Sorafenib Drug Information
Generic name: SORAFENIB
Kinase Inhibitor [EPC]
Uses of Sorafenib
Sorafenib tablets are a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma Locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine treatment 1.1 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Sorafenib tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 1.3 Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Sorafenib tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive,differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) that is refractory to radioactive iodine treatment.
Dosage & Administration of Sorafenib
- Table 1: Recommended Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications of Sorafenib Tablets for 1 Adverse reactions graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (NCI CTCAE v3.0). 2 If no recovery after 30 day interruption, discontinue treatment unless the patient is deriving clinical benefit. 3 If more than 2 dose reductions are required, permanently discontinue treatment. 4 In addition, any grade increased alkaline phosphatase in the absence of known bone pathology and Grade 2 or worse increased bilirubin; any 1 of the following: INR of 1.5 or greater, ascites and/or encephalopathy in the absence of underlying cirrhosis or other organ failure considered to be due to drug-induced liver injury. Approximately 50% of patients requiring a dose reduction for dermatologic toxicity are expected to meet these criteria for resumption of the higher dose and roughly 50% of patients resuming the previous dose are expected to tolerate the higher dose (that is, maintain the higher dose level without recurrent Grade 2 or higher dermatologic toxicity).
| Dose Reduction | Hepatocellular Carcinoma | Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma |
|---|---|---|
| First Dose Reduction | 400 mg orally once daily | 400 mg orally in the morning and 200 mg orally in the evening about 12 hours apart OR 200 mg orally in the morning and 400 mg orally in the evening about 12 hours apart |
| Second Dose Reduction | 200 mg orally once daily OR 400 every other day | 200 mg orally twice daily |
| Third Dose Reduction | None | 200 mg orally once daily |
| Adverse Reaction | Severity 1 | Sorafenib T ablets Dosage M odification |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] | ||
| Cardiac Ischemia and/or Infarction | Grade 2 and above | Permanently discontinue. |
| Congestive Heart Failure | Grade 3 | Interrupt2 until Grade 1 or less, resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level.3 |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] | Grade 2 and above requiring medical intervention | Permanently discontinue. |
| Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] | Grade 2 (symptomatic/persistent) OR Grade 2 symptomatic increase by greater than 20 mm Hg (diastolic) or greater than 140/90 mm Hg if previously within normal limits OR Grade 3 | Interrupt until symptoms resolve and diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, then resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level.3 If needed, reduce another dose level.3 |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| G astrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] | Any grade | Permanently discontinue. |
| QT Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] | Greater than 500 milliseconds OR Increase from baseline of 60 milliseconds or greater | Interrupt and correct electrolyte abnormalities (magnesium, potassium, calcium). Use medical judgement before restarting. |
| Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] | Grade 3 ALT or higher in the absence of another cause4 OR AST/ALT greater than 3 × upper limit normal (ULN) with bilirubin greater than 2 × ULN in the absence of another cause4 | Permanently discontinue. |
| Non-hematological toxicities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] | Grade 2 | Continue treatment at reduced dose by 1 dose level. |
| Grade 3 | ||
| 1st occurrence | Interrupt until Grade 2 or less, then resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level. | |
| No improvement within 7 days OR 2nd or 3rd occurrence | Interrupt until Grade 2 or less, then resume at reduced dose by 2 dose levels. | |
| 4th occurrence | Interrupt until Grade 2 or less, then resume at reduced dose by 2 dose levels for HCC or 3 dose levels for DTC. | |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| Dermatologic Toxicity Grade | Occurrence | Sorafenib T ablets Dosage Modification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatocellular | Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma | ||
| Grade 2: Painful erythema and swelling of the hands or feet and/or discomfort affecting the patient’s normal activities | 1st occurrence | Continue sorafenib tablets and consider topical therapy for symptomatic relief. If no improvement within 7 days, see below. | Decrease sorafenib tablets to 600 mg daily If no improvement within 7 days, see below. |
| No improvement within 7 days at reduced dose OR 2nd and 3rd occurrence | Interrupt sorafenib tablets until resolved or improved to Grade 0 to 1. | Interrupt sorafenib tablets until completely resolved or improved to Grade 1. | |
| When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. | When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level for 2nd occurrence and 2 dose levels for 3rd occurrence. | ||
| 4th occurrence | Discontinue sorafenib tablets treatment. | ||
| Grade 3:Moist desquamation, ulceration, blistering, or severe pain of the hands or feet, resulting in inability to work or perform activities of daily living | 1st occurrence | Interrupt sorafenib tablets until resolved or improved to Grade 0 to 1. | Interrupt sorafenib tablets until completely resolved or improved to Grade 1. |
| When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. | When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. | ||
| 2nd occurrence | Interrupt sorafenib tablets until resolved or improved to Grade 0 to 1. | Interrupt sorafenib tablets until completely resolved or improved to Grade 1. | |
| When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. | When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 2 dose levels. | ||
| 3rd occurrence | Discontinue sorafenib tablets treatment. | ||
Side Effects of Sorafenib
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are diarrhea, fatigue, infection, alopecia, hand-foot skin reaction, rash, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, hypertension, and hemorrhage. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Yabao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Beijing at 914-656-3049 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular events Hemorrhage Hypertension Dermatologic toxicities Gastrointestinal perforation QT interval prolongation Drug-induced liver injury Impairment of TSH suppression in DTC 6.1 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.
The data described reflect exposure to sorafenib tablets in 504 patients who participated in placebo-controlled studies in hepatocellular carcinoma N=297, or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (N = 207). Hepatocellular Carcinoma Table 4 shows the percentage of patients in the SHARP (HCC) study experiencing adverse reactions that were reported in at least 10% of patients and at a higher rate in the Sorafenib Tablets -treated group than in those eceiving placebo. Table 4: Adverse Reactions Reported in at Least 10% of Patients and at a Higher Rate in Sorafenib Tablets Arm than the Placebo Arm–SHARP (HCC) 1Adverse reactions graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (NCI CTCAE v3.0).
Hypertension was reported in 9% of patients treated with sorafenib tablets and 4% of those receiving placebo. Grade 3 hypertension was reported in 4% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 1% of those receiving placebo. Hemorrhage/bleeding was reported in 18% of those receiving sorafenib tablets and 20% of patients receiving placebo.
Bleeding from esophageal varices was reported in 2.4% in sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 4% of patients receiving placebo. Renal failure was reported in <1% of patients treated with sorafenib tablets and 3% of patients receiving placebo. Clinical pancreatitis was reported in 1 of 297 sorafenib tablets -treated patients (Grade 2).
The rate of adverse reactions (including those associated with progressive disease) resulting in permanent discontinuation was similar in both the sorafenib tablets -treated patients and those receiving placebo (32% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 35% of patients receiving placebo). Laboratory test abnormalities reported in SHARP are presented in Table 5. Table 5: Laboratory Test Abnormalities Reported in SHARP (HCC) 1Laboratory parameters graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (NCI CTCAE v3.0).
NR = not reported Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma The safety of sorafenib tablets was evaluated in DECISION in 416 patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment randomized to receive 400 mg twice daily sorafenib tablets (n=207) or matching placebo (n=209) until disease progression or intolerable toxicity in a double-blind trial. The data described below reflect a median exposure to sorafenib tablets for 46 weeks (range 0.3 to 135). The population exposed to sorafenib tablets was 50% male, and had a median age of 63 years.
Dose interruptions for adverse reactions were required in 66% of patients receiving sorafenib tablets and dose reductions were required in 64% of patients. Adverse reactions that resulted in treatment discontinuation were reported in 14% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients compared to 1.4% of patients receiving placebo. Table 8 shows the percentage of DTC patients experiencing adverse reactions at a higher rate in sorafenib tablets -treated patients than in patients receiving placebo in the double-blind phase of the DECISION study.
Grade 3 adverse reactions occurred in 53% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients compared to 23% of patients receiving placebo. Grade 4 adverse reactions occurred in 12% of sorafenib tablets-treated patients compared to 7% of patients receiving placebo. Table 8: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring at a Higher Incidence in Sorafenib Tablets -Treated Patients National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 3.0 2 Includes the following terms: abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, hepatic pain, esophageal pain, esophageal discomfort, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, abdominal tenderness, abdominal rigidity 3 Includes the following terms: stomatitis, aphthous stomatitis, mouth ulceration, mucosal inflammation 4 Includes the following terms: oral pain, oropharyngeal discomfort, glossitis, burning mouth syndrome, glossodynia 5 Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (Hand-foot skin reaction) 6 Includes the following terms: hypertension, blood pressure increased, blood pressure systolic increased The relative increase for the following laboratory abnormalities observed in sorafenib-treated patients as compared to patients receiving placebo in the DECISION study is similar to that observed in the RCC and HCC studies: lipase, amylase, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
Hypocalcemia was more frequent and more severe in patients with DTC, especially those with a history of hypoparathyroidism, compared to patients with RCC or HCC. Other laboratory test abnormalities reported in DECISION are presented in Table 9. Additional Data from Multiple Clinical Trials The following additional drug-related adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities were reported from clinical trials of sorafenib tablets (very common 10% or greater, common 1 to less than 10%, uncommon 0.1% to less than 1%, rare less than 0.1 %): Cardiovascular:Common: congestive heart failure*, myocardial ischemia and/or infarction Uncommon: hypertensive crisis* Rare: QT prolongation* Dermatologic:Very common: erythema Common: exfoliative dermatitis, acne, flushing, folliculitis, hyperkeratosis Uncommon: eczema, erythema multiforme Digestive:Very common: increased lipase, increased amylase Common: mucositis, stomatitis (including dry mouth and glossodynia), dyspepsia, dysphagia, gastrointestinal reflux Uncommon: pancreatitis, gastritis, gastrointestinal perforations*, cholecystitis, cholangitis Note that elevations in lipase are very common (41%, see below); a diagnosis of pancreatitis should not be made solely on the basis of abnormal laboratory values General Disorders:Very common: infection, hemorrhage (including gastrointestinal* and respiratory tract* and uncommon cases of cerebral hemorrhage*), asthenia, pain (including mouth, bone, and tumor pain), pyrexia, decreased appetite Common: influenza-like illness Hematologic:Very common: leukopenia, lymphopenia Common: anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia Uncommon: INR abnormal Hepatobiliary disorders:Rare: drug-induced hepatitis (including hepatic failure and death) Hypersensitivity:Uncommon: hypersensitivity reactions (including skin reactions and urticaria), anaphylactic reaction Metabolic and Nutritional:Very common: hypophosphatemia Common: transient increases in transaminases, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypothyroidism Uncommon: dehydration, transient increases in alkaline phosphatase, increased bilirubin (including jaundice), hyperthyroidism Musculoskeletal:Very common: arthralgia Common: myalgia, muscle spasms Nervous System and Psychiatric:Common: depression, dysgeusia Uncommon: tinnitus, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy* Renal and Genitourinary:Common: renal failure, proteinuria Rare: nephrotic syndrome Reproductive:Common: erectile dysfunction Uncommon: gynecomastia Respiratory:Common: rhinorrhea Uncommon: interstitial lung disease-like events (includes reports of pneumonitis, radiation pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress, interstitial pneumonia, pulmonitis and lung inflammation) In addition, the following medically significant adverse reactions were uncommon during clinical trials of sorafenib tablets: transient ischemic attack, arrhythmia, and thromboembolism.
For these adverse reactions, the causal relationship to sorafenib tablets has not been established. *adverse reactions may have a life-threatening or fatal outcome. †reported in 1.9% of patients treated with sorafenib tablets (N= 2276). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of sorafenib tablets. 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 disorders: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) Dermatologic:Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) Hypersensitivity: Angioedema Musculoskeletal: Rhabdomyolysis, osteonecrosis of the jaw Respiratory: Interstitial lung disease-like events (which may have a life-threatening or fatal outcome) Vascular: Arterial (including aortic) aneurysms, dissections, and rupture
| Adverse Reaction 1 | Sorafenib Tablets N = 297 | Placebo N = 302 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades% | Grade 3% | Grade 4% | All Grades % | Grade 3% | Grade 4% | |
| Any Adverse Reaction | 98 | 39 | 6 | 96 | 24 | 8 |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||||
| Diarrhea | 55 | 10 | < 1 | 25 | 2 | 0 |
| Anorexia | 29 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 3 | < 1 |
| Nausea | 24 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 15 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Constipation | 14 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Constitutional symptoms | ||||||
| Fatigue | 46 | 9 | 1 | 45 | 12 | 2 |
| Weight loss | 30 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Pain | ||||||
| Pain, abdomen | 31 | 9 | 0 | 26 | 5 | 1 |
| Dermatology/skin | ||||||
| Hand-foot skin reaction | 21 | 8 | 0 | 3 | < 1 | 0 |
| Rash/desquamation | 19 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Alopecia | 14 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Pruritus | 14 | < 1 | 0 | 11 | < 1 | 0 |
| Dry skin | 10 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Hepatobiliary/pancreas | ||||||
| Liver dysfunction | 11 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Laboratory Parameter 1 | Sorafenib Tablets N=297 | Placebo N=302 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades(%) | Grade 3 or 4(%) | All Grades(%) | Grade 3 or 4(%) | |
| Hypoalbuminemia | 59 | 0 | 47 | 0 |
| Elevated Lipase | 40 | 9 | 37 | 9 |
| Lymphopenia | 47 | NR | 42 | NR |
| Thrombocytopenia | 46 | 4 | 41 | < 1 |
| Elevated INR | 42 | 4 | 34 | 2 |
| Hypophosphatemia | 35 | 11 | 11 | 2 |
| Elevated Amylase | 34 | 2 | 29 | 2 |
| Hypocalcemia | 27 | 2.4 | 15 | 1 |
| Hypokalemia | 10 | < 1 | 6 | < 1 |
| Adverse Reaction | Sorafenib Tablets N = 207 | Placebo N = 209 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grades 3 and 4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grades 3 and 4 (%) | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||||
| PPES 5 | 69 | 19 | 8 | 0 |
| Alopecia | 67 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Rash | 35 | 5 | 7 | 0 |
| Pruritus | 20 | 0.5 | 11 | 0 |
| Dry skin | 13 | 0.5 | 5 | 0 |
| Erythema | 10 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Hyperkeratosis | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||||
| Diarrhea | 68 | 6 | 15 | 1 |
| Stomatitis 3 | 24 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Nausea | 21 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Abdominal pain 2 | 20 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
| Constipation | 16 | 0 | 8 | 0.5 |
| Oral pain 4 | 14 | 0.5 | 6 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 11 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Investigations | ||||
| Weight loss | 49 | 6 | 14 | 1 |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||||
| Fatigue | 41 | 5 | 20 | 1 |
| Asthenia | 12 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Pyrexia | 11 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Vascular disorders | ||||
| Hypertension 6 | 41 | 10 | 12 | 2 |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | ||||
| Decreased appetite | 30 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Nervous system disorders | ||||
| Headache | 17 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Dysgeusia | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | ||||
| Pain in extremity | 15 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Muscle spasms | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | ||||
| Dysphonia | 13 | 0.5 | 3 | 0 |
| Epistaxis | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified | ||||
| Squamous cell carcinoma of skin | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory Parameter 1 | Sorafenib Tablets N=207 | Placebo N=209 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | |
| Elevated ALT | 59 | 4 | 24 | 0 |
| Elevated AST | 54 | 2 | 15 | 0 |
| Hypocalcemia | 36 | 10 | 11 | 3 |
Warnings & Cautions for Sorafenib
- Cardiovascular Events: Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets.
- Hemorrhage: Discontinue sorafenib tablets if needed.
- Hypertension: Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks and periodically thereafter. Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation for severe or persistent hypertension despite antihypertensive therapy.
- Dermatologic Toxicities: Interrupt and/or decrease dose. Discontinue for severe or persistent reactions, or if Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis is suspected.
- Gastrointestinal Perforation: Discontinue sorafenib tablets.
- Risk of Impaired Wound Healing: Withhold sorafenib tablets for at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of sorafenib tablets after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.
- QT Prolongation: Monitor electrocardiograms and electrolytes in patients at increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Correct electrolytes. Interrupt if QTc greater than 500 msec or increases greater than 60 msec from baseline.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Monitor liver function tests regularly; discontinue for unexplained transaminase elevations.
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Sorafenib tablets may cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression (TSH) in DTC: Monitor TSH monthly and adjust thyroid replacement therapy in patients with thyroid cancer. 5.1 Cardiovascular Events In the SHARP (HCC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was 2.7% in sorafenib tablets-treated patients compared with 1.3% in those receiving placebo, and in the DECISION (DTC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was 1.9% in the sorafenib tablets -treated group compared with 0% in patients receiving placebo. Patients with unstable coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction were excluded from this study. In multiple clinical trials, congestive heart failure has been reported in 1.9% of sorafenib tablets - treated patients (N=2276). In the SHARP (HCC) study, the rates of bleeding from esophageal varices (2.4% and 4%) and of bleeding with a fatal outcome from any site (2.4% and 4%) were similar in sorafenib tablets -treated patients and those receiving placebo, respectively. In the DECISION (DTC) study, bleeding was reported in 17.4% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 9.6% of those receiving placebo; however, the incidence of Grade 3 bleeding was similar (1% and 1.4%) in sorafenib tablets -treated patients and in those receiving placebo. If any bleeding necessitates medical intervention, consider permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets. Due to the potential risk of bleeding, treat tracheal, bronchial, and esophageal infiltration with local therapy prior to administering sorafenib tablets in patients with DTC. 5.3 Hypertension In the SHARP (HCC) study, hypertension was reported in 9.4% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 4.3% of patients receiving placebo. In the DECISION (DTC) study, hypertension was reported in 40.6% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 12.4% of patients receiving placebo. Hypertension was usually mild to moderate, occurred early in the course of treatment, and was managed with standard antihypertensive therapy. Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks of sorafenib tablets. Thereafter, monitor blood pressure and treat hypertension, if required, in accordance with standard medical practice. Rash and hand-foot skin reaction are usually Grade 1 and 2 and generally appear during the first six weeks of treatment with sorafenib tablets. Management of dermatologic toxicities may include topical therapies for symptomatic relief, temporary treatment interruption and/or dose reduction of sorafenib tablets, or in severe or persistent cases, permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets. There have been reports of severe dermatologic toxicities, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These cases may be life-threatening. Discontinue sorafenib tablets if SJS or TEN are suspected. 5.5 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking sorafenib tablets. In some cases this was not associated with apparent intra-abdominal tumor. In the event of a gastrointestinal perforation, permanently discontinue sorafenib tablets. 5.6 Increased Risk of Bleeding with Concomitant Us e of Warfarin Infrequent bleeding or elevations in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) have been reported in some patients taking warfarin while on sorafenib tablets. Monitor patients taking concomitant warfarin regularly for changes in prothrombin time (PT), INR or clinical bleeding episodes. 5.7 Risk of Impaired Wound Healing Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. Therefore, sorafenib tablets has the potential to adversely affect wound healing. Sorafenib tablets in combination with gemcitabine/cisplatin are not recommended in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. The safety and effectiveness of sorafenib tablets has not been established in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. 5.9 QT Interval Prolongation Sorafenib tablets can prolong the QT/QTc interval. QT/QTc interval prolongation increases the risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Avoid sorafenib tablets in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor electrolytes and electrocardiograms in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, drugs known to prolong the QT interval, including Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics. Correct electrolyte abnormalities (magnesium, potassium, calcium). Increases in bilirubin and INR may also occur. The incidence of severe drug-induced liver injury, defined as elevated transaminase levels above 20 times the upper limit of normal or transaminase elevations with significant clinical sequelae (for example, elevated INR, ascites, fatal, or transplantation), was two of 3,357 patients (0.06%) in a global monotherapy database. Monitor liver function tests regularly. Sorafenib caused embryo-fetal toxicities in animals at maternal exposures that were significantly lower than the human exposures at the recommended dose of 400 mg twice daily. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of sorafenib tablets. In the DECISION (DTC) study, 99% of patients had a baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level less than 0.5 mU/L. Elevation of TSH level above 0.5 mU/L was observed in 41% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients as compared with 16% of those receiving placebo patients. For patients with impaired TSH suppression while receiving sorafenib tablets, the median maximal TSH was 1.6 mU/L and 25% had TSH levels greater than 4.4 mU/L. Monitor TSH levels monthly and adjust thyroid replacement medication as needed in patients with DTC.
Drug Interactions with Sorafenib
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers. 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Sorafenib Tablets Strong CYP3A4 Inducers The concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer decreased the mean AUC of sorafenib, which may decrease the antitumor activity. Avoid concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with strong CYP3A4 inducers, when possible, because these drugs can decrease the systemic exposure to sorafenib. Avoid concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with neomycin.
The effects of other antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib have not been studied. 7.2 Concomitant Use of Warfarin The concomitant use of sorafenib tablets and warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding or increased the INR. Monitor INR and for clinical bleeding episodes in patients taking warfarin while receiving sorafenib tablets. 7.3 Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval Sorafenib tablets are associated with QTc interval prolongation. Avoid coadministration of sorafenib tablets with medicinal products with a known potential to prolong QT/QTc interval. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
The pharmacokinetics of sorafenib have not been studied in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment.
Contraindications for Sorafenib
Sorafenib tablets are contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to sorafenib or any other component of sorafenib tablets. Sorafenib tablets in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel are contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer.
Overdosage Information for Sorafenib
The adverse reactions observed at a dose of 800 mg twice daily (2 times the recommended dose) were primarily diarrhea and dermatologic. No information is available on symptoms of acute overdose in animals because of the saturation of absorption in oral acute toxicity studies conducted in animals. In cases of suspected overdose, withhold sorafenib tablets and institute supportive care.
Clinical Studies of Sorafenib
14.1 Hepatocellular Carcinoma The SHARP (HCC) study (NCT00105443) was an international, multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall survival was the primary endpoint. All 602 randomized subjects were included in the ITT population for the efficacy analyses.
Liver impairment by Child-Pugh score was comparable between the sorafenib tablets and placebo arms Class A: Only one patient with Child-Pugh class C was entered. The trial was stopped for efficacy following a pre-specified second interim analysis for survival showing a statistically significant advantage for sorafenib tablets over placebo for overall survival (HR: 0.69, p= 0.00058) (see Table 10 and Figure 1). This advantage was consistent across all subsets analyzed.
Final analysis of time to tumor progression (TTP) based on data from an earlier time point (by independent radiologic review) also was significantly longer in the sorafenib tablets arm (HR: 0.58, p=0.000007) (see Table 10). Table 10: Efficacy Results from SHARP (HCC) CI=Confidence interval 1 Hazard ratio, sorafenib/placebo, stratified Cox model 2 Stratified log rank (for the interim analysis of survival, the stopping boundary one-sided alpha = 0.0077) 3 The time-to-progression (TTP) analysis, based on independent radiologic review, was based on data from an earlier time point than the survival analysis Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curve of Overall Survival in SHARP (HCC) (Intent-to-Treat Population) fig 14.3 Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma The safety and effectiveness of sorafenib tablets was evaluated in a multicenter, randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (DECISION; NCT00984282) conducted in 417 patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Randomization was stratified by age (< 60 years versus ≥ 60 years) and geographical region (North America, Europe, and Asia).
All patients were required to have actively progressing disease defined as progression within 14 months of enrollment. RAI-refractory disease was defined based on four criteria that were not mutually exclusive. All RAI treatments and diagnostic scans were to be performed under conditions of a low iodine diet and adequate TSH stimulation.
Following are the RAI-refractory criteria and the proportion of patients in the study that met each one: a target lesion with no iodine uptake on RAI scan (68%); tumors with iodine uptake and progression after RAI treatment within 16 months of enrollment (12%); tumors with iodine uptake and multiple RAI treatments with the last treatment greater than 16 months prior to enrollment, and disease progression after each of two RAI treatments administered within 16 months of each other (7%); cumulative RAI dose ≥ 600 mCi administered (34%). The major efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival (PFS) as determined by a blinded, independent radiological review using a modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v. 1.0 (RECIST). RECIST was modified by inclusion of clinical progression of bone lesions based on the need for external beam radiation (4.4% of progression events).
Additional efficacy outcomes measures included overall survival (OS), tumor response rate, and duration of response. Patients were randomized to receive sorafenib tablets 400 mg twice daily (n=207) or placebo (n=210). The median cumulative RAI activity administered prior to study entry was 400 mCi.
A statistically significant prolongation of PFS was demonstrated for sorafenib tablets -treated patients compared to those receiving placebo (Figure 3); no statistically significant difference was seen in the final overall survival (OS) analysis (Table 12). Crossover to open label sorafenib tablets occurred in 161 (77%) patients randomized to placebo after investigator-determined disease progression.
| Efficacy Parameter | Sorafenib Tablets (N=299) | P lacebo (N=303) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Survival | ||
| Number of Events | 143 | 178 |
| Median, months | 10.7 | 7.9 |
| (95% CI) | (9.4, 13.3) | (6.8, 9.1) |
| Hazard Ratio1 (95% CI) | 0.69 (0.55, 0.87) | |
| P-value (log-rank test2 ) | 0.00058 | |
| T ime to Progression 3 | ||
| Number of Events | 107 | 156 |
| Median, months | 5.5 | 2.8 |
| (95% CI) | (4.1, 6.9) | (2.7, 3.9) |
| Hazard Ratio1 (95% CI) | 0.58 (0.45, 0.74) | |
| P-value (log-rank test2 ) | 0.000007 | |
| Sorafenib Tablet s N = 207 | P lacebo N = 210 | |
|---|---|---|
| Progression-free Survival 1 | ||
| Number of Deaths or Progression | 113 (55%) | 136 (65%) |
| Median PFS in Months (95% CI) | 10.8 (9.1, 12.9) | 5.8 ( 5.3, 7.8) |
| Hazard Ratio (95% CI) | 0.59 (0.46, 0.76) | |
| P-value 2 | < 0.001 | |
| Overall Survival 3 | ||
| Number of Deaths | 103 (49.8%) | 109 (51.9%) |
| Median OS in Months (95% CI) | 42.8 (34.6, 52.6) | 39.4 (32.7, 51.4) |
| Hazard Ratio (95% CI) | 0.92 (0.71, 1.21) | |
| P-value2 | 0.570 | |
| Objective Response | ||
| Number of Objective Responders 4 | 24 (12%) | 1 (0.5%) |
| (95% CI) | (7.6%, 16.8%) | (0.01%, 2.7%) |
| Median Duration of Response in Months (95% CI) | 10.2 (7.4, 16.6) | NE |
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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