2.1 Patient Selection
Select patients for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CLL with VENCLEXTA based on the presence of 17p deletions in blood specimens [see Indications and Usage (1) and Clinical Studies (14)]. Patients without 17p deletion at diagnosis should be retested at relapse because acquisition of 17p deletion can occur. Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of 17p deletions in CLL is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.
2.2 Recommended Dosage
Assess patient-specific factors for level of risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and provide prophylactic hydration and anti-hyperuricemics to patients prior to first dose of VENCLEXTA to reduce risk of TLS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Administer the VENCLEXTA dose according to a weekly ramp-up schedule over 5 weeks to the recommended daily dose of 400 mg as shown in Table 1. The 5-week ramp-up dosing schedule is designed to gradually reduce tumor burden (debulk) and decrease the risk of TLS.
Instruct patients to take VENCLEXTA tablets with a meal and water at approximately the same time each day. VENCLEXTA tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken prior to swallowing.
The Starting Pack provides the first 4 weeks of VENCLEXTA according to the ramp-up schedule. Once the ramp-up phase is completed, the 400 mg dose is achieved using 100 mg tablets supplied in bottles [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].
VENCLEXTA should be taken orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity is observed.
2.3 Risk Assessment and Prophylaxis for Tumor Lysis Syndrome
VENCLEXTA can cause rapid reduction in tumor and thus poses a risk for TLS in the initial 5-week ramp-up phase. Changes in blood chemistries consistent with TLS that require prompt management can occur as early as 6 to 8 hours following the first dose of VENCLEXTA and at each dose increase.
The risk of TLS is a continuum based on multiple factors, including tumor burden and comorbidities. Perform tumor burden assessments, including radiographic eva luation (e.g., CT scan), assess blood chemistry (potassium, uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, and creatinine) in all patients and correct pre-existing abnormalities prior to initiation of treatment with VENCLEXTA. Reduced renal function (creatinine clearance [CrCl] <80 mL/min) further increases the risk. The risk may decrease as tumor burden decreases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Table 2 below describes the recommended TLS prophylaxis and monitoring during VENCLEXTA treatment based on tumor burden determination from clinical trial data.
