study arms received folic acid and vitamin B 12 supplementation. The data described below reflect exposure to pemetrexed in 333 patients in PARAMOUNT.
The median number of maintenance cycles was 4 for pemetrexed and placebo arms. Dose reductions for adverse reactions occurred in 3.3% of patients in the pemetrexed arm and 0.6% in the placebo arm. Dose delays for adverse reactions occurred in 22% of patients in the pemetrexed arm and 16% in the placebo arm.
Table 6 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions reported in ≥ 5% of the 333 pemetrexed-treated patients in PARAMOUNT. The following additional Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were observed more frequently in the pemetrexed arm. Incidence 1% to <5% Blood/Bone Marrow — thrombocytopenia General Disorders — febrile neutropenia Incidence <1% Cardiovascular — ventricular tachycardia, syncope General Disorders — pain Gastrointestinal — gastrointestinal obstruction Neurologic — depression Renal — renal failure Vascular — pulmonary embolism Treatment of Recurrent Disease After Prior Chemotherapy The safety of pemetrexed was evaluated in Study JMEI, a randomized (1:1), open-label, active-controlled trial conducted in patients who had progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy.
All patients on the pemetrexed arm received folic acid and vitamin B 12 supplementation. The data described below reflect exposure to pemetrexed in 265 patients in Study JMEI. Table 7 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions reported in ≥ 5% of the 265 pemetrexed-treated patients in Study JMEI.
Study JMEI is not designed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in adverse reaction rates for pemetrexed, as compared to the control arm, for any specified adverse reaction listed in the Table 7 below. Incidence 1% to <5% Body as a Whole — abdominal pain, allergic reaction/hypersensitivity, febrile neutropenia, infection Dermatology/Skin — erythema multiforme Neurology — motor neuropathy, sensory neuropathy Incidence <1% Cardiovascular — supraventricular arrhythmias Renal — renal failure Mesothelioma The safety of pemetrexed was evaluated in Study JMCH, a randomized (1:1), single-blind study conducted in patients with MPM who had received no prior chemotherapy for MPM. Safety was assessed in 226 patients who received at least one dose of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin and 222 patients who received at least one dose of cisplatin alone.
Study JMCH excluded patients with Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) of less than 70, inadequate bone marrow reserve and organ function, or a calculated creatinine clearance less than 45 mL/min. The median number of treatment cycles administered was 6 in the pemetrexed/cisplatin fully supplemented group and 2 in the pemetrexed/cisplatin never supplemented group. Patients receiving pemetrexed in the fully supplemented group had a relative dose intensity of 93% of the protocol-specified pemetrexed dose intensity.
The most common adverse reaction resulting in dose delay was neutropenia. Table 8 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions ≥ 5% in the subgroup of pemetrexed-treated patients who were fully vitamin supplemented in Study JMCH. Additional Experience Across Clinical Trials Sepsis, with or without neutropenia, including fatal cases: 1% Severe esophagitis, resulting in hospitalization: <1% 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of pemetrexed.
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 System — immune-mediated hemolytic anemia Gastrointestinal — colitis, pancreatitis General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions — edema Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications — radiation recall Respiratory — interstitial pneumonitis Skin — Serious and fatal bullous skin conditions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
| Pemetrexed Pembrolizumab Platinum Chemotherapy n=405 | Placebo Pemetrexed Platinum Chemotherapy n=202 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse Reaction | All Grades a (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Nausea | 56 | 3.5 | 52 | 3.5 |
| Constipation | 35 | 1.0 | 32 | 0.5 |
| Diarrhea | 31 | 5 | 21 | 3.0 |
| Vomiting | 24 | 3.7 | 23 | 3.0 |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||||
| Fatigue b | 56 | 12 | 58 | 6 |
| Pyrexia | 20 | 0.2 | 15 | 0 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||
| Decreased appetite | 28 | 1.5 | 30 | 0.5 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Rash c | 25 | 2.0 | 17 | 2.5 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||||
| Cough | 21 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
| Dyspnea | 21 | 3.7 | 26 | 5 |
| a Graded per NCI CTCAE version 4.03. b Includes asthenia and fatigue. c Includes genital rash, rash, rash generalized, rash macular, rash maculo-papular, rash papular, rash pruritic, and rash pustular. | ||||
| Pemetrexed Pembrolizumab Platinum Chemotherapy | Placebo Pemetrexed Platinum Chemotherapy | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Test a | All Grades b % | Grades 3-4 % | All Grades % | Grades 3-4 % |
| Chemistry | ||||
| Hyperglycemia | 63 | 9 | 60 | 7 |
| Increased ALT | 47 | 3.8 | 42 | 2.6 |
| Increased AST | 47 | 2.8 | 40 | 1.0 |
| Hypoalbuminemia | 39 | 2.8 | 39 | 1.1 |
| Increased creatinine | 37 | 4.2 | 25 | 1.0 |
| Hyponatremia | 32 | 7 | 23 | 6 |
| Hypophosphatemia | 30 | 10 | 28 | 14 |
| Increased alkaline phosphatase | 26 | 1.8 | 29 | 2.1 |
| Hypocalcemia | 24 | 2.8 | 17 | 0.5 |
| Hyperkalemia | 24 | 2.8 | 19 | 3.1 |
| Hypokalemia | 21 | 5 | 20 | 5 |
| Hematology | ||||
| Anemia | 85 | 17 | 81 | 18 |
| Lymphopenia | 64 | 22 | 64 | 25 |
| Neutropenia | 48 | 20 | 41 | 19 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 30 | 12 | 29 | 8 |
| a Each test incidence is based on the number of patients who had both baseline and at least one on-study laboratory measurement available: pemetrexed/pembrolizumab/platinum chemotherapy (range: 381 to 401 patients) and placebo/pemetrexed/platinum chemotherapy (range: 184 to 197 patients). b Graded per NCI CTCAE version 4.03. | ||||
| Adverse Reaction a | Pemetrexed/Cisplatin (N=839) | Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (N=830) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | |
| All adverse reactions | 90 | 37 | 91 | 53 |
| Laboratory | ||||
| Hematologic | ||||
| Anemia | 33 | 6 | 46 | 10 |
| Neutropenia | 29 | 15 | 38 | 27 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 10 | 4 | 27 | 13 |
| Renal | ||||
| Elevated creatinine | 10 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
| Clinical | ||||
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Nausea | 56 | 7 | 53 | 4 |
| Vomiting | 40 | 6 | 36 | 6 |
| Anorexia | 27 | 2 | 24 | 1 |
| Constipation | 21 | 1 | 20 | 0 |
| Stomatitis/pharyngitis | 14 | 1 | 12 | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 12 | 1 | 13 | 2 |
| Dyspepsia/heartburn | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Constitutional symptoms | ||||
| Fatigue | 43 | 7 | 45 | 5 |
| Dermatology/Skin | ||||
| Alopecia | 12 | 0 | 21 | 1 |
| Rash/Desquamation | 7 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
| Neurology | ||||
| Sensory neuropathy | 9 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| Taste disturbance | 8 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| a NCI CTCAE version 2.0. | ||||
| Adverse Reaction a | Pemetrexed (N=438) | Placebo (N=218) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | |
| All adverse reactions | 66 | 16 | 37 | 4 |
| Laboratory | ||||
| Hematologic | ||||
| Anemia | 15 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
| Neutropenia | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Hepatic | ||||
| Increased ALT | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Increased AST | 8 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Clinical | ||||
| Constitutional symptoms | ||||
| Fatigue | 25 | 5 | 11 | 1 |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Nausea | 19 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Anorexia | 19 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mucositis/stomatitis | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Dermatology/Skin | ||||
| Rash/desquamation | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Neurology | ||||
| Sensory neuropathy | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Infection | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| a NCI CTCAE version 3.0. | ||||
| Adverse Reaction a | Pemetrexed (N=333) | Placebo (N=167) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | |
| All adverse reactions | 53 | 17 | 34 | 4.8 |
| Laboratory | ||||
| Hematologic | ||||
| Anemia | 15 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 0.6 |
| Neutropenia | 9 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 0 |
| Clinical | ||||
| Constitutional symptoms | ||||
| Fatigue | 18 | 4.5 | 11 | 0.6 |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Nausea | 12 | 0.3 | 2.4 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 6 | 0 | 1.8 | 0 |
| Mucositis / stomatitis | 5 | 0.3 | 2.4 | 0 |
| General disorders | ||||
| Edema | 5 | 0 | 3.6 | 0 |
| a NCI CTCAE version 3.0. | ||||
| Adverse Reaction a | Pemetrexed (N=265) | Docetaxel (N=276) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | All Grade (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | |
| Laboratory | ||||
| Hematologic | ||||
| Anemia | 19 | 4 | 22 | 4 |
| Neutropenia | 11 | 5 | 45 | 40 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Hepatic | ||||
| Increased ALT | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Increased AST | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Clinical | ||||
| Constitutional symptoms | ||||
| Fatigue | 34 | 5 | 36 | 5 |
| Fever | 8 | 0 | 8 | |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Nausea | 31 | 3 | 17 | 2 |
| Anorexia | 22 | 2 | 24 | 3 |
| Vomiting | 16 | 2 | 12 | 1 |
| Stomatitis/pharyngitis | 15 | 1 | 17 | 1 |
| Diarrhea | 13 | 0 | 24 | 3 |
| Constipation | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Dermatology/Skin | ||||
| Rash/desquamation | 14 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Pruritus | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Alopecia | 6 | 1 | 38 | 2 |
| a NCI CTCAE version 2.0. | ||||
| Adverse Reaction b | Pemetrexed/cisplatin (N=168) | Cisplatin (N=163) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | |
| Laboratory | ||||
| Hematologic | ||||
| Neutropenia | 56 | 23 | 13 | 3 |
| Anemia | 26 | 4 | 10 | 0 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 23 | 5 | 9 | 0 |
| Renal | ||||
| Elevated creatinine | 11 | 1 | 10 | 1 |
| Decreased creatinine clearance | 16 | 1 | 18 | 2 |
| Clinical | ||||
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Nausea | 82 | 12 | 77 | 6 |
| Vomiting | 57 | 11 | 50 | 4 |
| Stomatitis/pharyngitis | 23 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| Anorexia | 20 | 1 | 14 | 1 |
| Diarrhea | 17 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
| Constipation | 12 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
| Dyspepsia | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Constitutional Symptoms | ||||
| Fatigue | 48 | 10 | 42 | 9 |
| Dermatology/Skin | ||||
| Rash | 16 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Alopecia | 11 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Neurology | ||||
| Sensory neuropathy | 10 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Taste disturbance | 8 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition | ||||
| Dehydration | 7 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Eye Disorder | ||||
| Conjunctivitis | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| a In Study JMCH, 226 patients received at least one dose of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin and 222 patients received at least one dose of cisplatin. Table 8 provides the ADRs for subgroup of patients treated with pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin (168 patients) or cisplatin alone (163 patients) who received full supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 during study therapy. b NCI CTCAE version 2.0. | ||||
| Grade 3-4 Adverse Reactions | Fully Supplemented Patients N=168 (%) | Never Supplemented Patients N=32 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Neutropenia | 23 | 38 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 5 | 9 |
| Vomiting | 11 | 31 |
| Febrile neutropenia | 1 | 9 |
| Infection with Grade 3/4 neutropenia | 0 | 6 |
| Diarrhea | 4 | 9 |
| a NCI CTCAE version 2.0. | ||
Warnings & Cautions for Pemetrexed
5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression: Can cause severe bone marrow suppression resulting in cytopenia and an increased risk of infection. Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of PEMRYDI RTU.
Renal Failure: Can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal failure. Do not administer when creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min. Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity: Permanently discontinue for severe and life-threatening bullous, blistering or exfoliating skin toxicity.
Interstitial Pneumonitis: Withhold for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue if pneumonitis is confirmed. Radiation Recall: Can occur in patients who received radiation weeks to years previously; permanently discontinue for signs of radiation recall.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. 5.1 Myelosuppression and Increased Risk of Myelosuppression without Vitamin Supplementation Pemetrexed can cause severe myelosuppression resulting in a requirement for transfusions and which may lead to neutropenic infection. The risk of myelosuppression is increased in patients who do not receive vitamin supplementation.
Obtain a complete blood count at the beginning of each cycle. In Study JMCH, 18% of patients in the pemetrexed arm required red blood cell transfusions compared to 7% of patients in the cisplatin arm. The incidences of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received pemetrexed with cisplatin were 2.1% in Study JMDB and 2.2% in Study JMCH.
The incidence of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received pemetrexed as a single agent ranged from 0.4% to 0.6% Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI. Determine creatinine clearance before each dose and periodically monitor renal function during treatment with PEMRYDI RTU. Withhold PEMRYDI RTU in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 45 mL/minute. 5.3 Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity Serious and sometimes fatal, bullous, blistering and exfoliative skin toxicity, including cases suggestive of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur with pemetrexed.
Withhold pemetrexed for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, or fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If pneumonitis is confirmed, permanently discontinue pemetrexed. 5.5 Radiation Recall Radiation recall can occur with pemetrexed in patients who have received radiation weeks to years previously. Monitor patients for inflammation or blistering in areas of previous radiation treatment.
Permanently discontinue pemetrexed for signs of radiation recall. 5.6 Increased Risk of Toxicity with Ibuprofen in Patients with Renal Impairment Exposure to pemetrexed is increased in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment who take concomitant ibuprofen, increasing the risks of adverse reactions of pemetrexed. If concomitant ibuprofen use cannot be avoided, monitor patients more frequently for pemetrexed adverse reactions, including myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity. 5.7 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, pemetrexed can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and increased malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with PEMRYDI RTU and for 6 months after the last dose.
Drug Interactions with Pemetrexed
7. DRUG INTERACTIONS Effects of Ibuprofen on Pemetrexed Ibuprofen increases exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed. Monitor patients more frequently for myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity, if concomitant administration of ibuprofen cannot be avoided.
Ibuprofen increased risk of PEMRYDI RTU toxicity in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Modify the ibuprofen dosage as recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min.
Pregnancy Safety for Pemetrexed
Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, pemetrexed can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on pemetrexed use in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. 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 Pemetrexed was teratogenic in mice.
Daily dosing of pemetrexed by intravenous injection to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis increased the incidence of fetal malformations (cleft palate; protruding tongue; enlarged or misshaped kidney; and fused lumbar vertebra) at doses (based on BSA) 0.03 times the human dose of 500 mg/m 2. At doses, based on BSA, greater than or equal to 0.0012 times the 500 mg/m 2 human dose, pemetrexed administration resulted in dose-dependent increases in developmental delays (incomplete ossification of talus and skull bone; and decreased fetal weight).
Pediatric Use of Pemetrexed
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of pemetrexed in pediatric patients have not been established. The safety and pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in pediatric patients with recurrent solid tumors (NCT00070473 N=32 and NCT00520936 N=72). Patients in both studies received concomitant vitamin B 12 and folic acid supplementation and dexamethasone.
No tumor responses were observed. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were evaluated in 22 patients age 4 to 18 years enrolled in NCT00070473 were within range of values in adults.
Contraindications for Pemetrexed
4. CONTRAINDICATIONS PEMRYDI RTU is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed. History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed.
Overdosage Information for Pemetrexed
10. OVERDOSAGE No drugs are approved for the treatment of pemetrexed overdose. Based on animal studies, administration of leucovorin may mitigate the toxicities of pemetrexed overdosage.
It is not known whether pemetrexed is dialyzable.
Clinical Studies of Pemetrexed
14. CLINICAL STUDIES 14.1 Non-Squamous NSCLC Initial Treatment in Combination with Pembrolizumab and Platinum The efficacy of pemetrexed in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy was investigated in Study KEYNOTE-189 (NCT02578680), a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, active-controlled trial conducted in patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status, who had not previously received systemic therapy for metastatic disease and in whom there were no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; or who had received more than 30 Gy of thoracic radiation within the prior 26 weeks were ineligible.
Randomization was stratified by smoking status (never versus former/current), choice of platinum (cisplatin versus carboplatin), and tumor PD-L1 status (TPS < 1% versus TPS ≥ 1%). Pemetrexed was administered after pembrolizumab and prior to platinum chemotherapy on Day 1. Treatment with pemetrexed continued until RECIST v1.1 (modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ)-defined progression of disease as determined by the investigator or unacceptable toxicity.
Patients randomized to placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum chemotherapy were offered pembrolizumab as a single agent at the time of disease progression. Assessment of tumor status was performed at Week 6, Week 12, and then every 9 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of five target lesions per organ.
Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and duration of response, as assessed by the BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. A total of 616 patients were randomized: 410 patients to the pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum chemotherapy arm and 206 to the placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum chemotherapy arm. Thirty-one percent had tumor PD-L1 expression TPS < 1%.
Seventy-two percent received carboplatin and 12% were never smokers. A total of 85 patients in the placebo, pemetrexed, and chemotherapy arm received an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody at the time of disease progression. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS for patients randomized to pemetrexed in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy compared with placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum chemotherapy (see Table 10 and Figure 1 ).
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-189 Based on the protocol-specified final OS analysis Initial Treatment in Combination with Cisplatin The efficacy of pemetrexed was evaluated in Study JMDB (NCT00087711), a multi-center, randomized (1:1), open-label study conducted in 1,725 chemotherapy-naive patients with Stage IIIb/IV NSCLC. Patients were randomized to receive pemetrexed with cisplatin or gemcitabine with cisplatin. Randomization was stratified by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS 0 versus 1), gender, disease stage, basis for pathological diagnosis (histopathological/cytopathological), history of brain metastases, and investigative center.
Treatment was administered up to a total of 6 cycles; patients in both arms received folic acid, vitamin B 12, and dexamethasone. The primary efficacy outcome measure was overall survival. A total of 1,725 patients were enrolled with 862 patients randomized to pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin and 863 patients to gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin.
For tumor characteristics, 73% had non-squamous NSCLC and 27% had squamous NSCLC; 76% had Stage IV disease. Efficacy results in Study JMDB are presented in Table 11 and Figure 2. Table 11: Efficacy Results in Study JMDB in Study JMDB In pre-specified analyses assessing the impact of NSCLC histology on overall survival, clinically relevant differences in survival according to histology were observed.
These subgroup analyses are shown in Table 12 and Figures 3 and 4. This difference in treatment effect for pemetrexed based on histology demonstrating a lack of efficacy in squamous cell histology was also observed in Studies JMEN and JMEI. Table 12: in Non-squamous NSCLC in Study JMDB Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Squamous NSCLC in Study JMDB Maintenance Treatment Following First-line Non- Pemetrexed Containing Platinum-Based Chemotherapy The efficacy of pemetrexed as maintenance therapy following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy was evaluated in Study JMEN (NCT00102804), a multicenter, randomized (2:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 663 patients with Stage IIIb/IV NSCLC who did not progress after four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy.
Patients were randomized to receive pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 intravenously every 21 days or placebo until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Randomization was carried out using a minimization approach using the following factors: gender, ECOG PS (0 versus 1), response to prior chemotherapy (complete or partial response versus stable disease), history of brain metastases (yes versus no), non-platinum component of induction therapy (docetaxel versus gemcitabine versus paclitaxel), and disease stage (IIIb versus IV). The major efficacy outcome measures were progression-free survival based on assessment by independent review and overall survival; both were measured from the date of randomization in Study JMEN.
A total of 663 patients were enrolled with 441 patients randomized to pemetrexed and 222 patients randomized to placebo. With regard to tumor characteristics, 81% had Stage IV disease, 73% had non-squamous NSCLC and 27% had squamous NSCLC. Efficacy results are presented in Table 13 and Figure 5.
Table 14: Efficacy Results in Study JMEN by Histologic Subgroup in Non-squamous NSCLC in Study JMEN Figure 7: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Squamous NSCLC in Study JMEN Maintenance Treatment Following First-line Pemetrexed Plus Platinum Chemotherapy The efficacy of pemetrexed as maintenance therapy following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy was also evaluated in PARAMOUNT (NCT00789373), a multi-center, randomized (2:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in patients with Stage IIIb/IV non-squamous NSCLC who had completed four cycles of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin and achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD). Patients were required to have an ECOG PS of 0 or 1. Randomization was stratified by response to pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin induction therapy (CR or PR versus SD), disease stage (IIIb versus IV), and ECOG PS (0 versus 1).
The main efficacy outcome measure was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) and an additional efficacy outcome measure was overall survival (OS); PFS and OS were measured from the time of randomization. A total of 539 patients were enrolled with 359 patients randomized to pemetrexed and 180 patients randomized to placebo. Table 15: Efficacy Results in PARAMOUNT in PARAMOUNT Treatment of Recurrent Disease After Prior Chemotherapy The efficacy of pemetrexed was evaluated in Study JMEI (NCT00004881), a multicenter, randomized (1:1), open-label study conducted in patients with Stage III or IV NSCLC that had recurred or progressed following one prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced disease.
Patients randomized to pemetrexed also received folic acid and vitamin B 12. The study was designed to show that overall survival with pemetrexed was non-inferior to docetaxel, as the major efficacy outcome measure, and that overall survival was superior for patients randomized to pemetrexed compared to docetaxel, as a secondary outcome measure. A total of 571 patients were enrolled with 283 patients randomized to pemetrexed and 288 patients randomized to docetaxel.
The efficacy results in the overall population and in subgroup analyses based on histologic subtype are provided in Tables 16 and 17, respectively. Study JMEI did not show an improvement in overall survival in the intent-to-treat population. In subgroup analyses, there was no evidence of a treatment effect on survival in patients with squamous NSCLC; the absence of a treatment effect in patients with NSCLC of squamous histology was also observed Studies JMDB and JMEN.
Table 16: Efficacy Results in Study JMEI Table 17: Exploratory Efficacy Analyses by Histologic Subgroup in Study JMEI Mesothelioma The efficacy of pemetrexed was evaluated in Study JMCH (NCT00005636), a multicenter, randomized (1:1), single-blind study conducted in patients with MPM who had received no prior chemotherapy. Randomization was stratified by multiple baseline variables including KPS, histologic subtype (epithelial, mixed, sarcomatoid, other), and gender. The major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival and additional efficacy outcome measures were time to disease progression, overall response rate, and response duration.
A total of 448 patients received at least one dose of protocol-specified therapy; 226 patients were randomized to and received at least one dose of pemetrexed plus cisplatin, and 222 patients were randomized to and received cisplatin. The baseline demographics and tumor characteristics of the subgroup of fully supplemented patients was similar to the overall study population. The efficacy results from Study JMCH are summarized in Table 18 and Figure 9.
Table 18: Efficacy Results in Study JMCH in Study JMCH Based upon prospectively defined criteria (modified Southwest Oncology Group methodology) the objective tumor response rate for pemetrexed plus cisplatin was greater than the objective tumor response rate for cisplatin alone. There was also improvement in lung function (forced vital capacity) in the pemetrexed plus cisplatin arm compared to the control arm. 1
| Endpoint | Pemetrexed Pembrolizumab Platinum Chemotherapy n=410 | Placebo Pemetrexed Platinum Chemotherapy n=206 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | ||
| Number (%) of patients with event | 127 (31%) | 108 (52%) |
| Median in months (95% CI) | NR (NR, NR) | 11.3 (8.7, 15.1) |
| Hazard ratio a (95% CI) | 0.49 (0.38, 0.64) | |
| p-value b | < 0.0001 | |
| PFS | ||
| Number of patients with event (%) | 245 (60%) | 166 (81%) |
| Median in months (95% CI) | 8.8 (7.6, 9.2) | 4.9 (4.7, 5.5) |
| Hazard ratio a (95% CI) | 0.52 (0.43, 0.64) | |
| p-value b | < 0.0001 | |
| ORR | ||
| Overall response rate c (95% CI) | 48% (43, 53) | 19% (14, 25) |
| Complete response | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Partial response | 47% | 18% |
| p-value d | < 0.0001 | |
| Duration of Response | ||
| Median in months (range) | 11.2 (1.1+, 18.0+) | 7.8 (2.1+, 16.4+) |
| a Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model. b Based on stratified log-rank test. c Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response. d Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by PD-L1 status, platinum chemotherapy and smoking status. NR = not reached | ||
| Efficacy Parameter | Pemetrexed plus Cisplatin (N=862) | Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (N=863) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Survival | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 10.3 (9.8-11.2) | 10.3 (9.6-10.9) |
| Hazard ratio (HR) a,b (95% CI) | 0.94 (0.84-1.05) | |
| Progression-Free Survival | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 4.8 (4.6-5.3) | 5.1 (4.6-5.5) |
| Hazard ratio (HR) a,b (95% CI) | 1.04 (0.94-1.15) | |
| Overall Response Rate (95% CI) | 27.1% (24.2-30.1) | 24.7% (21.8-27.6) |
| a Unadjusted for multiple comparisons. b Adjusted for gender, stage, basis of diagnosis, and performance status. | ||
| Histologic Subgroups | Pemetrexed plus Cisplatin (N=862) | Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (N=863) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-squamous NSCLC (N=1,252) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 11.0 (10.1-12.5) | 10.1 (9.3-10.9) |
| HR a,b (95% CI) | 0.84 (0.74-0.96) | |
| Adenocarcinoma (N=847) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 12.6 (10.7-13.6) | 10.9 (10.2-11.9) |
| HR a,b (95% CI) | 0.84 (0.71-0.99) | |
| Large Cell (N=153) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 10.4 (8.6-14.1) | 6.7 (5.5-9.0) |
| HR a,b (95% CI) | 0.67 (0.48-0.96) | |
| Non-squamous, not otherwise specified (N=252) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 8.6 (6.8-10.2) | 9.2 (8.1-10.6) |
| HR a,b (95% CI) | 1.08 (0.81-1.45) | |
| Squamous Cell (N=473) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 9.4 (8.4-10.2) | 10.8 (9.5-12.1) |
| HR a,b (95% CI) | 1.23 (1.00-1.51) | |
| a Unadjusted for multiple comparisons. b Adjusted for ECOG PS, gender, disease stage, and basis for pathological diagnosis (histopathological/cytopathological). | ||
| Efficacy Parameter | Pemetrexed | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall survival | N=441 | N=222 |
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 13.4 (11.9-15.9) | 10.6 (8.7-12.0) |
| Hazard ratio a (95% CI) | 0.79 (0.65-0.95) | |
| p-value | p=0.012 | |
| Progression-free survival per independent review | N=387 | N=194 |
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 4.0 (3.1-4.4) | 2.0 (1.5-2.8) |
| Hazard ratio a (95% CI) | 0.60 (0.49-0.73) | |
| p-value | p < 0.00001 | |
| a Hazard ratios are adjusted for multiplicity but not for stratification variables. | ||
| Efficacy Parameter | Overall Survival | Progression-Free Survival Per Independent Review | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pemetrexed (N=441) | Placebo (N=222) | Pemetrexed (N=387) | Placebo (N=194) | |
| Non-squamous NSCLC (n=481) | ||||
| Median (months) | 15.5 | 10.3 | 4.4 | 1.8 |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.70 (0.56-0.88) | 0.47 (0.37-0.60) | ||
| Adenocarcinoma (n=328) | ||||
| Median (months) | 16.8 | 11.5 | 4.6 | 2.7 |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.73 (0.56-0.96) | 0.51 (0.38-0.68) | ||
| Large cell carcinoma (n=20) | ||||
| Median (months) | 8.4 | 7.9 | 4.5 | 1.5 |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.98 (0.36-2.65) | 0.40 (0.12-1.29) | ||
| Other b (n=133) | ||||
| Median (months) | 11.3 | 7.7 | 4.1 | 1.6 |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.61 (0.40-0.94) | 0.44 (0.28-0.68) | ||
| Squamous cell NSCLC (n=182) | ||||
| Median (months) | 9.9 | 10.8 | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| HR a (95% CI) | 1.07 (0.77-1.50) | 1.03 (0.71-1.49) | ||
| a Hazard ratios are not adjusted for multiplicity b Primary diagnosis of NSCLC not specified as adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. | ||||
| Efficacy Parameter | Pemetrexed (N=359) | Placebo (N=180) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall survival | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 13.9 (12.8-16.0) | 11.0 (10.0-12.5) |
| Hazard ratio (HR) a (95% CI) | 0.78 (0.64-0.96) | |
| p-value | p=0.02 | |
| Progression-free survival b | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 4.1 (3.2-4.6) | 2.8 (2.6-3.1) |
| Hazard ratio (HR) a (95% CI) | 0.62 (0.49-0.79) | |
| p-value | p < 0.0001 | |
| a Hazard ratios are adjusted for multiplicity but not for stratification variables. b Based on investigator's assessment. | ||
| Efficacy Parameter | Pemetrexed (N=283) | Docetaxel (N=288) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall survival | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 8.3 (7.0-9.4) | 7.9 (6.3-9.2) |
| Hazard ratio a (95% CI) | 0.99 (0.82-1.20) | |
| Progression-free survival | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 2.9 (2.4-3.1) | 2.9 (2.7-3.4) |
| Hazard ratio a (95% CI) | 0.97 (0.82-1.16) | |
| Overall response rate (95% CI) | 8.5% (5.2-11.7) | 8.3% (5.1-11.5) |
| a Hazard ratios are not adjusted for multiplicity or for stratification variables. | ||
| Histologic Subgroups | Pemetrexed (N=283) | Docetaxel (N=288) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-squamous NSCLC (N=399) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 9.3 (7.8-9.7) | 8.0 (6.3-9.3) |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.89 (0.71-1.13) | |
| Adenocarcinoma (N=301) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 9.0 (7.6-9.6) | 9.2 (7.5-11.3) |
| HR a (95% CI) | 1.09 (0.83-1.44) | |
| Large Cell (N=47) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 12.8 (5.8-14.0) | 4.5 (2.3-9.1) |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.38 (0.18-0.78) | |
| Other b (N=51) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 9.4 (6.0-10.1) | 7.9 (4.0-8.9) |
| HR a (95% CI) | 0.62 (0.32-1.23) | |
| Squamous NSCLC (N=172) | ||
| Median (months) (95% CI) | 6.2 (4.9-8.0) | 7.4 (5.6-9.5) |
| HR a (95% CI) | 1.32 (0.93-1.86) | |
| a Hazard ratio unadjusted for multiple comparisons. b Primary diagnosis of NSCLC not specified as adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. | ||
| Efficacy Parameter | All Randomized and Treated Patients (N=448) | Fully Supplemented Patients (N=331) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pemetrexed/Cisplatin (N=226) | Cisplatin (N=222) | Pemetrexed /Cisplatin (N=168) | Cisplatin (N=163) | |
| Median overall survival (months) | 12.1 | 9.3 | 13.3 | 10.0 |
| (95% CI) | (10.0-14.4) | (7.8-10.7) | (11.4-14.9) | (8.4-11.9) |
| Hazard ratio a | 0.77 | 0.75 | ||
| Log rank p-value | 0.020 | NA b | ||
| a Hazard ratios are not adjusted for stratification variables. b Not a pre-specified analysis. | ||||
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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