ARRANON (nelarabine) Injection should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. This product is for intravenous use only.
Neurologic Events: Severe neurologic events have been reported with the use of ARRANON. These events have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis. There have also been reports of events associated with demyelination, and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Full recovery from these events has not always occurred with cessation of therapy with ARRANON. Close monitoring for neurologic events is strongly recommended, and ARRANON should be discontinued for neurologic events of NCI Common Toxicity Criteria grade 2 or greater.
DESCRIPTION
ARRANON (nelarabine) is a pro-drug of the cytotoxic deoxyguanosine analogue, 9-β-D-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G).
The chemical name for nelarabine is 2-amino-9-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-6-methoxy-9H-purine. It has the molecular formula C11H15N5O5 and a molecular weight of 297.27. Nelarabine has the following structural formula:
Nelarabine is slightly soluble to soluble in water and melts with decomposition between 209° and 217° C.
ARRANON Injection is supplied as a clear, colorless, sterile solution in glass vials. Each vial contains 250 mg of nelarabine (5 mg nelarabine per mL) and the inactive ingredient sodium chloride (4.5 mg per mL) in 50 mL Water for Injection, USP. ARRANON is intended for intravenous infusion.
Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may have been used to adjust the pH. The solution pH ranges from 5.0 to 7.0.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Nelarabine is a pro-drug of the deoxyguanosine analogue 9-β-D-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G). Nelarabine is demethylated by adenosine deaminase (ADA) to ara-G, mono-phosphorylated by deoxyguanosine kinase and deoxycytidine kinase, and subsequently converted to the active 5’-triphosphate, ara-GTP. Accumulation of ara-GTP in leukemic blasts allows for incorporation into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), leading to inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell death. Other mechanisms may contribute to the cytotoxic and systemic toxicity of nelarabine.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetic studies in adult patients with refractory leukemia or lymphoma have demonstrated that nelarabine and ara-G are rapidly eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 30 minutes and 3 hours, respectively, after a 1,500 mg/m2 nelarabine dose. No pharmacokinetic data are available in pediatric patients at the once daily 650 mg/m2 nelarabine dose. Plasma ara-G Cmax values generally occurred at the end of the nelarabine infusion and were generally higher than nelarabine Cmax values, suggesting rapid and extensive conversion of nelarabine to ara-G. Mean plasma nelarabine and ara-G Cmax values were 5.0 ± 3.0 μg/mL and 31.4 ± 5.6 μg/mL, respectively, after a 1,500 mg/m2 nelarabine dose infused over 2 hours in adult patients. Exposure to ara-G (AUC) is 37 times higher than that for nelarabine on Day 1 after nelarabine IV infusion of 1,500 mg/m2 dose (162 ± 49 μg.h/mL versus 4.4 ± 2.2 μg.h/mL, respectively). Comparable Cmax and AUC were obtained for nelarabine between Days 1 and 5 at the proposed nelarabine adult dosage of 1,500 mg/m2, indicating that the pharmacokinetics of nelarabine after multiple-dosing are predictable from single dosing. There are not enough data for ara-G to make a comparison between Day 1 and Day 5. After a nelarabine adult dosage of 1,500 mg/m2, a mean intracellular Cmax for ara-GTP appeared within 3 to 25 hours on Day 1. Exposure (AUC) to intracellular ara-GTP was 532 times higher than that for nelarabine and 14 times higher than that for ara-G (2,339 ± 2,628 μg.h/mL versus 4.4 ± 2.2 μg.h/mL and 162 ± 49 μg.h/mL, respectively). Because the intracellular levels of ara-GTP were so prolonged, its elimination half-life could not be accurately estimated.
Combined Phase 1 pharmacokinetic data at nelarabine doses of 104 to 2,900 mg/m2 indicate that the mean clearance (CL) of nelarabine is about 30% higher in pediatric patients than in adult patients (259 ± 409 L/h/m2 versus 197 ± 189 L/h/m2, respectively) (n = 66 adults, n = 22 pediatric patients) on Day 1. The apparent clearance of ara-G (CL/F) is comparable between the two groups (10.5 ± 4.5 L/h/m2 in adult patients and 11.3 ± 4.2 L/h/m2 in pediatric patients) on Day 1.
Nelarabine and ara-G are extensively distributed throughout the body. Specifically, for nelarabine, VSS values were 197 ± 216 L/m2 and 213 ± 358 L/m2 in adult and pediatric patients, respectively. For ara-G, VSS/F values were 50 ± 24 L/m2 and 33 ± 9.3 L/m2 in adult and pediatric patients, respectively.
Nelarabine and ara-G are not substantially bound to human plasma proteins (<25%) in vitro, and binding is independent of nelarabine or ara-G concentrations up to 600 μM.
Metabolism: The principal route of metabolism for nelarabine is O-demethylation by adenosine deaminase to form ara-G, which undergoes hydrolysis to form guanine. In addition, some nelarabine is hydrolyzed to form methylguanine, which is O-demethylated to form guanine. Guanine is N-deaminated to form xanthine, which is further oxidized to yield uric acid. Ring opening of uric acid followed by further oxidation results in the formation of allantoin.
Excretion: Nelarabine and ara-G are partially eliminated by the kidneys. Mean urinary excretion of nelarabine and ara-G was 6.6 ± 4.7% and 27 ± 15% of the administered dose, respectively, in 28 adult patients over the 24 hours after nelarabine infusion on Day 1. Renal clearance averaged 24 ± 23 L/h for nelarabine and 6.2 ± 5.0 L/h for ara-G in 21 adult patients.
Special Populations
Gender: Gender has no effect on nelarabine or ara-G pharmacokinetics.
Race: Most patients enrolled in Phase 1 studies were Whites. In general, nelarabine mean clearance and volume of distribution values tend to be higher in Whites (n = 63) than in Blacks (by about 10%) (n = 15). The opposite is true for ara-G; mean apparent clearance and volume of distribution values tend to be lower in Whites than in Blacks (by about 15-20%). No differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these groups.
Geriatrics: Age has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of nelarabine or ara-G. Decreased renal function, which is more common in the elderly, may reduce ara-G clearance (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use).
Pediatrics: No pharmacokinetic data are available in pediatric patients at the once daily 650 mg/m2 nelarabine dosage. Combined Phase 1 pharmacokinetic data at nelarabine doses of 104 to 2,900 mg/m2 indicate that the mean clearance (CL) of nelarabine is about 30% higher in pediatric patients than in adult patients (259 ± 409 L/h/m2 versus 197 ± 189 L/h/m2, respectively) (n = 66 adults, n = 22 pediatric patients) on Day 1. The apparent clearance of ara-G (CL/F) is comparable between the two groups (10.5 ± 4.5 L/h/m2 in adult patients and 11.3 ± 4.2 L/h/m2 in pediatric patients) on Day 1.
Nelarabine and ara-G are extensively distributed throughout the body. Specifically, for nelarabine, VSS values were 197 ± 216 L/m2 and 213 ± 358 L/m2 in adult and pediatric patients, respectively. For ara-G, VSS/F values were 50 ± 24 L/m2 and 33 ± 9.3 L/m2 in adult and pediatric patients, respectively.
Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of nelarabine and ara-G have not been specifically studied in renally impaired or hemodialyzed patients. Nelarabine is excreted by the kidney to a small extent (5 to 10% of the administered dose). Ara-G is excreted by the kidney to a greater extent (20 to 30% of the administered nelarabine dose). Patients were categorized into 3 groups: normal with CLcr >80 mL/min (n = 67), mild with CLcr = 50-80 mL/min (n = 15), and moderate with CLcr<50 mL/min (n = 3). The mean apparent clearance (CL/F) of ara-G was about 15% and 40% lower in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, respectively, than in patients with normal renal function (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). No differences in safety or effectiveness were observed.
Hepatic Impairment: The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of nelarabine has not been eva luated.
Drug Interactions
Nelarabine and ara-G did not significantly inhibit the activities of the human hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4 in vitro at concentrations of nelarabine and ara-G up to 100 μM.
Administration of fludarabine 30 mg/m2 as a 30-minute infusion 4 hours before a 1,200 mg/m2 infusion of nelarabine did not affect the pharmacokinetics of nelarabine, ara-G, or ara-GTP in 12 patients with refractory leukemia.
CLINICAL STUDIES
The safety and efficacy of ARRANON were eva luated in two open-label, single-arm, multicenter studies.
Pediatric Clinical Study
The safety and efficacy of ARRANON in pediatric patients were studied in a clinical trial conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG P9673). This study included patients 21 years of age and younger, who had relapsed or refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) or T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL). Eighty-four (84) patients, 39 of whom had received two or more prior induction regimens, were treated with 650 mg/m2/day of ARRANON administered intravenously over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days repeated every 21 days (see Table 1). Patients who experienced signs or symptoms of grade 2 or greater neurologic toxicity on therapy were to be discontinued from further therapy with ARRANON.
Table 1. Pediatric Clinical Study - Patient Allocation
Patient Population
N
Patients treated at 650 mg/m2/day x 5 days every 21 days.
84
Patients with T-ALL or T-LBL with two or more prior induction treated at 650 mg/m2/day x 5 days every 21 days.
39
Patients with T-ALL or T-LBL with one prior induction treated at 650 mg/m2/day x 5 days every 21 days.
31
The 84 patients ranged in age from 2.5-21.7 years (overall mean, 11.9 years), 52% were 3 to 12 years of age and most were male (74%) and Caucasian (62%). The majority (77%) of patients had a diagnosis of T-ALL.
Complete response (CR) in this study was defined as bone marrow blast counts ≤5%, no other evidence of disease, and full recovery of peripheral blood counts. Complete response without full hematologic recovery (CR*) was also assessed as a meaningful outcome in this heavily pretreated population. Duration of response is reported from date of response to date of relapse, and may include subsequent stem cell transplant. Efficacy results are presented in Table 2.
Table 2. Efficacy Results in Patients 21 Years of Age and Younger at Diagnosis With ≥2 Prior Inductions Treated with 650 mg/m2 of ARRANON Administered Intravenously Over 1 Hour Daily for 5 Consecutive Days Repeated Every 21 Days
N = 39
CR plus CR* % (n) [95% CI]
23% (9) [11%, 39%]
CR % (n) [95% CI]
13% (5) [4%, 27%]
CR* % (n) [95% CI]
10% (4) [3%, 24%]
Duration of CR plus CR* (range in weeks)1
3.3 to 9.3
Median overall survival (weeks) [95% CI]
13.1 [8.7, 17.4]
CR = Complete response
CR* = Complete response without hematologic recovery
1 Does not include 5 patients who were transplanted or had subsequent systemic chemotherapy (duration of response in these 5 patients was 4.7 to 42.1 weeks).
The mean number of days on therapy was 46 days (range of 7 to 129 days). Median time to CR plus CR* was 3.4 weeks (95% CI: 3.0, 3.7).
Adult Clinical Study
The safety and efficacy of ARRANON in adult patients were studied in a clinical trial conducted by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB). This study included 39 treated patients, 28 who had T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) or T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) that had relapsed following or was refractory to at least two prior induction regimens. ARRANON 1,500 mg/m2 was administered intravenously over 2 hours on days 1, 3 and 5 repeated every 21 days. Patients who experienced signs or symptoms of grade 2 or greater neurologic toxicity on therapy were to be discontinued from further therapy with ARRANON. Seventeen patients had a diagnosis of T-ALL and 11 had a diagnosis of T-LBL. For patients with ≥2 prior inductions, the age range was 16-65 years (mean 34 years) and most patients were male (82%) and Caucasian (61%). Patients with central nervous system (CNS) disease were not eligible.
Complete response (CR) in this study was defined as bone marrow blast counts ≤5%, no other evidence of disease, and full recovery of peripheral blood counts. Complete response without complete hematologic recovery (CR*) was also assessed. The results of the study for patients who had received ≥2 prior inductions are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Efficacy Results in Adult Patients With ≥2 Prior Inductions Treated with 1,500 mg/m2 of ARRANON Administered Intravenously Over 2 Hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 Repeated Every 21 Days
N = 28
CR plus CR* % (n) [95% CI]
21% (6) [8%, 41%]
CR % (n) [95% CI]
18% (5) [6%, 37%]
CR* % (n) [95% CI]
4% (1) [0%, 18%]
Duration of CR plus CR* (range in weeks)1
4 to 195+
Median overall survival (weeks) [95% CI]
20.6 weeks [10.4, 36.4]
CR = Complete response
CR* = Complete response without hematologic recovery
1 Does not include 1 patient who was transplanted (duration of response was 156+ weeks).
The mean number of days on therapy was 56 days (range of 10 to 136 days). Time to CR plus CR* ranged from 2.9 to 11.7 weeks.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ARRANON is indicated for the treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. This use is based on the induction of complete responses. Randomized trials demonstrating increased survival or other clinical benefit have not been conducted.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ARRANON is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to nelarabine or any other components of ARRANON.
WARNINGS
ARRANON should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of antineoplastic therapy.
Neurologic Events (see boxed WARNING)
ARRANON is a potent antineoplastic agent with potentially significant toxic side effects. Neurotoxicity is the dose-limiting toxicity of nelarabine. Patients undergoing therapy with ARRANON should be closely observed for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity.
Common signs and symptoms of nelarabine-related neurotoxicity include somnolence, confusion, convulsions, ataxia, paresthesias, and hypoesthesia. Severe neurologic toxicity can manifest as coma, status epilepticus, craniospinal demyelination, or ascending neuropathy similar in presentation to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Patients treated previously or concurrently with intrathecal chemotherapy or previously with craniospinal irradiation may be at increased risk for neurologic adverse events. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Pregnancy Category D
ARRANON may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no studies of ARRANON in pregnant women. When compared to controls, nelarabine administration during the period of organogenesis caused increased incidences of fetal malformations, anomalies, and variations in rabbits at doses ≥360 mg/m2/day (8-hour IV infusion; approximately ¼ the adult dose compared on a mg/m2 basis), which was the lowest dose tested. Cleft palate was seen in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m2/day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), absent pollices (digits) in rabbits given ≥1,200 mg/m2/day (approximately ¾ the adult dose), while absent gall bladder, absent accessory lung lobes, fused or extra sternebrae and delayed ossification was seen at all doses. Maternal body weight gain and fetal body weights were reduced in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m2/day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), but could not account for the increased incidence of malformations seen at this or lower administered doses. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be warned of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with ARRANON.
PRECAUTIONS
Hematologic
Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia have been associated with nelarabine therapy. Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly (see ADVERSE REACTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
General
Patients receiving ARRANON should receive intravenous hydration according to standard medical practice for the management of hyperuricemia in patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome. Consideration should be given to the use of allopurinol in patients at risk of hyperuricemia.
Administration of live vaccines to immunocompromised patients should be avoided.
Information for Patients
Since patients receiving nelarabine therapy may experience somnolence, they should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles.
Patients should be instructed to contact their physician if they experience new or worsening symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). These signs and symptoms include: tingling or numbness in fingers, hands, toes, or feet; difficulty with the fine motor coordination tasks such as buttoning clothing; unsteadiness while walking; weakness arising from a low chair; weakness in climbing stairs; increased tripping while walking over uneven surfaces.
Patients should be instructed that seizures have been known to occur in patients who receive nelarabine. If a seizure occurs, the physician administering ARRANON should be promptly informed.
Patients who develop fever or signs of infection while on therapy should notify their physician promptly.
Patients should be advised to use effective contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancy and to avoid breast feeding during treatment with ARRANON.
Drug Interactions
Nelarabine and ara-G did not significantly inhibit the activities of the human hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4 in vitro at concentrations of nelarabine and ara-G up to 100 μM.
There is in vitro evidence that pentostatin is a strong inhibitor of adenosine deaminase. This may result in a reduction in the conversion of the pro-drug nelarabine to its active moiety and consequently in a reduction in efficacy of nelarabine and/or change in adverse event profile of either drug. Administration of nelarabine in combination with adenosine deaminase inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenicity testing of nelarabine has not been done. However, nelarabine was mutagenic when tested in vitro in L5178Y/TK mouse lymphoma cells with and without metabolic activation. No studies have been conducted in animals to assess genotoxic potential or effects on fertility. The effect on human fertility is unknown.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D. (See WARNINGS.)
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether nelarabine or ara-G are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ARRANON, nursing should be discontinued in women who are receiving therapy with ARRANON.
Pediatric Use
(See CLINICAL STUDIES, Pediatric Clinical Study).
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of ARRANON did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In an exploratory analysis, increasing age, especially age 65 years and older, appeared to be associated with increased rates of neurologic adverse events.
Use in Renally Impaired Patients
Ara-G clearance decreased as renal function decreased (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Because the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr<30 mL/min), these patients should be closely monitored for toxicities when treated with ARRANON (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Use in Hepatically Impaired Patients
The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of nelarabine has not been eva luated. Because the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with severe hepatic impairment (bilirubin >3.0 mg/dL), these patients should be closely monitored for toxicities when treated with ARRANON.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
ARRANON was studied in 459 patients in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. The safety profile for the recommended dosages of ARRANON is based on data from 103 adult patients enrolled and treated in the CALGB 19801 and an adult chronic lymphocytic leukemia study (PGAA2003) who were treated with the recommended dose and schedule. The safety profile for children is based on data from 84 pediatric patients enrolled and treated in the COG P9673 study who were treated with the recommended dose and schedule.
The most common adverse events in pediatric patients, regardless of causality, were hematologic disorders (anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia). Of the non-hematologic adverse events in pediatric patients, the most frequent events reported were headache, increased transaminase levels, decreased blood potassium, decreased blood albumin, increased blood bilirubin, and vomiting.
The most common adverse events in adults, regardless of causality, were fatigue; gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation); hematologic disorders ( anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia); respiratory disorders (cough and dyspnea); nervous system disorders (somnolence and dizziness); and pyrexia.
The most common adverse events by System Organ Class, regardless of causality, including severe or life threatening events (NCI Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3 or grade 4) and fatal events (grade 5) are shown in Table 4 for pediatric patients and Table 5 for adult patients.
Table 4. Most Commonly Reported (≥5% Overall) Adverse Events Regardless of Causality in Pediatric Patients Treated with 650 mg/m2 of ARRANON Administered Intravenously Over 1 Hour Daily for 5 Consecutive Days Repeated Every 21 Days
System Organ Class
Preferred Term
Percentage of Patients: 650 mg/m2; N = 84
Toxicity Grade
Grade 3
%
Grade 4+
%
All Grades
%
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
Anemia
45
10
95
Neutropenia
17
62
94
Thrombocytopenia
27
32
88
Leukopenia
14
7
38
Hepatobiliary Disorders
Transaminases increased
4
0
12
Blood albumin decreased
5
1
10
Blood bilirubin increased
7
2
10
Metabolic/Laboratory
Blood potassium decreased
4
2
11
Blood calcium decreased
1
1
8
Blood creatinine increased
0
0
6
Blood glucose decreased
4
0
6
Blood magnesium decreased
2
0
6
Nervous System Disorders (see Table 6)
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Vomiting
0
0
10
General Disorders & Administration Site Conditions
Asthenia
1
0
6
Infections& Infestations
Infection
2
1
5
Grade 4+ = Grade 4 and Grade 5
Three (3) patients had a fatal event. Fatal events included neutropenia and pyrexia (n = 1), status epilepticus/seizure (n = 1), and fungal pneumonia (n = 1). The status epilepticus was thought to be related to treatment with ARRANON. All other fatal events were unrelated to treatment with ARRANON.
Table 5. Most Commonly Reported (≥5% Overall) Adverse Events Regardless of Causality in Adult Patients Treated with 1,500 mg/m2 of ARRANON Administered Intravenously Over 2 Hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 Repeated Every 21 Days
System Organ Class
Preferred Term
Percentage of Patients; N = 103
Toxicity Grade
Grade 3
%
Grade 4+
%
All Grades
%
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
Anemia
20
14
99
Thrombocytopenia
37
22
86
Neutropenia
14
49
81
Febrile neutropenia
9
1
12
Cardiac Disorders
Sinus tachycardia
1
0
8
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Nausea
0
0
41
Diarrhea
1
0
22
Vomiting
1
0
22
Constipation
1
0
21
Abdominal pain
1
0
9
Stomatitis
1
0
8
Abdominal distension
0
0
6
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions