Crizotinib

Chemical formula: C₂₁H₂₂Cl₂FN₅O  Molecular mass: 450.337 g/mol  PubChem compound: 11626560

Interactions

Crizotinib interacts in the following cases:

CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic indices

Following 28 days of crizotinib dosing at 250 mg taken twice daily in cancer patients, the oral midazolam AUCinf was 3.7-fold of those seen when midazolam was administered alone, suggesting that crizotinib is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A. Therefore, coadministration of crizotinib with CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic indices, including but not limited to alfentanil, cisapride, cyclosporine, ergot derivatives, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus should be avoided. If the combination is needed, then close clinical monitoring should be exercised.

UGT1A1 or UGT2B7 substrates

In vitro studies indicated that crizotinib is a weak inhibitor of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A1 and UGT2B7. Therefore, crizotinib may have the potential to increase plasma concentrations of coadministered medicinal products that are metabolised predominantly by UGT1A1 (e.g., raltegravir, irinotecan) or UGT2B7 (e.g., morphine, naloxone).

OCT1 or OCT2 substrates

Crizotinib is an inhibitor of OCT1 and OCT2 in vitro. Therefore, crizotinib may have the potential to increase plasma concentrations of coadministered medicinal products that are substrates of OCT1 or OCT2 (e.g., metformin, procainamide).

Risk factors for QT prolongation, medicinal products that prolong the QT interval

The benefits and potential risks of crizotinib should be considered before beginning therapy in patients with pre-existing bradycardia, who have a history of or predisposition for QTc prolongation, who are taking antiarrhythmics or other medicinal products that are known to prolong QT interval and in patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease and/or electrolyte disturbances. Crizotinib should be administered with caution in these patients and periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms (ECG), electrolytes and renal function is required.

In clinical studies, prolonged QT interval was observed with crizotinib. Therefore, the concomitant use of crizotinib with medicinal products known to prolong QT interval or medicinal products able to induce Torsades de pointes (e.g., class IA [quinidine, disopyramide] or class III [e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide], methadone, cisapride, moxifloxacine, antipsychotics, etc.) should be carefully considered. A monitoring of the QT interval should be made in case of combinations of such medicinal products.

Moderate CYP3A inducers

The effect of a moderate inducer including but not limited to efavirenz or rifabutin is not clearly established; therefore, their combination with crizotinib should be also avoided.

Substrates of pregnane X receptor (PXR)- and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-regulated enzymes

In vitro studies in human hepatocytes indicated that crizotinib may induce pregnane X receptor (PXR)- and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-regulated enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, UGT1A1). However, there was no observed induction in vivo when crizotinib was coadministered with the CYP3A probe substrate midazolam. Caution should be exercised in administering crizotinib in combination with medicinal products that are predominantly metabolised by these enzymes. Of note, the effectiveness of concomitant administration of oral contraceptives may be reduced.

Hepatic impairment

Crizotinib is extensively metabolised in the liver. Treatment with crizotinib should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

Adjustments for adult patients with ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC

Based on the National Cancer Institute (NCI) classification, no starting dose adjustment of crizotinib is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (either AST >Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) and total bilirubin ≤ULN or any AST and total bilirubin >ULN but ≤1.5 × ULN). The starting crizotinib dose for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (any AST and total bilirubin >1.5 × ULN and ≤3 × ULN) is recommended to be 200 mg twice daily. The starting crizotinib dose for patients with severe hepatic impairment (any AST and total bilirubin >3 × ULN) is recommended to be 250 mg once daily. Crizotinib dose adjustment according to Child-Pugh classification has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.

Adjustments for paediatric patients with ALK-positive ALCL or ALK-positive IMT

Adjustments for paediatric patients are based on the clinical study conducted in adult patients. No starting dose adjustment of crizotinib is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (either AST >ULN and total bilirubin ≤ULN or any AST and total bilirubin >ULN but ≤1.5 × ULN). The recommended starting dose of crizotinib in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (any AST and total bilirubin >1.5 × ULN and ≤3 × ULN) is the first dose reduction based on BSA as shown in Tables 1 and 2. The recommended starting dose of crizotinib in patients with severe hepatic impairment (any AST and total bilirubin >3 × ULN) is the second dose reduction based on BSA as shown in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1. Paediatric patients with body surface area (BSA) ≥1.34 m²: Recommended crizotinib capsules*dose reductions:

Body Surface Area
(BSA)**
First Dose Reduction Second Dose Reduction***
Dose
(Twice daily*)
Total Daily
Dose
Dose
(Twice daily*)
Total Daily Dose
1.34 – 1.69 m² 250 mg 500 mg 200 mg 400 mg
≥1.70 m² 400 mg 800 mg 250 mg 500 mg

* Refers to the crizotinib 200 mg and 250 mg hard capsules.
** For paediatric patients with BSA <1.34 m², refer to Table 2.
*** Permanently discontinue in patients who are unable to tolerate crizotinib after 2 dose reductions.

If a dose reduction is necessary for paediatric patients treated at the recommended starting dose, then the dose of crizotinib for paediatric patients with BSA <1.34 m² should be reduced as shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Paediatric patients with body surface area (BSA) of 0.38 m² to 1.33 m²: Recommended crizotinib granules* dose reductions:

Body Surface
Area (BSA)**
First Dose Reduction Second Dose Reduction***
Dose
(Twice Daily)
Total
Daily
Dose
Dose
(Twice Daily)
Total
Daily
Dose
0.38 to 0.46 m² 90 mg
(2 × 20 mg + 1 × 50 mg)
180 mg 70 mg
(1 × 20 mg + 1 × 50 mg)
140 mg
0.47 to 0.51 m² 100 mg
(2 × 50 mg)
200 mg 80 mg
(4 × 20 mg)
160 mg
0.52 to 0.61 m² 120 mg
(1 × 20 mg + 2 × 50 mg)
240 mg 90 mg
(2 × 20 mg + 1 × 50 mg)
180 mg
0.62 to 0.80 m² 150 mg
(1 × 150 mg)
300 mg 120 mg
(1 × 20 mg + 2 × 50 mg)
240 mg
0.81 to 0.97 m² 200 mg
(1 × 50 mg + 1 × 150 mg)
400 mg 150 mg
(1 × 150 mg)
300 mg
0.98 to 1.16 m² 220 mg
(1 × 20 mg + 1 × 50 mg +
1 × 150 mg)
440 mg 170 mg
(1 × 20 mg + 1 × 150 mg)
340 mg
1.17 to 1.33 m² 250 mg
(2 × 50 mg + 1 × 150 mg)
500 mg 200 mg
(1 × 50 mg + 1 × 150 mg)
400 mg

* Refers to the 20 mg, 50 mg, and 150 mg crizotinib as granules in capsules for opening.
** For paediatric patients with BSA ≥1.34 m², refer to Table 1.
*** Permanently discontinue in patients who are unable to tolerate crizotinib after 2 dose reductions.

CYP2B6 substrates

In vitro studies indicated that crizotinib is an inhibitor of CYP2B6. Therefore, crizotinib may have the potential to increase plasma concentrations of coadministered medicinal products that are metabolised by CYP2B6 (e.g., bupropion, efavirenz).

Grapefruit

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with crizotinib.

P-gp substrates

Based on an in vitro study, crizotinib is predicted to inhibit intestinal P-gp. Therefore, administration of crizotinib with medicinal products that are substrates of P-gp (e.g., digoxin, dabigatran, colchicine, pravastatin) may increase their therapeutic effect and adverse reactions. Close clinical surveillance is recommended when crizotinib is administered with these medicinal products.

Strong CYP3A inhibitors

Coadministration of crizotinib with strong CYP3A inhibitors is expected to increase crizotinib plasma concentrations. Coadministration of a single 150 mg oral dose of crizotinib in the presence of ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily), a strong CYP3A inhibitor, resulted in increases in crizotinib systemic exposure, with crizotinib area-under-the-plasma-concentration versus time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) values that were approximately 3.2-fold and 1.4-fold, respectively, those seen when crizotinib was administered alone.

Coadministration of repeated doses of crizotinib (250 mg once daily) with repeated doses of itraconazole (200 mg once daily), a strong CYP3A inhibitor, resulted in increases in crizotinib steady-state AUCtau and Cmax, that were approximately 1.6-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively, those seen when crizotinib was administered alone.

Therefore, the concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors (including but not limited to atazanavir, ritonavir, cobicistat, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, and erythromycin) should be avoided. Unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk, in which case patients should be closely monitored for crizotinib adverse events.

Moderate CYP3A inhibitors

Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) simulations predicted a 17% increase in crizotinib steady-state AUC after treatment with the moderate CYP3A inhibitors, diltiazem or verapamil. Caution is therefore recommended in case of coadministration of crizotinib with moderate CYP3A inhibitors.

Strong CYP3A inducers

Coadministration of repeated doses of crizotinib (250 mg twice daily) with repeated doses of rifampicin (600 mg once daily), a strong CYP3A4 inducer, resulted in 84% and 79% decreases in crizotinib steady-state AUCtau and Cmax, respectively, compared to when crizotinib was given alone. The concurrent use of strong CYP3A inducers, including but not limited to carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin and St. John’s wort, should be avoided.

Severe renal impairment

Adjustments for adult patients with ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC

Crizotinib plasma concentrations may be increased in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min). The crizotinib starting dose should be adjusted to 250 mg taken orally once daily in patients with severe renal impairment not requiring peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis. The dose may be increased to 200 mg twice daily based on individual safety and tolerability after at least 4 weeks of treatment.

Adjustments for paediatric patients with ALK-positive ALCL or ALK-positive IMT

Adjustments for paediatric patients are based on information in adult patients. The recommended starting dose of crizotinib in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min) not requiring dialysis is the second dose reduction based on BSA as shown in Tables 1 and 2. The dose may be increased to the first dose reduction based on BSA as shown in the table below and on individual safety and tolerability after at least 4 weeks of treatment.

Recommended crizotinib dose reductions:

Body Surface Area
(BSA)
First Dose Reduction Second Dose Reduction*
Dose
(Twice daily)
Total Daily
Dose
Dose
(Twice daily)
Total Daily Dose
0.38 to 0.46 m² 90 mg 180 mg 70 mg 140 mg
0.47 to 0.51 m² 100 mg 200 mg 80 mg 160 mg
0.52 to 0.61 m² 120 mg 240 mg 90 mg 180 mg
0.62 to 0.80 m² 150 mg300 mg 120 mg 240 mg
0.81 to 0.97 m² 200 mg 400 mg 150 mg 300 mg
0.98 to 1.16 m² 220 mg 440 mg 170 mg 340 mg
1.17 to 1.33 m² 250 mg500 mg 200 mg 400 mg
1.34 – 1.69 m² 250 mg 500 mg 200 mg 400 mg
≥1.70 m² 400 mg 800 mg 250 mg 500 mg

* Permanently discontinue in patients who are unable to tolerate crizotinib after 2 dose reductions.

Fertility

Based on non-clinical safety findings, male and female fertility may be compromised by treatment with crizotinib. Both men and women should seek advice on fertility preservation before treatment.

Bradycardic agents

Avoid using crizotinib in combination with other bradycardic agents (e.g., beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as verapamil and diltiazem, clonidine, digoxin) to the extent possible, due to the increased risk of symptomatic bradycardia.

Patients at risk for gastrointestinal perforation

Crizotinib should be used with caution in patients at risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., history of diverticulitis, metastases to the gastrointestinal tract, concomitant use of medicinal products with a recognised risk of gastrointestinal perforation).

Pregnancy

Crizotinib may cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity.

There are no data in pregnant women using crizotinib. This medicinal product should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the mother requires treatment. Pregnant women, or patients becoming pregnant while receiving crizotinib, or treated male patients as partners of pregnant women, should be apprised of the potential hazard to the foetus.

Nursing mothers

It is not known whether crizotinib and its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential harm to the infant, mothers should be advised to avoid breast-feeding while receiving crizotinib.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and fertility

Women of childbearing potential

Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving crizotinib.

Contraception in males and females

Adequate contraceptive methods should be used during therapy, and for at least 90 days after completing therapy.

Fertility

Based on non-clinical safety findings, male and female fertility may be compromised by treatment with crizotinib. Both men and women should seek advice on fertility preservation before treatment.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Crizotinib has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Caution should be exercised when driving or operating machines as patients may experience symptomatic bradycardia (e.g., syncope, dizziness, hypotension), vision disorder or fatigue while taking crizotinib.

Adverse reactions


Summary of the safety profile in adult patients with ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC

The data described below reflect exposure to crizotinib in 1669 patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who participated in 2 randomised Phase 3 studies (Studies 1007 and 1014) and in 2 single-arm studies (Studies 1001 and 1005), and in 53 patients with ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC who participated in single-arm Study 1001, for a total of 1722 patients. These patients received a starting oral dose of 250 mg taken twice daily continuously. In Study 1014, the median duration of study treatment was 47 weeks for patients in the crizotinib arm (N=171); the median duration of treatment was 23 weeks for patients who crossed over from the chemotherapy arm to receive crizotinib treatment (N=109). In Study 1007, the median duration of study treatment was 48 weeks for patients in the crizotinib arm (N=172). For ALK-positive NSCLC patients in Studies 1001 (N=154) and 1005 (N=1063), the median duration of treatment was 57 and 45 weeks, respectively. For ROS1-positive NSCLC patients in Study 1001 (N=53), the median duration of treatment was 101 weeks.

The most serious adverse reactions in 1722 patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC were hepatotoxicity, ILD/pneumonitis, neutropenia and QT interval prolongation. The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC were vision disorder, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, oedema, constipation, elevated transaminases, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness and neuropathy.

The most frequent adverse reactions (≥3%, all-causality frequency) associated with dosing interruptions were neutropenia (11%), elevated transaminases (7%), vomiting (5%) and nausea (4%). The most frequent adverse reactions (≥3%, all-causality frequency) associated with dose reductions were elevated transaminases (4%) and neutropenia (3%). All-causality adverse events associated with permanent treatment discontinuation occurred in 302 (18%) patients of which the most frequent (≥1%) were ILD (1%) and elevated transaminases (1%).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Table 9 presents adverse reactions reported in 1722 patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC who received crizotinib across 2 randomised Phase 3 studies (1007 and 1014) and 2 single-arm clinical studies (1001 and 1005).

The adverse reactions listed in Table 9 are presented by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 9. Adverse reactions reported in crizotinib clinical studies of NSCLC (N=1722):

System organ class Very common Common Uncommon
Blood and lymphatic
system disorders
Neutropaeniaa (22%)
Anaemiab (15%)
Leukopeniac (15%)
  
Metabolism and
nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite (30%) Hypophosphataemia (6%)  
Nervous system
disorders
Neuropathyd (25%)
Dysgeusia (21%)
  
Eye disorders Vision disordere (63%)   
Cardiac disorders Dizzinessf (26%)
Bradycardiag (13%)
Cardiac failureh (1%)
Electrocardiogram QT
prolonged (4%)
Syncope (3%)
 
Respiratory, thoracic
and mediastinal
disorders
 Interstitial lung diseasei (3%)  
Gastrointestinal
disorders
Vomiting (51%)
Diarrhoea (54%)
Nausea (57%)
Constipation (43%)
Abdominal painj (21%)
Oesophagitisk (2%)
Dyspepsia (8%)
Gastrointestinal
perforationl (<1%)
Hepatobiliary
disorders
Elevated
transaminasesm (32%)
Blood alkaline
phosphatase increased (7%)
Hepatic failure (<1%)
Skin and
subcutaneous tissue
disorders
Rash (13%)  Photosensitivity (<1%)
Renal and urinary
disorders
 Renal cystn (3%)
Blood creatinine
increased° (8%)
Acute renal
failure (<1%)
Renal failure (<1%)
General disorders
and administration
site conditions
Oedemap (47%)
Fatigue (30%)
  
Investigations  Blood testosterone
decreasedq (2%)
Blood creatine
phosphokinase
increased (<1%)*

Event terms that represent the same medical concept or condition were grouped together and reported as a single adverse drug reaction in Table 9. Terms actually reported in the study up to the data cutoff date and contributing to the relevant adverse drug reaction are indicated in parentheses, as listed below.
* Creatine phosphokinase was not a standard laboratory test in the crizotinib clinical trials.
a Neutropaenia (Febrile neutropaenia, Neutropaenia, Neutrophil count decreased).
b Anaemia (Anaemia, Haemoglobin decreased, Hypochromic anaemia).
c Leukopenia (Leukopenia, White blood cell count decreased).
d Neuropathy (Burning sensation, Dysaesthesia, Formication, Gait disturbance, Hyperaesthesia, Hypoaesthesia, Hypotonia, Motor dysfunction, Muscle atrophy, Muscular weakness, Neuralgia, Neuritis, Neuropathy peripheral, Neurotoxicity, Paraesthesia, Peripheral motor neuropathy, Peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy, Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Peroneal nerve palsy, Polyneuropathy, Sensory disturbance, Skin burning sensation).
e Vision disorder (Diplopia, Halo vision, Photophobia, Photopsia, Vision blurred, Visual acuity reduced, Visual brightness, Visual impairment, Visual perseveration, Vitreous floaters).
f Dizziness (Balance disorder, Dizziness, Dizziness postural, Presyncope).
g Bradycardia (Bradycardia, Heart rate decreased, Sinus bradycardia).
h Cardiac failure (Cardiac failure, Cardiac failure congestive, Ejection fraction decreased, Left ventricular failure, Pulmonary oedema). Across clinical studies (n=1722), 19 (1.1%) patients treated with crizotinib had any grade cardiac failure, 8 (0.5%) patients had Grade 3 or 4, and 3 (0.2%) patients had fatal outcome.
i Interstitial lung disease (Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Alveolitis, Interstitial lung disease, Pneumonitis).
j Abdominal pain (Abdominal discomfort, Abdominal pain, Abdominal pain lower, Abdominal pain upper, Abdominal tenderness).
k Oesophagitis (Oesophagitis, Oesophageal ulcer).
l Gastrointestinal perforation (Gastrointestinal perforation, Intestinal perforation, Large intestine perforation).
m Elevated transaminases (Alanine aminotransferase increased, Aspartate aminotransferase increased, Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Hepatic function abnormal, Liver function test abnormal, Transaminases increased).
n Renal cyst (Renal abscess, Renal cyst, Renal cyst haemorrhage, Renal cyst infection).
° Blood creatinine increased (blood creatinine increased, creatinine renal clearance decreased).
p Oedema (Face oedema, Generalised oedema, Local swelling, Localised oedema, Oedema, Oedema peripheral, Periorbital oedema).
q Blood testosterone decreased (Blood testosterone decreased, Hypogonadism, Secondary hypogonadism).

Summary of the safety profile in paediatric patients

The safety analysis population for 110 paediatric patients with all tumour types (ages 1 to <18 years), which included 41 patients with relapsed or refractory systemic ALK-positive ALCL or with unresectable, recurrent, or refractory ALK-positive IMT is based on patients who received crizotinib from 2 single-arm studies, Study 0912 (n=36) and Study 1013 (n=5). In Study 0912, patients received crizotinib at a starting dose of 100 mg/m², 130 mg/m², 165 mg/m², 215 mg/m², 280 mg/m², or 365 mg/m² twice daily. In Study 1013, crizotinib was administered at a starting dose of 250 mg twice daily. There was a total population of 25 paediatric patients with ALK-positive ALCL from 3 to <18 years of age and 16 paediatric patients with ALK-positive IMT from 2 to <18 years of age. Experience on the use of crizotinib in paediatric patients in the different subgroups (age, gender and race) is limited and does not allow for definitive conclusions to be made. The safety profiles were consistent across the subgroups of age, gender and race, although there were slight differences in adverse reactions frequencies within each subgroup. The most frequent adverse reactions (≥80%) reported in all subgroups (age, gender and race) were elevated transaminases, vomiting, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhoea and leukopenia. The most frequent serious adverse reaction (90%) was neutropenia.

The median duration of treatment for paediatric patients with all tumour types was 2.8 months. Permanent discontinuation from treatment due to an adverse event occurred in 11 (10%) patients. Dosing interruptions and dose reductions occurred in 47 (43%) and 15 (14%), respectively. The most frequent adverse reactions (>60%) were elevated transaminases, vomiting, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhoea and leukopenia. The most frequent Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥40%) was neutropenia.

The median duration of treatment for paediatric patients with ALK-positive ALCL was 5.1 months. Permanent discontinuation from treatment due to an adverse event occurred in 1 patient (4%). Eleven of 25 (44%) patients with ALK-positive ALCL permanently discontinued crizotinib treatment due to subsequently having a haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Dosing interruptions and dose reductions occurred in 17 (68%) and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. The most frequent adverse reactions (≥80%) were diarrhoea, vomiting, elevated transaminases, neutropenia, leukopenia and nausea. The most frequent Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥40%) were neutropenia, leukopenia and lymphopenia.

The median duration of treatment for paediatric patients with ALK-positive IMT was 21.8 months. Permanent discontinuation from treatment due to an adverse event occurred in 4 (25%) patients. Dosing interruptions and dose reductions occurred in 12 (75%) and 4 (25%) patients, respectively. The most frequent adverse reactions (≥80%) were neutropenia, nausea and vomiting. The most frequent Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction (≥40%) was neutropenia.

The safety profile of crizotinib in paediatric patients with ALK-positive ALCL or with ALK-positive IMT was generally consistent with that previously established in adults with ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC, with some variations in frequencies. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions of neutropenia, leukopenia and diarrhoea were reported with higher frequency (difference of ≥10%) in paediatric patients with either ALK-positive ALCL or ALK-positive IMT than in adult patients with ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC. The age, comorbidities and underlying conditions are different in these 2 populations, which could explain the differences in the frequencies.

The adverse reactions for paediatric patients of all tumour types listed in Table 10 are presented by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 10. Adverse reactions reported in paediatric patients (N=110):

 All Tumour Types
(N=110)
System organ class Very common Common
Blood and lymphatic
system disorders
Neutropeniaa (71%)
Leukopeniab (63%)
Anaemiac (52%)
Thrombocytopeniad (21%)
 
Metabolism and nutrition
disorders
Hypophosphataemia (30%)
Decreased appetite (39%)
 
Nervous system disorders Neuropathye (26%)
Dysgeusia (10%)
 
Eye disorders Vision disorderf (44%)  
Cardiac disorders Bradycardiag (14%)
Dizziness (16%)
Electrocardiogram QT
prolonged (4%)
Gastrointestinal disorders Vomiting (77%)
Diarrhoea (69%)
Nausea (71%)
Constipation (31%)
Dyspepsia (10%)
Abdominal painh (43%)
Oesophagitis (4%)
Hepatobiliary disorders Elevated transaminasesi (87%)
Blood alkaline
phosphatase increased (19%)
 
Skin and subcutaneous
tissue disorders
 Rash (3%)
Renal and urinary
disorders
Blood creatinine increased (45%)  
General disorders and
administration site
conditions
Oedemaj (20%)
Fatigue (46%)
 

Date of Data Cutoff: 03 Sep 2019.
Event terms that represent the same medical concept or condition were grouped together and reported as a single adverse drug reaction in Table 10. Terms actually reported in the study up to the data cutoff date and contributing to the relevant adverse drug reaction are indicated in parentheses, as listed below.
a Neutropenia (Febrile neutropenia, Neutropenia, Neutrophil count decreased)
b Leukopenia (Leukopenia, White blood cell count decreased)
c Anaemia (Anaemia, Anaemia macrocytic, Anaemia megaloblastic, Haemoglobin, Haemoglobin decreased, Hyperchromic anaemia, Hypochromic anaemia, Hypoplastic anaemia, Microcytic anaemia, Normochromic normocytic anaemia)
d Thrombocytopenia (Platelet count decreased, Thrombocytopenia)
e Neuropathy (Burning sensation, Gait disturbance, Muscular weakness, Paraesthesia, Peripheral motor neuropathy, Peripheral sensory neuropathy)
f Vision disorder (Photophobia, Photopsia, Vision blurred, Visual acuity reduced, Visual impairment, Vitreous floaters)
g Bradycardia (Bradycardia, Sinus bradycardia)
h Abdominal pain (Abdominal discomfort, Abdominal pain, Abdominal pain lower, Abdominal pain upper, Abdominal tenderness)
i Elevated transaminases (Alanine aminotransferase increased, Aspartate aminotransferase increased, Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased)
j Oedema (Face oedema, Localised oedema, Oedema peripheral, Periorbital oedema)

Although not all adverse reactions identified in the adult population have been observed in clinical trials of paediatric patients, the same adverse reactions for adult patients should be considered for paediatric patients. The same warnings and precautions for adult patients should also be considered for paediatric patients.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hepatotoxicity

Patients should be monitored for hepatotoxicity and managed as recommended in sections 4.2 and 4.4.

Adult patients with NSCLC

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity with fatal outcome occurred in 0.1% of 1722 adult patients with NSCLC treated with crizotinib across clinical studies. Concurrent elevations in ALT and/or AST ≥3 × ULN and total bilirubin ≥2 × ULN without significant elevations of alkaline phosphatase (≤2 × ULN) have been observed in less than 1% of patients treated with crizotinib.

Increases to Grade 3 or 4 ALT or AST elevations were observed in 187 (11%) and 95 (6%) of adult patients, respectively. Seventeen (1%) patients required permanent discontinuation from treatment associated with elevated transaminases, suggesting that these events were generally manageable by dosing modifications as defined in Table 4. In randomised Phase 3 Study 1014, increases to Grade 3 or 4 ALT or AST elevations were observed in 15% and 8% of patients receiving crizotinib versus 2% and 1% of patients receiving chemotherapy. In randomised Phase 3 Study 1007, increases to Grade 3 or 4 ALT or AST elevations were observed in 18% and 9% of patients receiving crizotinib and 5% and <1% of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Transaminase elevations generally occurred within the first 2 months of treatment. Across studies with crizotinib in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC, median time to onset of increased Grade 1 or 2 transaminases was 23 days. Median time to onset of increased Grade 3 or 4 transaminases was 43 days.

Grade 3 and 4 transaminase elevations were generally reversible upon dosing interruption. Across studies with crizotinib in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC (N=1722), dose reductions associated with transaminase elevations occurred in 76 (4%) patients. Seventeen (1%) patients required permanent discontinuation from treatment.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies of 110 paediatric patients with various tumour types treated with crizotinib, 70% and 75% of patients had increases of AST and ALT, respectively, with Grade 3 and 4 increases in 7% and 6% of patients, respectively.

Gastrointestinal effects

Supportive care should include the use of antiemetic medicinal products.

Adult patients with NSCLC

Nausea (57%), diarrhoea (54%), vomiting (51%) and constipation (43%) were the most commonly reported all-causality gastrointestinal events in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC. Most events were mild to moderate in severity. Median times to onset for nausea and vomiting were 3 days, and these events declined in frequency after 3 weeks of treatment. Median times to onset for diarrhoea and constipation were 13 and 17 days, respectively. Supportive care for diarrhoea and constipation should include the use of standard antidiarrhoeal and laxative medicinal products, respectively.

In clinical studies of adult patients with NSCLC treated with crizotinib, events of gastrointestinal perforations were reported. There were reports of fatal cases of gastrointestinal perforation during post-marketing use of crizotinib.

Paediatric patients

In clinical trials, vomiting (77%), diarrhoea (69%), nausea (71%), abdominal pain (43%) and constipation (31%) were the most frequently reported all-causality gastrointestinal events in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types treated with crizotinib. For those patients with either ALK-positive ALCL or ALK-positive IMT treated with crizotinib, vomiting (95%), diarrhoea (85%), nausea (83%), abdominal pain (54%) and constipation (34%) were the most frequently reported all-causality gastrointestinal events. Crizotinib can cause severe gastrointestinal toxicities in paediatric patients with ALCL or IMT.

QT interval prolongation

QT prolongation can result in arrhythmias and is a risk factor for sudden death. QT prolongation may clinically manifest as bradycardia, dizziness and syncope. Electrolyte disturbances, dehydration and bradycardia may further increase the risk of QTc prolongation and thus, periodic monitoring of ECG and electrolyte levels is recommended in patients with GI toxicity.

Adult patients with NSCLC

Across studies in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC, QTcF (corrected QT by the Fridericia method) ≥500 msec was recorded in 34 (2.1%) of 1619 patients with at least 1 postbaseline ECG assessment and a maximum increase from baseline in QTcF ≥60 msec was observed in 79 (5.0%) of 1585 patients with a baseline and at least 1 postbaseline ECG assessment. All-causality Grade 3 or 4 Electrocardiogram QT prolonged was reported in 27 (1.6%) out of 1722 patients.

In a single-arm ECG substudy in adult patients using blinded manual ECG measurements 11 (21%) patients had an increase from Baseline in QTcF value ≥30 to <60 msec and 1 (2%) patient had an increase from Baseline in QTcF value of ≥60 msec. No patients had a maximum QTcF ≥480 msec. The central tendency analysis indicated that the largest mean change from baseline in QTcF was 12.3 msec (95% CI 5.1-19.5 msec, least squares mean [LS] from Analysis of Variance [ANOVA]) and occurred at 6 hours post-dose on Cycle 2 Day 1. All upper limits of the 90% CI for the LS mean change from Baseline in QTcF at all Cycle 2 Day 1 time points were <20 msec.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies with crizotinib in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types, electrocardiogram QT prolonged was reported in 4% of patients.

Bradycardia

The use of concomitant medicinal products associated with bradycardia should be carefully evaluated. Patients who develop symptomatic bradycardia should be managed as recommended in the Dose Modification and Warnings and Precautions sections.

Adult patients with NSCLC

In studies with crizotinib in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC, all causality bradycardia was experienced by 219 (13%) of 1722 patients treated with crizotinib. Most events were mild in severity. A total of 259 (16%) of 1666 patients with at least 1 postbaseline vital sign assessment had a pulse rate <50 bpm.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies with crizotinib in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types, all-causality bradycardia was reported in 14% of patients, including Grade 3 bradycardia in 1% of patients.

Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis

Patients with pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis should be monitored. Other potential causes of ILD/pneumonitis should be excluded.

Adult patients with NSCLC

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal ILD/pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with crizotinib. Across studies in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC (N=1722), 50 (3%) patients treated with crizotinib had any grade all-causality ILD, including 18 (1%) patients with Grade 3 or 4, and 8 (<1%) patients with fatal cases. According to an independent review committee (IRC) assessment of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC (N=1669), 20 (1.2%) patients had ILD/pneumonitis, including 10 (<1%) patients with fatal cases. These cases generally occurred within 3 months after the initiation of treatment.

Paediatric patients

ILD/pneumonitis was reported in clinical studies with crizotinib in paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types in 1 patient (1%), which was Grade 1 pneumonitis.

Visual effects

Ophthalmological evaluation is recommended if vision disorder persists or worsens in severity. Baseline and follow-up ophthalmologic examinations should be obtained for paediatric patients.

Adult patients with NSCLC

In clinical studies with crizotinib in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC (N=1722), Grade 4 visual field defect with vision loss has been reported in 4 (0.2%) patients. Optic atrophy and optic nerve disorder have been reported as potential causes of vision loss.

All-causality, all grade, vision disorder, most commonly visual impairment, photopsia, vision blurred and vitreous floaters, was experienced by 1084 (63%) of 1722 adult patients treated with crizotinib. Of the 1084 patients who experienced vision disorder, 95% had events that were mild in severity. Seven (0.4%) patients had temporary treatment discontinuation and 2 (0.1%) patients had a dose reduction associated with vision disorder. There were no permanent discontinuations associated with vision disorder for any of the 1722 patients treated with crizotinib.

Based on the Visual Symptom Assessment Questionnaire (VSAQ-ALK), adult patients treated with crizotinib in Study 1007 and Study 1014 reported a higher incidence of visual disturbances compared to patients treated with chemotherapy. The onset of vision disorders generally started within the first week of medicinal product administration. The majority of patients on the crizotinib arm in randomised Phase 3 Studies 1007 and 1014 (>50%) reported visual disturbances, which occurred at a frequency of 4 to 7 days each week, lasted up to 1 minute and had mild or no impact (scores 0 to 3 out of a maximum score of 10) on daily activities as captured by the VSAQ-ALK questionnaire.

An ophthalmology substudy using specific ophthalmic assessments at specified time points was conducted in 54 adult patients with NSCLC who received crizotinib 250 mg twice daily. Thirty-eight (70.4%) of the 54 patients experienced an Eye Disorders System Organ Class treatment-emergent all-causality adverse event of which 30 patients had ophthalmic examinations. Of the 30 patients, an ophthalmic abnormality of any type was reported in 14 (36.8%) patients and no ophthalmic finding was seen in 16 (42.1%) patients. The most common findings concerned slit lamp biomicroscopy (21.1%), fundoscopy (15.8%) and visual acuity (13.2%). Pre-existing ophthalmic abnormalities and concomitant medical conditions which could be contributory to ocular findings were noted in many patients, and no conclusive causal relationship to crizotinib could be determined. There were no findings related to aqueous cell count and anterior chamber aqueous flare assessment. No visual disturbances associated with crizotinib appeared to be related to changes in best corrected visual acuity, the vitreous, the retina or the optic nerve.

In adult patients with new onset of Grade 4 visual loss, crizotinib treatment should be discontinued and ophthalmological evaluation should be performed.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies with crizotinib in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types, vision disorder has been reported in 48 (44%) patients. The most common visual symptoms were blurred vision (20%) and visual impairment (11%).

In clinical studies with crizotinib, 41 patients with ALK-positive ALCL or ALK-positive IMT, vision disorder has been reported in 25 (61%) patients. Of these paediatric patients who experienced visual disorders, one patient with IMT experienced Grade 3 myopic optic nerve disorder, which was present as Grade 1 at baseline. The most common visual symptoms were blurred vision (24%), visual impairment (20%), photopsia (17%) and vitreous floaters (15%). All were Grade 1 or 2.

Nervous system effects

Adult patients with NSCLC

All-causality neuropathy, as defined in Table 9, was experienced by 435 (25%) out of 1722 adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC treated with crizotinib. Dysgeusia was also very commonly reported in these studies and was primarily Grade 1 in severity.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies with crizotinib in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types, neuropathy and dysgeusia were reported in 26% and 9% of patients, respectively.

Renal cyst

Periodic monitoring with imaging and urinalysis should be considered in patients who develop renal cysts.

Adult patients with NSCLC

All-causality complex renal cysts were experienced by 52 (3%) of 1722 adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC treated with crizotinib. Local cystic invasion beyond the kidney was observed in some patients.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies with crizotinib in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types, renal cyst was not reported.

Neutropenia and leukopenia

Complete blood counts including differential white blood cell counts should be monitored as clinically indicated, with more frequent repeat testing if Grade 3 or 4 abnormalities are observed, or if fever or infection occurs.

Adult patients with NSCLC

Across studies in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC (N=1722), Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in 212 (12%) patients treated with crizotinib. Median time to onset of any grade neutropenia was 89 days. Neutropenia was associated with dose reduction or permanent treatment discontinuation for 3% and <1% of patients, respectively. Less than 0.5% of patients experienced febrile neutropenia in clinical studies with crizotinib.

Across studies in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC (N=1722), Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia was observed in 48 (3%) patients treated with crizotinib. Median time to onset of any grade leukopenia was 85 days. Leukopenia was associated with a dose reduction for <0.5% of patients, and no patients permanently discontinued crizotinib treatment associated with leukopenia.

In clinical studies of crizotinib in adult patients with either ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC, shifts to Grade 3 or 4 decreases in leukocytes and neutrophils were observed at frequencies of 4% and 13%, respectively.

Paediatric patients

In clinical studies with crizotinib in 110 paediatric patients with a variety of tumour types, neutropenia was reported in 71% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia observed in 58 patients (53%). Febrile neutropenia was experienced by 4 patients (3.6%). Leukopenia was reported in 63% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia observed in 18 patients (16%).

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