Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US) Revision Year: 2023
None.
LOQTORZI is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can affect more than one body system simultaneously. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Monitor closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. In general, if LOQTORZI requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.
Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.
Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 4% (34/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.4% (3) of the patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 12% (4/34) of the patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 71% (24/34) of these patients.
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received LOQTORZI or were reported with the use of other PD1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.
Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, pericardial effusion
Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
Ocular: Uveitis, iritis and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, dermatomyositis
Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
Hematologic/Immune: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection
LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.1% (3/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Pneumonitis resolved in 67% (⅔) of these patients.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% (22/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (1.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 82% (18/22) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 1.2% (10/851) of patients. Pneumonitis resolved in 23% (5/22) of these patients.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.
Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 0.4% (3/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Colitis resolved in all 3 patients.
LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (1/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, which was a Grade 3 (0.7%) adverse reaction. The patient with immune-mediated hepatitis required systemic corticosteroids.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 3.3% (28/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 4 (0.8%), Grade 3 (2.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 1.1% of patients and withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.8% of patients. Hepatitis resolved in 54% (15/28) of these patients.
LOQTORZI can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.5% (4/851) of the patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (0.4%) and Grade 1 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 75% (¾) of the patients with adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency led to withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients. In the one patient in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, LOQTORZI was reinitiated after symptom improvement.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effects such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Hypophysitis occurred in 0.4% (3/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. All three patients received systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients and withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients. The one patient in whom LOQTORZI was withheld reinitiated LOQTORZI.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Thyroiditis occurred in 2.1% (3/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, including Grade 2 (1.4%). Three patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Thyroiditis resolved in one of the 3 patients.
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.4% (2/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Hyperthyroidism resolved in these 2 patients.
Hypothyroidism occurred in 30% (44/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, including Grade 2 (24%) and Grade 1 (6%). Eighty percent of the 44 patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. LOQTORZI was withheld in 2.1% (3/146) of the patients. Of the 3 patients in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, 2 patients reinitiated LOQTORZI.
Thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (5/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (0.1%). Two of these 5 patients received systemic corticosteroids and 2 required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Thyroiditis resolved in 2 of the 5 patients.
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 7% (55/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (1.9%). Hyperthyroidism resolved in 85% (47/55) of the patients.
Hypothyroidism occurred in 15% (128/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (8%). Sixty three percent of the 128 patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. LOQTORZI was withheld in 0.5% of patients. Of the 4 patients in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, 3 patients reinitiated LOQTORZI.
Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.9% (8/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 4 (0.1%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (0.1%). Diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation in 0.4% of patients. Six of the 8 (75%) patients with diabetes mellitus required long-term insulin therapy.
LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.7% (1/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI. The one patient with immune-mediated nephritis (Grade 4) required systemic corticosteroids and nephritis led to discontinuation of LOQTORZI. Nephritis resolved in this patient.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.5% (4/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Nephritis resolved in 75% (¾) of these patients.
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 8% (12/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (3.4%) and Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (3/12) of the patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 2.1% (3) of patients. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 92% (11/12) of these patients.
LOQTORZI can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis.
Infusion-related reactions have been reported in 4.1% of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, including Grade 2 (0.7%) reactions.
Infusion-related reactions occurred in 2% of 851 patients receiving LOQTORZI as single agent, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.6%). LOQTORZI was withheld for one Grade 3 infusion related reaction.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. For severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue LOQTORZI [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.
Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
Based on its mechanism of action, LOQTORZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus resulting in fetal death. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
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 in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section reflect exposure to LOQTORZI at a dose of 240 mg every 3 weeks in combination with up to 6 cycles of cisplatin and gemcitabine, followed by LOQTORZI 240 mg IV every 3 weeks, in 146 patients with NPC enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (JUPITER-02). Among the 146 patients, 73% were exposed to LOQTORZI for 6 months or more and 54% were exposed for 12 months or more. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were: nausea (71%), vomiting (68%), decreased appetite (55%), constipation (39%), hypothyroidism (38%), rash (36%), pyrexia (32%), diarrhea (31%), peripheral neuropathy (30%), cough (26%), musculoskeletal pain (25%), upper respiratory infection (23%), insomnia (23%), dizziness (21%), and malaise (21%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were: decreased neutrophils (58%), decreased lymphocytes (57%), decreased hemoglobin (50%) decreased platelets (33%), decreased potassium (10%), decreased sodium (9%), increased alanine aminotransferase (6%) increased or decreased magnesium (4.2% each), decreased calcium (3.5%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.7%), and bilirubin increased (2.1%).
The data described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section also reflects exposure to LOQTORZI as a single agent at a dose of 3 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks in 851 patients enrolled in 12 trials: one randomized, active-controlled trial and 11 open-label, non-randomized trials. The tumor types included nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n=193) or other types of tumors (n=658). Among the 851 patients treated with LOQTORZI as a single agent, 35% were exposed for 6 months or more and 20% were exposed for 12 months or more. In this pooled safety population, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were: fatigue (22%), hypothyroidism (20%), and musculoskeletal pain (20%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%), were decreased sodium (9%), decreased lymphocytes (8%), decreased hemoglobin (7%), decreased fibrinogen (4.5%), increased lipase (4.0%), increased amylase (2.9%), decreased phosphate (2.8%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.6%), increased glucose (2.5%), and increased triglycerides (2.1%).
The safety of LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine was evaluated in JUPITER-02 [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Key eligibility criteria were recurrent locally advanced or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic disease. Patients with recurrent NPC after treatment with curative intent were required to have an interval of at least 6 months between the last dose of radiotherapy or chemotherapy and recurrence. Patients received LOQTORZI 240 mg (n=146) or placebo intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks (n=143), in combination with cisplatin 80 mg/m² IV every 3 weeks and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² IV days 1 and 8 for up to 6 cycles followed by LOQTORZI 240 mg or placebo IV every 3 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or completion of 2 years of treatment. Among patients who received LOQTORZI, 73% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 54% were exposed for greater than one year.
The median age of patients who received LOQTORZI was 48 years (range: 19 to 72), 83% male, 100% Asian, 60% had recurrent disease, and 40% presented with metastatic disease. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) was 0 (57%) or 1 (43%). Approximately 59% of patients had received at least one prior systemic therapy for locally advanced disease and 60% had received prior radiation therapy.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 43% of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Serious adverse drug reactions in ≥2% were thrombocytopenia (14%), neutrophil count decreased (10%), pneumonia (10%), anemia (9%), abnormal hepatic function (2.7%), and rash (2.1%). Of the patients who received LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, there were three fatal adverse reactions (2.1%) one due to epistaxis; one due to intracranial hemorrhage associated with immune-related thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy; and one due to pneumonia.
Permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI, when given in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, due to an adverse reaction occurred in 12% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in ≥1% were pneumonia (2.1%), pulmonary tuberculosis (1.4%), rash (1.4%), and vomiting (1.4%).
Dosage interruptions of LOQTORZI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 50% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in ≥2% were anemia (17%), decreased neutrophils (12%), thrombocytopenia (12%), acute kidney injury (4.1%), pneumonia (6%), fatigue (2.7%), upper respiratory infection (2.7%), and hypothyroidism (2.1%).
Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions in JUPITER-02.
Table 3. Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients with Recurrent, Locally Advanced or Metastatic NPC Who Received LOQTORZI in Combination with Cisplatin and Gemcitabine in JUPITER-02:
| Adverse Reaction* | LOQTORZI Cisplatin/Gemcitabine N = 146 | Placebo Cisplatin/Gemcitabine N = 143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Nausea | 71 | 1.4 | 84 | 2.8 |
| Vomiting | 68 | 2.1 | 66 | 2.1 |
| Constipation | 39 | 0 | 46 | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 31 | 1.4 | 23 | 0 |
| Stomatitis† | 12 | 0 | 8 | 0.7 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||
| Decreased appetite | 55 | 0.7 | 63 | 0 |
| Endocrine Disorders | ||||
| Hypothyroidism‡ | 38 | 0.7 | 17 | 0 |
| Skin Disorders | ||||
| Rash§ | 36 | 3.4 | 28 | 2.8 |
| Pruritus | 17 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| General Disorders | ||||
| Pyrexia | 32 | 1.4 | 24 | 0.7 |
| Malaise | 21 | 0.7 | 20 | 0 |
| Fatigue¶ | 19 | 0.7 | 22 | 2.1 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||
| Peripheral neuropathy# | 30 | 0 | 31 | 0.7 |
| Dizziness | 21 | 0 | 22 | 0.7 |
| Headache | 18 | 0 | 23 | 0.7 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||||
| CoughÞ | 26 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal Disorders | ||||
| Musculoskeletal painß | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0.7 |
| Infections | ||||
| Upper respiratory infectionà | 23 | 3.4 | 13 | 2.8 |
| Pneumoniaè | 18 | 11 | 7 | 3.5 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||||
| Insomnia | 23 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||||
| Epistaxis | 10 | 1.3 | 13 | 2.8 |
| Hypertensionð | 10 | 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
* NCI CTCAE v5.0.
† Includes mouth ulceration, stomatitis, and radiation stomatitis.
‡ Includes hypothyroidism, tri-iodothyronine decreased, tri-iodothyronine free decreased, and thyroiditis.
§ Includes acneiform dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, catheter-site rash, dermatitis, drug eruption, eczema, erythema, macule, maculopapular rash, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, papule, pruritic rash, rash, and urticaria.
¶ Includes asthenia and fatigue.
# Includes hypoesthesia, neuralgia, neuropathy peripheral, paresthesia, peripheral sensory neuropathy.
Þ Includes cough and productive cough.
ß Includes back pain, bone pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, neck pain, pain in extremity, pain in jaw.
à Includes acute sinusitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection.
è Includes aspiration pneumonia and pneumonia
ð Includes blood pressure increased, blood pressure systolic increased, hypertension, and hypertensive crisis.
Table 4 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in JUPITER-02.
Table 4. Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥20%) That Worsened from Baseline in Patients with Recurrent, Locally Advanced or Metastatic NPC Who Received LOQTORZI in Combination with Cisplatin and Gemcitabine in JUPITER-02:
| Laboratory Abnormalities* | LOQTORZI Cisplatin/Gemcitabine | Placebo Cisplatin/Gemcitabine | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Grades† (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grades 3 or 4 (%) | |
| Hematology | ||||
| Decreased hemoglobin | 94 | 50 | 97 | 38 |
| Decreased neutrophils | 91 | 58 | 95 | 63 |
| Decreased lymphocytes | 88 | 57 | 88 | 49 |
| Decreased platelets | 71 | 33 | 66 | 31 |
| Chemistry | ||||
| Decreased magnesium | 78 | 4.2 | 77 | 8 |
| Decreased sodium | 63 | 9 | 62 | 6 |
| Increased alanine aminotransferase | 58 | 6 | 50 | 3.5 |
| Increased aspartate aminotransferase | 58 | 2.7 | 53 | 4.9 |
| Decreased albumin | 49 | 0 | 48 | 0 |
| Decreased calcium | 45 | 3.5 | 46 | 4.2 |
| Increased lactate dehydrogenase | 42 | 0 | 35 | 0 |
| Increased calcium | 39 | 0 | 35 | 0.7 |
| Decreased potassium | 40 | 10 | 39 | 8 |
| Increased creatinine | 39 | 0.7 | 41 | 0 |
| Increased alkaline phosphatase | 27 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| Decreased glucose | 23 | 1.4 | 16 | 0 |
* Each test incidence is based on the number of patients who had both baseline and at least one on-study laboratory measurement available: LOQTORZI/chemotherapy (range: 139 to 146 patients) and placebo/chemotherapy (range: 136 to 143 patients).
† Graded per NCI CTCAE v5.0; AKP=alkaline phosphatase. ALT=alanine aminotransferase. AST=aspartate aminotransferase.
The safety of LOQTORZI was evaluated in POLARIS-02. Eligible patients had previously treated unresectable or metastatic NPC. Patients received LOQTORZI 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks as an intravenous infusion until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Among patients who received LOQTORZI, 33% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 21% were exposed for greater than one year.
The median age of patients who received LOQTORZI was 46 years (range: 22 to 71), 83% male, 100% Asian, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) of 0 (35%) or 1 (65%) and median weight 59 kg (range: 32 to 101 kg).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 24% of patients who received LOQTORZI. Serious adverse drug reactions in (≥2%) were pneumonia (4.7%), abnormal hepatic function (2.6%), and hyperbilirubinemia (2.1%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients who received LOQTORZI, including death not otherwise specified (1.6%), tumor hemorrhage (0.5%), hepatic failure and thrombocytopenia (0.5%), hyponatremia (0.5%), and sudden death (0.5%).
Permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 9% of patients. Adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in ≥1% included pneumonia (1.1%), abnormal hepatic function (1.1%), and hyperbilirubinemia (1.1%).
Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 23% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in ≥1% were pneumonia (2.1%), thrombocytopenia (2.1%), fatigue (1.6%), hyperbilirubinemia (1.6%), anemia (1.1%), decreased appetite (1.1%), abnormal hepatic function (1.1%), hypothyroidism (1.1%), and pneumonitis (1.1%).
Table 5 summarizes the adverse reactions in POLARIS-02.
Table 5. Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients with Previously Treated, Unresectable or Metastatic NPC Who Received LOQTORZI in POLARIS-02:
| Adverse Reaction* | LOQTORZI N=190 | |
|---|---|---|
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | |
| Endocrine Disorders | ||
| Hypothyroidism† | 27 | 0 |
| General Disorders | ||
| Fatigue‡ | 22 | 2.6 |
| Pyrexia | 16 | 0 |
| Respiratory Disorders | ||
| Cough§ | 20 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal Disorders | ||
| Musculoskeletal Pain¶ | 18 | 1.1 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition | ||
| Decreased Appetite | 13 | 1.1 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Constipation | 11 | 0 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Disorders | ||
| Pruritus | 11 | 0 |
| Rash# | 11 | 0 |
| Investigations | ||
| Weight Decreased | 11 | 0 |
* Toxicity was graded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) v4.03.
† Includes hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, tri-iodothyronine decreased, and triiodothyronine free decreased
‡ Includes fatigue and asthenia
§ Includes cough and productive cough.
¶ Includes musculoskeletal pain and myalgia.
# Includes dermatitis allergic, eczema, and rash.
Table 6 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in POLARIS-02.
Table 6. Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥20%) That Worsened from Baseline in Patients with Previously Treated, Unresectable or Metastatic NPC Who Received LOQTORZI in POLARIS-02:
| LOQTORZI | ||
|---|---|---|
| All Grades* (%) | Grade 3 or 4* (%) | |
| Chemistry | ||
| Decreased albumin | 38 | 0.5 |
| Decreased sodium | 35 | 11 |
| Decreased phosphate | 32 | 3.2 |
| Increased aspartate aminotransferase | 30 | 3.8 |
| Decreased calcium | 29 | 0.5 |
| Increased alkaline phosphatase | 28 | 2.2 |
| Increased triglyceride | 26 | 1.1 |
| Increased glucose | 24 | 1.1 |
| Increased alanine aminotransferase | 23 | 1.6 |
| Hematology | ||
| Decreased lymphocytes | 52 | 9 |
| Decreased hemoglobin | 43 | 6 |
* Toxicity graded per NCI CTCAE v4.03. The denominator used to calculate the rate varied from 141 to 186 based on the number of patients with a baseline value and at least one post-treatment value.
The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described below with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of LOQTORZI or of other toripalimab products.
Of the 146 evaluable patients in JUPITER-02 with nasopharyngeal cancer who received LOQTORZI 240 mg every 3 weeks for a median duration of 15.1 months, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, 3.4% tested positive for treatment-emergent ADA. Of the 190 evaluable patients in study POLARIS-02 with nasopharyngeal cancer who received LOQTORZI 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks for a median duration of 3.3 months, 3.7% of patients developed treatment-emergent ADA. Neutralizing antibodies have not been tested.
Due to the low incidence of ADA, the effect of these antibodies on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, or effectiveness of LOQTORZI is unknown.
Based on its mechanism of action, LOQTORZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. There are no available data on the use of LOQTORZI in pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus and result in fetal death (see Data). Human IgG4 immunoglobulins (IgG4) are known to cross the placenta; therefore, LOQTORZI can potentially be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise 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 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with LOQTORZI to evaluate its effect on reproduction and fetal development. A central function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is to preserve pregnancy by maintaining maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. In murine models of pregnancy, blockade of PD-L1 signaling has been shown to disrupt tolerance to the fetus and to result in an increase in fetal loss; therefore, potential risks of administering LOQTORZI during pregnancy could include increased rates of abortion or stillbirth. As reported in the literature, there were no malformations related to the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in the offspring of these animals; however, immune-mediated disorders occurred in PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout mice. Based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure to toripalimab-tpzi may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response.
There are no data on the presence of toripalimab-tpzi in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed child to toripalimab-tpzi are unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after the last dose.
LOQTORZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LOQTORZI [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after the last dose.
The safety and effectiveness of LOQTORZI have not been established in pediatric patients [see Indications and Usage (1)].
Of the 146 patients with NPC who were treated with LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine 7 (4.8%) were 65 years or older; there were no patients 75 years and older. Clinical studies of LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine did not include a sufficient number of patients aged 65 years and over with NPC to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
Of the 851 patients with tumor types including nasopharyngeal carcinoma or other types of tumors from the safety pool treated with LOQTORZI as a single agent, 171 (20%) patients were 65 years or older and 13 (1.5%) patients were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety were observed between elderly patients and younger patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Of the 190 patients with NPC treated with LOQTORZI as single agent, 10 (5%) patients were 65 years or older; there were no patients 75 years and older. Clinical studies of LOQTORZI did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over with NPC to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
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