The following serious adverse reactions were reported in patients with RCC, melanoma, or other cancers treated with Proleukin-based regimens (n >1800 patients) using dosages other than the recommended dosage:
- Cardiovascular disorders: transient ischemic attacks, pericarditis
- Gastrointestinal disorders: duodenal ulcer; gastrointestinal necrosis, tracheo-esophageal fistula
- Nervous system disorders: meningitis, brain edema
- Renal and urinary disorders: nephritis (allergic)
In the same clinical population, the following fatal events each occurred with a frequency of <1%: hyperthermia malignant; cardiac arrest; myocardial infarction; pulmonary embolism; cerebrovascular accident; intestinal perforation; hepatic failure or renal failure; severe depression leading to suicide; pulmonary edema; respiratory arrest; respiratory failure. Patients with ECOG PS of 1 or higher had a higher treatment-related mortality and serious adverse events.
Glucocorticoids
Avoid concomitant use of glucocorticoids. Coadministration with glucocorticoids may reduce aldesleukin antitumor effectiveness.
Radiographic Iodinated Contrast Media
Monitor for delayed adverse reactions in patients receiving iodinated contrast media following Proleukin. Administration of radiographic iodinated contrast media following administration of interleukin-2 resulted in acute, atypical adverse reactions that resemble the immediate side effects caused by Proleukin in some patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Effect on Cytochrome P-450 Substrates
For certain CYP substrates, minimal changes in the concentration may lead to serious adverse reactions. Monitor for toxicity or drug concentration changes of such CYP substrates when co-administered with Proleukin.
Aldesleukin causes release of cytokines [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] that may suppress activity of CYP enzymes, resulting in increased exposure of CYP substrates.
Risk Summary
Based on findings in an animal study and its mechanism of action, Proleukin may cause fetal harm or loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. Data on the use of Proleukin in pregnant women are limited and insufficient to assess the drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; however, development of capillary leak syndrome during pregnancy can lead to adverse fetal outcomes (see Clinical Considerations).
Intravenous administration of aldesleukin to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryo lethality at doses 27 times and maternal toxicities at doses 2.1 times the human exposure at the recommended clinical dose (see Data). Advise pregnant 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%–4% and 15–20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Capillary leak syndrome in women who are exposed to Proleukin during pregnancy may result in maternal hypotension and decreased placental perfusion. Severe or prolonged maternal hypotension and decreased placental perfusion can lead to intrauterine growth restriction, perinatal asphyxia, or fetal/neonatal demise. Monitor fetal and neonatal status in pregnant women who develop capillary leak syndrome associated with Proleukin.
Data
Animal Data
Aldesleukin has been shown to have embryolethal effects in rats when given in doses at 27 to 36 times the human dose (scaled by body weight). Significant maternal toxicities were observed in pregnant rats administered aldesleukin by IV injection at doses 2.1 to 36 times higher than the human dose during critical period of organogenesis.
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of aldesleukin in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Maternal cytokines are known to be present in human breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from Proleukin in a breastfed child, such as impaired immune function, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment.
Pregnancy Testing
Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating Proleukin [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Contraception
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Proleukin.
Distribution
Aldesleukin is rapidly distributed (distribution half-life of 13 minutes) into the extravascular space following a Proleukin intravenous infusion.
Elimination
The serum elimination half-life aldesleukin is 85 minutes in patients with cancer following a 5-minute intravenous infusion of Proleukin. The mean clearance rate of aldesleukin is 268 mL/min.
Metabolism
Aldesleukin is metabolized to amino acids in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney.
Excretion
Aldesleukin is primarily excreted in the kidney by both glomerular filtration and peritubular extraction. In the kidney it is metabolized and excreted into urine with little or no aldesleukin present.
Capillary Leak Syndrome
Advise patients about the risk of capillary leak syndrome and to inform their healthcare provider immediately if they develop new or worsening symptoms of hypotension, dyspnea, or edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Neurotoxicity
Advise the patient to inform their healthcare provider immediately if they develop mental status changes, speech difficulties, blindness, ataxia, hallucinations, agitation, or experienced a seizure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Serious Infections Including Sepsis
Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately if they develop signs of infection or sepsis including fever, chills, weakness, dyspnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Immune-mediated Adverse Reactions
Advise patients that Proleukin can cause immune-mediated adverse reactions and can exacerbate pre-existing autoimmune disease. These immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur in any organ system or tissue. Proleukin may also increase the risk of allograft rejection in transplant patients. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider for any new or worsening signs or symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Hypothyroidism, sometimes preceded by hyperthyroidism, has been reported following Proleukin treatment. Evaluate thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment and initiate thyroid replacement therapy as clinically indicated.
Hyperglycemia and/or diabetes mellitus has been reported during Proleukin therapy. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia and initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated.
Serious Manifestations of Eosinophilia
Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately if they develop serious symptoms of eosinophilia including new severe rash or dyspnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Delayed Adverse Reactions to Iodinated Contrast Media
Advise patients to inform their health care provider that they received Proleukin prior to undergoing imaging that requires iodinated contrast material [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Proleukin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
Proleukin may cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
Lactation
Advise females not to breastfeed during treatment with Proleukin [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Hypersensitivity
Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they develop signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Manufactured by:
Iovance Biotherapeutics Manufacturing LLC
Philadelphia, PA 19112
U.S. License No. 2353
At
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma
Biberach/Riss, Germany
For additional information, contact Iovance Biotherapeutics Manufacturing LLC. 1-844-845-IOVA (1-844-845-4682)
PROLEUKIN is a registered trademark.
© Iovance Biotherapeutics Manufacturing LLC.