Source: European Medicines Agency (EU) Revision Year: 2020 Publisher: Ipsen Pharma, 65 quai Georges Gorse, 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
As most events occur early in the course of treatment, the physician should evaluate the patient closely during the first eight weeks of treatment to determine if dose modifications are warranted. Events that generally have early onset include hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (PPES), proteinuria, and gastrointestinal (GI) events (abdominal pain, mucosal inflammation, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting).
In renal cell carcinoma following prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy, dose reductions and dose interruptions due to an AE occurred in 59.8% and 70%, respectively, of cabozantinib-treated patients in the pivotal clinical trial (METEOR). Two dose reductions were required in 19.3% of patients. The median time to first dose reduction was 55 days, and to first dose interruption was 38 days.
In treatment-naïve renal cell carcinoma, dose reductions and dose interruptions occurred in 46% and 73%, respectively, of cabozantinib-treated patients in the clinical trial (CABOSUN).
In hepatocellular carcinoma following prior systemic therapy, dose reductions and dose interruptions occurred in 62% and 84%, respectively, of cabozantinib-treated patients in the clinical trial (CELESTIAL). Two dose reductions were required in 33% of patients. The median time to first dose reduction was 38 days, and to first dose interruption was 28 days. Closer monitoring is advised in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
Abnormalities of liver function tests (increases in alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and bilirubin) have been frequently observed in patients treated with cabozantinib. It is recommended to perform liver function tests (ALT, AST and bilirubin) before initiation of cabozantinib treatment and to monitor closely during treatment. For patients with worsening of liver function tests considered related to cabozantinib treatment (i.e. where no alternative cause is evident), the dose modification advice in Table 1 should be followed (see section 4.2).
Cabozantinib is eliminated mainly via the hepatic route. Closer monitoring of the overall safety is recommended in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (see also sections 4.2 and 5.2). A higher relative proportion of patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) developed hepatic encephalopathy with cabozantinib treatment. Cabometyx is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) as cabozantinib has not been studied in this population and exposure might be increased in these patients.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), hepatic encephalopathy was reported more frequently in the cabozantinib than the placebo arm. Cabozantinib has been associated with diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased appetite and electrolyte abnormalities. In HCC patients with compromised livers, these non-hepatic effects may be precipitating factors for the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
Serious gastrointestinal (GI) perforations and fistulas, sometimes fatal, have been observed with cabozantinib. Patients who have inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, peritonitis, diverticulitis, or appendicitis), have tumour infiltration in the GI tract, or have complications from prior GI surgery (particularly when associated with delayed or incomplete healing) should be carefully evaluated before initiating cabozantinib therapy and subsequently they should be monitored closely for symptoms of perforations and fistulas including abscesses and sepsis. Persistent or recurring diarrhoea while on treatment may be a risk factor for the development of anal fistula. Cabozantinib should be discontinued in patients who experience a GI perforation or a fistula that cannot be adequately managed.
Diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, decreased appetite, and stomatitis/oral pain were some of the most commonly reported GI adverse reactions (see section 4.8). Prompt medical management, including supportive care with antiemetics, antidiarrhoeals, or antacids, should be instituted to prevent dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and weight loss. Dose interruption or reduction, or permanent discontinuation of cabozantinib should be considered in case of persistent or recurrent significant GI adverse reactions (see Table 1).
Events of venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism, sometimes fatal, have been observed with cabozantinib. Cabozantinib should be used with caution in patients who are at risk for, or who have a history of, these events. In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), portal vein thrombosis was observed with cabozantinib, including one fatal event. Patients with a history of portal vein invasion appeared to be at higher risk of developing portal vein thrombosis. Cabozantinib should be discontinued in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or any other clinically significant thromboembolic complication.
Severe haemorrhage, sometimes fatal, has been observed with cabozantinib. Patients who have a history of severe bleeding prior to treatment initiation should be carefully evaluated before initiating cabozantinib therapy. Cabozantinib should not be administered to patients that have or are at risk for severe haemorrhage.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), fatal haemorrhagic events were reported at a higher incidence with cabozantinib than placebo. Predisposing risk factors for severe haemorrhage in the advanced HCC population may include tumour invasion of major blood vessels and the presence of underlying liver cirrhosis resulting in oesophageal varices, portal hypertension, and thrombocytopenia. The CELESTIAL study excluded patients with concomitant anticoagulation treatment or antiplatelet agents. Subjects with untreated, or incompletely treated, varices with bleeding or high risk for bleeding were also excluded from this study.
The use of VEGF pathway inhibitors in patients with or without hypertension may promote the formation of aneurysms and/or artery dissections. Before initiating cabozantinib, this risk should be carefully considered in patients with risk factors such as hypertension or history of aneurysm.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), thrombocytopenia and decreased platelets were reported. Platelet levels should be monitored during cabozantinib treatment and the dose modified according to the severity of the thrombocytopenia (see Table 1).
Wound complications have been observed with cabozantinib. Cabozantinib treatment should be stopped at least 28 days prior to scheduled surgery, including dental surgery, if possible. The decision to resume cabozantinib therapy after surgery should be based on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing. Cabozantinib should be discontinued in patients with wound healing complications requiring medical intervention.
Hypertension has been observed with cabozantinib. Blood pressure should be well-controlled prior to initiating cabozantinib. During treatment with cabozantinib, all patients should be monitored for hypertension and treated as needed with standard anti-hypertensive therapy. In the case of persistent hypertension despite use of anti-hypertensives, the cabozantinib dose should be reduced. Cabozantinib should be discontinued if hypertension is severe and persistent despite anti-hypertensive therapy and dose reduction of cabozantinib. In case of hypertensive crisis, cabozantinib should be discontinued.
Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (PPES) has been observed with cabozantinib. When PPES is severe, interruption of treatment with cabozantinib should be considered. Cabozantinib should be restarted with a lower dose when PPES has been resolved to grade 1.
Proteinuria has been observed with cabozantinib. Urine protein should be monitored regularly during cabozantinib treatment. Cabozantinib should be discontinued in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS), also known as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), has been observed with cabozantinib. This syndrome should be considered in any patient presenting with multiple symptoms, including seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion or altered mental function. Cabozantinib treatment should be discontinued in patients with RPLS.
Cabozantinib should be used with caution in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, patients who are taking antiarrhythmics, or patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease, bradycardia, or electrolyte disturbances. When using cabozantinib, periodic monitoring with on-treatment ECGs and electrolytes (serum calcium, potassium, and magnesium) should be considered.
Cabozantinib has been associated with an increased incidence of electrolyte abnormalities (including hypo- and hyperkalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyponatremia). It is recommended to monitor biochemical parameters during cabozantinib treatment and to institute appropriate replacement therapy according to standard clinical practice if required. Cases of hepatic encephalopathy in HCC patients can be attributed to the development of electrolyte disturbances.
Dose interruption or reduction, or permanent discontinuation of cabozantinib should be considered in case of persistent or recurrent significant abnormalities (see Table 1).
Cabozantinib is a CYP3A4 substrate. Concurrent administration of cabozantinib with the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole resulted in an increase in cabozantinib plasma exposure. Caution is required when administering cabozantinib with agents that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concurrent administration of cabozantinib with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin resulted in a decrease in cabozantinib plasma exposure. Therefore, chronic administration of agents that are strong CYP3A4 inducers with cabozantinib should be avoided (see sections 4.2 and 4.5).
Cabozantinib was an inhibitor (IC50 = 7.0 μM), but not a substrate, of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transport activities in a bi-directional assay system using MDCK-MDR1 cells. Therefore, cabozantinib may have the potential to increase plasma concentrations of co-administered substrates of P-gp. Subjects should be cautioned regarding taking a P-gp substrate (e.g., fexofenadine, aliskiren, ambrisentan, dabigatran etexilate, digoxin, colchicine, maraviroc, posaconazole, ranolazine, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, talinolol, tolvaptan) while receiving cabozantinib (see section 4.5).
Administration of MRP2 inhibitors may result in increases in cabozantinib plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant use of MRP2 inhibitors (e.g. cyclosporine, efavirenz, emtricitabine) should be approached with caution (see section 4.5).
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Administration of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg daily for 27 days) to healthy volunteers decreased cabozantinib clearance (by 29%) and increased single-dose plasma cabozantinib exposure (AUC) by 38%. Therefore, co-administration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, grapefruit juice) with cabozantinib should be approached with caution.
Administration of the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin (600 mg daily for 31 days) to healthy volunteers increased cabozantinib clearance (4.3-fold) and decreased single-dose plasma cabozantinib exposure (AUC) by 77%. Chronic co-administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenobarbital or herbal preparations containing St. John’s Wort [Hypericum perforatum]) with cabozantinib should therefore be avoided.
Co-administration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole (40 mg daily for 6 days) with a single dose of 100 mg cabozantinib to healthy volunteers resulted in no clinically-significant effect on plasma cabozantinib exposure (AUC). No dose adjustment is indicated when gastric pH modifying agents (i.e., PPIs, H2 receptor antagonists, and antacids) are co-administered with cabozantinib.
In vitro data demonstrate that cabozantinib is a substrate of MRP2. Therefore, administration of MRP2 inhibitors may result in increases in cabozantinib plasma concentrations.
Bile salt-sequestering agents such as cholestyramine and cholestagel may interact with cabozantinib and may impact absorption (or reabsorption) resulting in potentially decreased exposure (see section 5.2). The clinical significance of these potential interactions is unknown.
The effect of cabozantinib on the pharmacokinetics of contraceptive steroids has not been investigated. As unchanged contraceptive effect may not be guaranteed, an additional contraceptive method, such as a barrier method, is recommended. Because of high plasma protein binding levels of cabozantinib (section 5.2) a plasma protein displacement interaction with warfarin may be possible. In case of such combination, INR values should be monitored.
Cabozantinib was an inhibitor (IC50 = 7.0 μM), but not a substrate, of P-gp transport activities in a bi-directional assay system using MDCK-MDR1 cells. Therefore, cabozantinib may have the potential to increase plasma concentrations of co-administered substrates of P-gp. Subjects should be cautioned regarding taking a P-gp substrate (e.g., fexofenadine, aliskiren, ambrisentan, dabigatran etexilate, digoxin, colchicine, maraviroc, posaconazole, ranolazine, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, talinolol, tolvaptan) while receiving cabozantinib.
Women of childbearing potential must be advised to avoid pregnancy while on cabozantinib. Female partners of male patients taking cabozantinib must also avoid pregnancy. Effective methods of contraception should be used by male and female patients and their partners during therapy, and for at least 4 months after completing therapy. Because oral contraceptives might possibly not be considered as “effective methods of contraception”, they should be used together with another method, such as a barrier method (see section 4.5).
There are no studies in pregnant women using cabozantinib. Studies in animals have shown embryo-foetal and teratogenic effects (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Cabozantinib should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with cabozantinib.
It is not known whether cabozantinib and/or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential harm to the infant, mothers should discontinue breast-feeding during treatment with cabozantinib, and for at least 4 months after completing therapy.
There are no data on human fertility. Based on non-clinical safety findings, male and female fertility may be compromised by treatment with cabozantinib (see section 5.3). Both men and women should be advised to seek advice and consider fertility preservation before treatment.
Cabozantinib has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions such as fatigue and weakness have been associated with cabozantinib. Therefore, caution should be recommended when driving or operating machines.
The most common serious adverse drug reactions in the RCC population (≥1% incidence) are diarrhoea, hypertension, dehydration, hyponatraemia, nausea, decreased appetite, embolism, fatigue, hypomagnesaemia, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (PPES).
The most frequent adverse reactions of any grade (experienced by at least 25% of patients) in the RCC population included diarrhoea, hypertension, fatigue, AST increased, ALT increased, nausea, decreased appetite, PPES, dysgeusia, platelet count decreased, stomatitis, anaemia, vomiting, weight decreased, dyspepsia, and constipation. Hypertension was observed more frequently in the treatment naïve RCC population (67%) compared to RCC patients following prior VEGF-targeted therapy (37%).
The most common serious adverse drug reactions in the HCC population (≥1% incidence) are hepatic encephalopathy, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, asthenia and diarrhoea.
The most frequent adverse reactions of any grade (experienced by at least 25% of patients) in the HCC population included diarrhoea, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, fatigue, decreased appetite hypertension and nausea.
Adverse reactions are listed in Table 2 according to MedDRA System Organ Class and frequency categories. Frequencies are based on all grades and defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 2. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in clinical trials in patients treated with cabozantinib:
Common: abscess
Very Common: anaemia
Common: thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
Uncommon: lymphopenia
Very Common: hypothyroidism
Very Common: decreased appetite, hypomagnesaemia, hypokalaemia
Common: dehydration, hypoalbuminaemia, hypophosphataemia, hyponatraemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperbilirubinemia hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia
Very Common: dysgeusia, headache, dizziness
Common: peripheral sensory neuropathy
Uncommon: convulsion
Not Known: cerebrovascular accident
Common: tinnitus
Not Known: myocardial infarction
Very Common: hypertension, haemorrhage
Common: venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis
Not Known: aneurysms and artery dissections
Very Common: dysphonia, dyspnoea, cough
Common: pulmonary embolism
Very Common: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain
Common: gastrointestinal perforation, fistula, gastroesophageal reflux disease, haemorrhoids, oral pain, dry mouth
Uncommon: pancreatitis, glossodynia
Common: hepatic encephalopathy
Uncommon: hepatitis cholestatic
Very Common: palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, rash
Common: pruritus, alopecia, dry skin, dermatitis acneiform, hair colour change
Very Common: pain in extremity
Common: muscle spasms, arthralgia
Uncommon: osteonecrosis of the jaw
Common: proteinuria
Very Common: fatigue, mucosal inflammation, asthenia, peripheral oedema
Very Common: weight decreased, serum ALT increased, AST increased
Common: blood ALP increased, GGT increased, blood creatinine increased, amylase increased, lipase increased, blood cholesterol increased, white blood cell count decreased
Uncommon: blood triglycerides increased
Uncommon: wound complications
Data for the following reactions are based on patients who received Cabometyx 60 mg qd po in the pivotal studies in RCC following prior VEGF-targeted therapy and in treatment-naïve RCC and in HCC following prior systemic therapy (section 5.1).
In the study in RCC following prior VEGF-targeted therapy (METEOR), GI perforations were reported in 0.9% (3/331) of cabozantinib-treated RCC patients. Events were Grade 2 or 3. Median time to onset was 10.0 weeks.
In the treatment-naïve RCC study (CABOSUN), GI perforations were reported in 2.6% (2/78) of cabozantinib-treated patients. Events were Grade 4 and 5.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), GI perforations were reported in 0.9% of cabozantinib-treated patients (4/467). All events were Grade 3 or 4. Median time to onset was 5.9 weeks.
Fatal perforations have occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), hepatic encephalopathy (hepatic encephalopathy, encephalopathy, hyperammonaemic encephalopathy) was reported in 5.6% of cabozantinib-treated patients (26/467); Grade 3-4 events in 2.8%, and one (0.2%) Grade 5 event. Median time to onset was 5.9 weeks. No cases of hepatic encephalopathy were reported in the RCC studies (METEOR and CABOSUN).
In the study in RCC following prior VEGF-targeted therapy (METEOR), diarrhoea was reported in 74% of cabozantinib-treated RCC patients (245/331); Grade 3-4 events in 11%. Median time to onset was 4.9 weeks.
In the treatment-naïve RCC study (CABOSUN), diarrhoea was reported in 73% of cabozantinib- treated patients (57/78);Grade 3-4 events in 10%.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), diarrhoea was reported in 54% of cabozantinib-treated patients (251/467); Grade 3-4 events in 9.9%. Median time to onset of all events was 4.1 weeks. Diarrhoea led to dose modifications, interruptions and discontinuations in 84/467 (18%), 69/467 (15%) and 5/467 (1%) of subjects, respectively.
In the study in RCC following prior VEGF-targeted therapy (METEOR), fistulas were reported in 1.2% (4/331) of cabozantinib-treated patients and included anal fistulas in 0.6% (2/331) cabozantinib-treated patients. One event was Grade 3; the remainder were Grade 2. Median time to onset was 30.3 weeks.
In the treatment-naïve RCC study (CABOSUN), no cases of fistulas were reported.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), fistulas were reported in 1.5% (7/467) of the HCC patients. Median time to onset was 14 weeks.
Fatal fistulas have occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program.
In the study in RCC following prior VEGF-targeted therapy (METEOR), the incidence of severe haemorrhagic events (Grade ≥3) was 2.1% (7/331) in cabozantinib-treated RCC patients. Median time to onset was 20.9 weeks.
In the treatment-naïve RCC study (CABOSUN), the incidence of severe haemorrhagic events (Grade ≥3) was 5.1% (4/78) in cabozantinib-treated RCC patients.
In the HCC study (CELESTIAL), the incidence of severe haemorrhagic events (Grade ≥3) was 7.3% in cabozantinib-treated patients (34/467). Median time to onset was 9.1 weeks.
Fatal haemorrhages have occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program.
No case of RPLS was reported in the METEOR or CABOSUN or CELESTIAL studies, but RPLS has been reported rarely in other clinical studies (in 2/4872 subjects; 0.04%).
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.
Not applicable.
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