通用中文 | 阿地白介素2 | 通用外文 | Aldesleukin |
品牌中文 | 普留凈 | 品牌外文 | Proleukin |
其他名称 | 阿地白介素 阿地流律,白介-2 普诺肯 普留凈 | ||
公司 | 诺华(Novartis) | 产地 | 瑞士(Switzerland) |
含量 | 18 MU | 包装 | 1支/盒 |
剂型给药 | 注射用冻干粉针剂 | 储存 | 2度-8度(冰箱冷藏,禁止冷冻) |
适用范围 | 肾细胞癌(肾癌)、恶性黑素瘤、结肠癌、 非霍奇金淋巴瘤 |
通用中文 | 阿地白介素2 |
通用外文 | Aldesleukin |
品牌中文 | 普留凈 |
品牌外文 | Proleukin |
其他名称 | 阿地白介素 阿地流律,白介-2 普诺肯 普留凈 |
公司 | 诺华(Novartis) |
产地 | 瑞士(Switzerland) |
含量 | 18 MU |
包装 | 1支/盒 |
剂型给药 | 注射用冻干粉针剂 |
储存 | 2度-8度(冰箱冷藏,禁止冷冻) |
适用范围 | 肾细胞癌(肾癌)、恶性黑素瘤、结肠癌、 非霍奇金淋巴瘤 |
中文药名:白细胞介素2(阿地白介素 阿地流律,白介-2 普诺肯)
英文药名:Interleukin 2(T-Cell Growth,Factor,IL-2,Aldesleukin,Proleukin)
性状:IL-2靠与IL-2受体特异结合而产生作用。
阿地白介素主要成份为重组人白细胞介素,为多肽类免疫增强剂。能够诱导干扰素和多种细胞因子的分泌。临床用于肿瘤辅助治疗和癌性胸、腹水的治疗。
中文药名:白细胞介素2(阿地白介素 阿地流律,白介-2 普诺肯)
英文药名:Interleukin 2(T-Cell Growth,Factor,IL-2,Aldesleukin,Proleukin)
药品介绍
药品英文名
RecombinantHuman Interleukin-2
药品别名
白细胞介素-2、白介素-2、阿地白介素、Aldesleukin、IL-2、Inleusin、Proleukin、Interleukin-2、TCGF
药物剂型
注射用冻干粉针剂
美国产:每瓶含22百万单位(MU),供一次静注使用。
英国产:每毫克含18MU。
药理作用
阿地白介素(IL-2)的主要生理作用是刺激和维持T细胞的分化增殖。IL-2有关肿瘤的生物学活性包括:
1.刺激自然杀伤(NK)细胞的增殖和活化,并增强其活性。
2.诱导细胞毒性淋巴细胞,增强其溶细胞活性。
3.诱导淋巴因子活化杀伤(LAK)细胞。LAK细胞具有广谱的抗肿瘤活性,可以溶解多种肿瘤细胞。IL-2不仅是产生LAK细胞的必需淋巴因子,而且在它的存在下还能维持LAK细胞的增殖和长期生长,因此,在临床抗肿瘤治疗时往往把IL-2和LAK细胞同时给予,这就是恶性肿瘤的过继免疫性治疗(adoptiveimmunetherapy,AIT)。
4.刺激肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞(TIL)的增生并增强其活性。动物实验证明,TIL较LAK细胞的抗肿瘤活性高50~100倍。
5.不仅能促进T细胞增殖,且对细胞有促增殖和促分化作用。在肿瘤治疗的动物模型中已证明,当T细胞中介抗瘤反应强烈时,很低量的IL-2已足以激化抗瘤作用;但当T细胞中介的抗瘤反应很弱时,则需要很高剂量的IL-2。低剂量可以显著地刺激T细胞,而激活NK及LAK细胞则要求很大剂量。因IL-2不能直接抗癌,用药目的是最大限度地兴奋免疫机制,以加强抗癌作用。以前常用的IL-2和LAK细胞联合应用治疗恶性肿瘤,现已不再推荐,而代之以IL-2与肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞(TIL)联合疗法(过继疗法adoptive therapy)。
6.rhIL-11为177个氨基酸组成的活性蛋白质。其编码基因位于19号染色体长臂13区。作用于巨核细胞系较晚期阶段的巨核细胞水平,促进巨核细胞的增殖及成熟,并促进血小板的产生。IL-11虽无巨核细胞集落刺激因子(Meg-CSF)的活性,但有巨核细胞增殖因子的活性,与GM-CSF及IL-3协同作用,可使CFU-MegDNA量增多。
药动学
IL-2在体内的药动学符合二室模型。其血浆分布时相半衰期为6~13min,β清除时相半衰期为30~120min。肌内注射IL-2的生物可利用率为37%(15%~64%)。IL-2的总体清除率为每分钟120ml,肾脏是主要的清除途径。猕猴药动学参数(100μg/kg体重,皮下注射):AUC:每小时286±50ng/ml;Cmax:60±50ng/ml;tmax:1.3±0.5h,Cy1/2:12±2h
适应证
1.肾细胞癌(肾癌)、恶性黑素瘤、结肠癌等。
2.与LAK、手术、放疗、化疗相结合用于小脑星形细胞瘤、舌癌、喉癌、鼻咽癌、原发性肝癌(肝癌)、肺癌和胃癌手术转移的患者。
3.癌性胸腹水。对肾细胞癌(肾癌)、恶性黑素瘤、结肠癌等有效。与LAK、手术、放疗、化疗相结合用于小脑星形细胞瘤、舌癌、喉癌、鼻咽癌、原发性肝癌(肝癌)、肺癌和胃癌手术转移的患者,也用于癌性胸腹水。因癌症患者IL-2的产生能力低下,注入IL-2可激活体内免疫活性细胞而产生抗癌作用,且给IL-2的途径不同所产生的抗癌效果也不同。迄今临床应用表明,对于中、晚期恶性肿瘤患者,经常规手术、化疗、放疗无效或目前缺乏有效疗法者,采用IL-2和LAK治疗,可获一定客观疗效。4.IL-2在皮肤科用于治疗恶性黑素瘤、皮肤T细胞淋巴瘤(CTCL)、获得性免疫缺陷综合征(艾滋病)等。
5.用于预防或治疗化疗引起的血小板减少症。可与G-CSF合并使用。在骨髓造血干细胞移植时使用可减少血小板输注次数,缩短外周血血小板恢复时间。
禁忌证
1.癫痫患者。
2.严重低血压者。
3.心、肾功能不全者。
4.高热者。
5.对本品过敏者、孕妇、哺乳者禁用。
注意事项
1.高敏体质及心、肺、肾疾病患者慎用。
2.中枢神经系统疾病患者慎用或避免使用。
3.在4℃储存。
4.IL-2能加重Th1型细胞因子占优势的疾病如银屑病等。应避免应用于这类患者。
5.应在化疗停止后至少24h后开始使用。
6.使用过程中应定期检测血象。
7.应在医师观察下使用,注意处理少见不良反应。
8.禁用于既往对大肠杆菌表达的其他生物制剂有过敏史的患者。
9.制剂应保存于2~8℃。
不良反应
1.IL-2的不良反应通常与剂量、用药间隔、输注速度和疗程长短有关。减少剂量可望降低其不良反应发生率。局部或静脉外途径用药的不良反应多为轻至中度。
2.大剂量IL-2相关的剂量限制性不良反应最常为低血压、水肿和肾功异常。低血压系血流动力学改变所致,若平均动脉压下降20.25~40mmHg(2.7~4.0kPa),则需扩容治疗,只有少数患者需用升压药物。水肿原因与毛细血管渗漏综合征有关。肾脏损害表现为氮质潴留、血肌酐升高。IL-2对肾细胞癌患者的肾毒性并不比其他肿瘤明显。
3.IL-2最常见的一般不良反应包括畏寒、发热、乏力、厌食、恶心、呕吐、腹泻、皮疹等。预防性给予对乙酰氨基酚或非类固醇类抗炎药可减少发热的发生率和减轻症状。皮疹可用抗组胺治疗。
4.IL-2加用LAK细胞时,并不增加单用IL-2所伴随的治疗相关毒性。静脉注射LAK细胞可引起寒战、发热,静脉注射哌替啶(一次25~50mg)可奏效。一般不主张使用皮质激素,因其可影响LAK细胞的活性。上述不良反应,患者多能耐受,且均为暂时性和可逆的,停止治疗后可很快消失。
5.大剂量可引起低血压、水肿和肾功异常。一般为暂时性和可逆的。停药后可恢复正常。严重低血压可用扩容和升压药物。
6.IL-2最常见的一般不良反应包括畏寒、发热、乏力、厌食、恶心、呕吐、腹泻、皮疹等。可对症处理。
7.在每天50μg/kg的剂量下,少数患者可出现可逆性贫血、关节肌肉疼痛、疲乏、恶心、头痛和水肿,均可为逆性。
8.未观察到血小板过度增加而引起体内血栓形成现象。
9.国外报道的少见但较严重的不良反应还有:肺水肿及心功能衰竭、心律失常、晕厥、结膜充血等。
用法用量
1.IL-2的用法:IL-2用量按临床需要,在有经验医师指导下使用。
(1)皮下注射:IL-2,20万~40万U/m2加入无菌注射用水2ml溶解,每天1次,每周连用4天,4周为1个疗程。
(2)静脉滴注:IL-2,20万~40万U/m2,加入生理盐水500ml,静脉滴注2~3h,每天1次,每周连用4天,连用4周为1个疗程。
(3)腔内灌注:先尽量抽去腔内积液或插管引流,再将IL-240万~50万U/m2加入生理盐水20ml注入,每周1~2次,每3~4周为1个疗程,如疗程中积液消失,宜中止治疗。
(4)瘤内或瘤周注射:IL-2,10万~30万U,加入生理盐水3~5ml,分多点注射到瘤内或瘤体周围,每周2次或2次以上,连用2周为1个疗程。2.IL-2 LAK细胞的用法:IL-2的剂量及用法与上述IL-2的静脉或皮下给药途径相同。在接受了IL-2静脉或皮下注射共2天,静脉抽血制备自体LAK并回输给患者,全疗程回输LAK细胞平均数为1.2×109;通过血细胞分离器分离血淋巴细胞制备的自体LAK,全疗程LAK细胞回输的平均数为5.4×109;个别病例接受异体LAK细胞回输,全疗程LAK细胞回输平均数为6.1×109。3.每天25~50μg/kg,用1ml注射用水溶解,皮下注射,连用7~14天。用药期间检测外周血血小板数,血小板恢复至100×109/L以上时应停药。
药物相应作用
1.在加有本药的5%葡萄糖溶液中再加入2%浓度的白蛋白,则能保持本药的活性,并降低其毒性。
2.本药与吲哚美辛(即消炎痛)同用,可导致更严重的体重增加、少尿和氮质血症。
3.皮质激素类药物可缓解本药引起的发热、呼吸困难、皮肤瘙痒、精神错乱等症状。
4.皮质激素可降低本品的抗癌活性,应避免合用。
专家点评
目前IL-2多与肿瘤浸润性淋巴细胞(TIL)联合应用于肿瘤的治疗,对其有效性尚有争论。文献报道对恶性黑素瘤的有效率为3%~50%(平均15%)。对CTCL有效,部分患者可达到完全缓解。应用IL-2可明显提高患者细胞免疫功能,改善其生活质量和预后。临床初步观察,重组人白介素-11对化疗后血小板≤50×10^9/L的患者可促进骨髓血小板的生成,缩短外周血血小板恢复时间。常规剂量下不良反应轻。国内文献综述了白细胞介素-Ⅱ的生物学活性及临床应用,其中临床应用包括在肿瘤免疫治疗中的作用;治疗病毒性疾病,主要广泛用于治疗获得性免疫缺陷综合征(AIDS),其次是疱疹病毒、乙肝病毒及其他病毒感染;治疗细菌感染性疾病,主要是利用本品活化的LAK细胞有直接的杀菌作用等。国外报道,全身大剂量治疗癌症的方法会导致许多毒副作用,由于本品主要是通过低亲和力受体激活非特异性淋巴因子激活的杀伤细胞(LAK)的活性,并不能提高机体的免疫力。研究观察到小鼠体内占体重6%的肿瘤,通过局部应用小剂量IL-2而消除。这种疗法对鼠的不同类型肿瘤、豚鼠肝细胞癌、牛的乳头状癌等均有效。应用IL-2的目的是通过激活已经存在的但很弱的特异性免疫反应来提高整个机体的免疫力。以对恶性胸、腹腔积液疗效为最好;实体瘤中以膀胱癌、脑胶质瘤、宫颈癌为好。主要不良反应为一过性发热、恶心、呕吐和寒战,患者可耐受。
以下患者慎用:老年人,肾或肝功能不良者,毛细血管渗漏综合征者,严重贫血、白细胞或血小板减少者。
白介素2 的作用介绍(IL-2)
1. IL-2对T细胞的作用
IL-2是T细胞生长因子,能使T细胞在试管内长期存活,刺激T细胞进入细胞分裂周期。IL-2能增强T细胞的杀伤活性,在体外它与IL-4、IL-5和IL-6一起共同诱导细胞毒性T细胞(Tc)的产生,并使其活性大大增强,延长其生长期;在体内IL-2也能增强抗原诱导的TC活性,甚至可以辅助抗原和半抗原直接在祼鼠体内诱导产生TC¬。
由IL-2诱导产生的TC输入体内后可产生明显抗肿瘤作用,但TC在体内不易存活,如同时再输入少量IL-2,则可明显延长Tc在体内的存活时间,并增强其抗肿瘤效果。
IL-2并可诱导T细胞分泌IFN-γ, TNF, CSF等细胞因子。
2.IL-2对NK细胞的作用
IL-2可促进NK细胞的增殖,维持NK细胞长期生长。肿瘤病人经IL-2治疗后,血中NK细胞数量明显增加。IL-2在体内、外都能增强NK细胞活性。在体外,IL-2于短时间内就可使NK细胞活性增强。肿瘤病人经IL-2治疗后NK细胞活性变明显增强,且有累积效应,即随着IL-2剂量的增加和疗程的延长,NK细胞活性亦因之不断增强,IL-2并能矫正NK细胞活性低下状态,使之恢复正常或超过正常。白血病病人外周血单核细胞(PBMC,其中10%是NK细胞),经IL-2培养后具明显的细胞毒作用,以此输回给病人治疗白血病。IL-2还能促进NK细胞分泌IFN-γ,增加其表达IL-2R+亚基等。
3.IL-2对LAK、TIL细胞的作用 IL-2可促进LAK,
TIL细胞的体外存活、扩增及活化LAM(即淋巴因子激活的杀伤细胞lymphokine activated killer
cells)。LAK是淋巴细胞与IL-2接触后产生的一种具有高效抗肿瘤效应的杀伤细胞,只有在IL-2的存在下LAK才能产生,亦只有在IL-2存在下,LAK才能发挥其效果。实验证明,淋巴细胞经IL-2培育后所得LAK细胞的活力,比不加IL-2培育的强100~1000倍,而且LAK只识别肿瘤抗原,对宿主正常细胞没有影响。LAK与IL-2合用,对原发性及转移性肿瘤,均有明显抗肿瘤作用。
LAK与IL-2合用治疗肿瘤虽取得了临床效果,但在制备LAK时须抽取病大量周围血单个核细胞,须多次回输并伴用大剂量IL-2,价格昂贵且毒副作用大,于是人们极力寻找一种抗肿瘤效果好、毒副作用小的方法于1986年从实体瘤组织中分离到肿瘤浸润性淋巴细胞(tumor infiltrating lymphocytes,TIL ),在体外经IL-2激活可大量扩增,并对肿瘤细胞具高度杀伤作用,其体外杀伤肿瘤的效果比LAK强50~100倍,并仅须伴用少量IL-2就可发挥明显抗肿瘤效果,毒副作用小。
4.IL-2对B细胞的作用
IL-2可促进B细胞表达IL-2R,促使B胞增殖和产生免疫球蛋白,并刺激巨噬细胞,提高其吞噬能力。近年发现,重组IL-2可刺激某些中枢神经细胞的生长和成熟,并作用于吗啡肽受体,产生镇痛作用。有关白细胞介素一2(IL-2 )的调节免疫作用。
5.IL-2对肿瘤细胞的作用 IL-2的抗肿瘤作用除与LAK, TIL有关外,还与其诱导NO的产生有关。实验发现对LAK无效的Meth A小鼠皮肤癌,用IL-2治疗可见存活期延长,且小鼠尿中NO2¬¬¬-含量较对照组高8倍;如同时应用NO诱导抑制剂L-NMMA,使尿中NO含量下降60%,同时使IL-2组的存活期大大缩短,提示IL-2诱导NO合成,是其抗肿瘤作用机制之一
Proleukin®
(aldesleukin)
for injection,
for intravenous infusion
22 million
International Units/Vial
(1.3 mg/vial)
Single-Use Vial
Discard Unused Portion
For Intravenous Use Only
Refrigerate
Rx only
Proleukin
Generic Name: aldesleukin
Dosage Form: injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
Medically reviewed on December 1, 2017
Proleukin® (aldesleukin)
for injection, for intravenous infusion
Rx Only
WARNINGS
Therapy with Proleukin® (aldesleukin) should be restricted to patients with normal cardiac and pulmonary functions as defined by thallium stress testing and formal pulmonary function testing. Extreme caution should be used in patients with a normal thallium stress test and a normal pulmonary function test who have a history of cardiac or pulmonary disease.
Proleukin should be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer agents. An intensive care facility and specialists skilled in cardiopulmonary or intensive care medicine must be available.
Proleukin administration has been associated with capillary leak syndrome (CLS) which is characterized by a loss of vascular tone and extravasation of plasma proteins and fluid into the extravascular space. CLS results in hypotension and reduced organ perfusion which may be severe and can result in death. CLS may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular), angina, myocardial infarction, respiratory insufficiency requiring intubation, gastrointestinal bleeding or infarction, renal insufficiency, edema, and mental status changes.
Proleukin treatment is associated with impaired neutrophil function (reduced chemotaxis) and with an increased risk of disseminated infection, including sepsis and bacterial endocarditis. Consequently, preexisting bacterial infections should be adequately treated prior to initiation of Proleukin therapy. Patients with indwelling central lines are particularly at risk for infection with gram positive microorganisms. Antibiotic prophylaxis with oxacillin, nafcillin, ciprofloxacin, or vancomycin has been associated with a reduced incidence of staphylococcal infections.
Proleukin administration should be withheld in patients developing moderate to severe lethargy or somnolence; continued administration may result in coma.
Proleukin Description
Proleukin® (aldesleukin), a human recombinant interleukin-2 product, is a highly purified protein with a molecular weight of approximately 15,300 daltons. The chemical name is des-alanyl-1, serine-125 human interleukin-2. Proleukin, a lymphokine, is produced by recombinant DNA technology using a genetically engineered E. coli strain containing an analog of the human interleukin-2 gene. Genetic engineering techniques were used to modify the human IL-2 gene, and the resulting expression clone encodes a modified human interleukin-2. This recombinant form differs from native interleukin-2 in the following ways: a) Proleukin is not glycosylated because it is derived from E. coli ; b) the molecule has no N-terminal alanine; the codon for this amino acid was deleted during the genetic engineering procedure; c) the molecule has serine substituted for cysteine at amino acid position 125; this was accomplished by site specific manipulation during the genetic engineering procedure; and d) the aggregation state of Proleukin is likely to be different from that of native interleukin-2.
The in vitro biological activities of the native nonrecombinant molecule have been reproduced with Proleukin.1,2
Proleukin is supplied as a sterile, white to off-white, lyophilized cake in single-use vials intended for intravenous administration. When reconstituted with 1.2 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP, each mL contains 18 million International Units (1.1 mg) Proleukin, 50 mg mannitol, and 0.18 mg sodium dodecyl sulfate, buffered with approximately 0.17 mg monobasic and 0.89 mg dibasic sodium phosphate to a pH of 7.5 (range 7.2 to 7.8). The manufacturing process for Proleukin involves fermentation in a defined medium containing tetracycline hydrochloride. The presence of the antibiotic is not detectable in the final product. Proleukin contains no preservatives in the final product.
Proleukin biological potency is determined by a lymphocyte proliferation bioassay and is expressed in International Units as established by the World Health Organization 1st International Standard for Interleukin-2 (human). The relationship between potency and protein mass is as follows:
18 million International Units Proleukin = 1.1 mg protein
Proleukin - Clinical PharmacologyProleukin® (aldesleukin) has been shown to possess the biological activities of human native interleukin-2.1,2 In vitrostudies performed on human cell lines demonstrate the immunoregulatory properties of Proleukin, including: a) enhancement of lymphocyte mitogenesis and stimulation of long-term growth of human interleukin-2 dependent cell lines; b) enhancement of lymphocyte cytotoxicity; c) induction of killer cell (lymphokine-activated (LAK) and natural (NK)) activity; and d) induction of interferon-gamma production.
The in vivo administration of Proleukin in animals and humans produces multiple immunological effects in a dose dependent manner. These effects include activation of cellular immunity with profound lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia, and the production of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor, IL-1 and gamma interferon. 3 In vivo experiments in murine tumor models have shown inhibition of tumor growth.4 The exact mechanism by which Proleukin mediates its antitumor activity in animals and humans is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
Proleukin exists as biologically active, non-covalently bound microaggregates with an average size of 27 recombinant interleukin-2 molecules. The solubilizing agent, sodium dodecyl sulfate, may have an effect on the kinetic properties of this product.
The pharmacokinetic profile of Proleukin is characterized by high plasma concentrations following a short intravenous infusion, rapid distribution into the extravascular space and elimination from the body by metabolism in the kidneys with little or no bioactive protein excreted in the urine. Studies of intravenous Proleukin in sheep and humans indicate that upon completion of infusion, approximately 30% of the administered dose is detectable in plasma. This finding is consistent with studies in rats using radiolabeled Proleukin, which demonstrate a rapid (<1 min) uptake of the majority of the label into the lungs, liver, kidney, and spleen.
The serum half-life (T 1/2) curves of Proleukin remaining in the plasma are derived from studies done in 52 cancer patients following a 5-minute intravenous infusion. These patients were shown to have a distribution and elimination T 1/2 of 13 and 85 minutes, respectively.
Following the initial rapid organ distribution, the primary route of clearance of circulating Proleukin is the kidney. In humans and animals, Proleukin is cleared from the circulation by both glomerular filtration and peritubular extraction in the kidney.5-8 This dual mechanism for delivery of Proleukin to the proximal tubule may account for the preservation of clearance in patients with rising serum creatinine values. Greater than 80% of the amount of Proleukin distributed to plasma, cleared from the circulation and presented to the kidney is metabolized to amino acids in the cells lining the proximal convoluted tubules. In humans, the mean clearance rate in cancer patients is 268 mL/min.
The relatively rapid clearance of Proleukin has led to dosage schedules characterized by frequent, short infusions. Observed serum levels are proportional to the dose of Proleukin.
CLINICAL STUDIESSafety and efficacy were studied in a series of single and multicenter, historically controlled studies enrolling a total of 525 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma or melanoma. Eligible patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) of 0 or 1 and normal organ function as determined by cardiac stress test, pulmonary function tests, and creatinine ≤1.5 mg/dL. Studies excluded patients with brain metastases, active infections, organ allografts and diseases requiring steroid treatment.
The same treatment dose and schedule was employed in all studies demonstrating efficacy. Proleukin was given by 15 min intravenous infusion every 8 hours for up to 5 days (maximum of 14 doses). No treatment was given on days 6 to 14 and then dosing was repeated for up to 5 days on days 15 to 19 (maximum of 14 doses). These 2 cycles constituted 1 course of therapy. Patients could receive a maximum of 28 doses during a course of therapy. In practice >90% of patients had doses withheld. Doses were withheld for specific toxicities (See “DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION” section, “Dose Modifications” subsection and “ADVERSE REACTIONS” section).
Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
Two hundred fifty-five patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (metastatic RCC) were treated with single agent Proleukin in 7 clinical studies conducted at 21 institutions. Metastatic RCC patients received a median of 20 of 28 scheduled doses of Proleukin.
In the renal cell cancer studies (n=255), objective response was seen in 37 (15%) patients, with 17 (7%) complete and 20 (8%) partial responders (See Table I). The 95% confidence interval for objective response was 11% to 20%. Onset of tumor regression was observed as early as 4 weeks after completion of the first course of treatment, and in some cases, tumor regression continued for up to 12 months after the start of treatment. Responses were observed in both lung and non-lung sites (e.g., liver, lymph node, renal bed occurrences, soft tissue). Responses were also observed in patients with individual bulky lesions and high tumor burden.
TABLE 1: Proleukin Clinical Response Data |
||
|
Number of |
Median Response |
Metastatic RCC |
|
|
CR’s |
17 (7%) |
80+* (7 to 131+) |
PR’s |
20 (8%) |
20 (3 to 126+) |
PR’s + CR’s |
37 (15%) |
54 (3 to 131+) |
(+) sign means ongoing
* Median duration not yet observed; a conservative value is presented which represents the minimum median duration of response.
Lack of efficacy with low dose Proleukin regimens
Sixty-five patients with metastatic renal cell cancer were enrolled in a single center, open label, non-randomized trial that sequentially evaluated the safety and anti-tumor activity of two low dose Proleukin regimens. The regimens administered 18 million International Units Proleukin as a single subcutaneous injection, daily for 5 days during week 1; Proleukin was then administered at 9 x106International Units days 1-2 and 18 x106 International Units days 3-5, weekly for an additional 3 weeks (n=40) followed by a 2 week rest or 5 weeks (n=25) followed by a 3 week rest, for a maximum of 3 or 2 treatment cycles, respectively.
These low dose regimens yielded substantially lower and less durable responses than those observed with the approved regimen. Based on the level of activity, these low dose regimens are not effective.
Metastatic Melanoma
Two hundred seventy patients with metastatic melanoma were treated with single agent Proleukin in 8 clinical studies conducted at 22 institutions. Metastatic melanoma patients received a median of 18 of 28 scheduled doses of Proleukin during the first course of therapy. In the metastatic melanoma studies (n=270), objective response was seen in 43 (16%) patients, with 17 (6%) complete and 26 (10%) partial responders (See Table II). The 95% confidence interval for objective response was 12% to 21%. Responses in metastatic melanoma patients were observed in both visceral and non-visceral sites (e.g., lung, liver, lymph node, soft tissue, adrenal, subcutaneous). Responses were also observed in patients with individual bulky lesions and large cumulative tumor burden.
TABLE 2: Proleukin CLINICAL RESPONSE DATA |
||
|
Number of |
Median Response |
Metastatic Melanoma |
|
|
CR’s |
17 (6%) |
59+* (3 to 122+) |
PR’s |
26 (10%) |
6 (1 to 111+) |
PR’s + CR’s |
43 (16%) |
9 (1 to 122+) |
(+) sign means ongoing
* Median duration not yet observed; a conservative value is presented which represents the minimum median duration of response.
Indications and Usage for ProleukinProleukin® (aldesleukin) is indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (metastatic RCC).
Proleukin is indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic melanoma.
Careful patient selection is mandatory prior to the administration of Proleukin. See “CONTRAINDICATIONS”, “WARNINGS” and “PRECAUTIONS” sections regarding patient screening, including recommended cardiac and pulmonary function tests and laboratory tests.
Evaluation of clinical studies to date reveals that patients with more favorable ECOG performance status (ECOG PS 0) at treatment initiation respond better to Proleukin, with a higher response rate and lower toxicity (See “CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY” section, “CLINICAL STUDIES” section and “ADVERSE REACTIONS” section). Therefore, selection of patients for treatment should include assessment of performance status.
Experience in patients with ECOG PS >1 is extremely limited.
ContraindicationsProleukin® (aldesleukin) is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to interleukin-2 or any component of the Proleukin formulation.
Proleukin is contraindicated in patients with an abnormal thallium stress test or abnormal pulmonary function tests and those with organ allografts. Retreatment with Proleukin is contraindicated in patients who have experienced the following drug-related toxicities while receiving an earlier course of therapy:
• Sustained ventricular tachycardia (≥5 beats)
• Cardiac arrhythmias not controlled or unresponsive to management
• Chest pain with ECG changes, consistent with angina or myocardial infarction
• Cardiac tamponade
• Intubation for >72 hours
• Renal failure requiring dialysis >72 hours
• Coma or toxic psychosis lasting >48 hours
• Repetitive or difficult to control seizures
• Bowel ischemia/perforation
• GI bleeding requiring surgery
WarningsSee boxed “WARNINGS”
Because of the severe adverse events which generally accompany Proleukin® (aldesleukin) therapy at the recommended dosages, thorough clinical evaluation should be performed to identify patients with significant cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, or CNS impairment in whom Proleukin is contraindicated. Patients with normal cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, and CNS function may experience serious, life threatening or fatal adverse events. Adverse events are frequent, often serious, and sometimes fatal.
Should adverse events, which require dose modification occur, dosage should be withheld rather than reduced (See “DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION” section, “Dose Modifications” subsection).
Proleukin has been associated with exacerbation of pre-existing or initial presentation of autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorders. Exacerbation of Crohn’s disease, scleroderma, thyroiditis, inflammatory arthritis, diabetes mellitus, oculo-bulbar myasthenia gravis, crescentic IgA glomerulonephritis, cholecystitis, cerebral vasculitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and bullous pemphigoid, has been reported following treatment with IL-2.
All patients should have thorough evaluation and treatment of CNS metastases and have a negative scan prior to receiving Proleukin therapy. New neurologic signs, symptoms, and anatomic lesions following Proleukin therapy have been reported in patients without evidence of CNS metastases. Clinical manifestations included changes in mental status, speech difficulties, cortical blindness, limb or gait ataxia, hallucinations, agitation, obtundation, and coma. Radiological findings included multiple and, less commonly, single cortical lesions on MRI and evidence of demyelination. Neurologic signs and symptoms associated with Proleukin therapy usually improve after discontinuation of Proleukin therapy; however, there are reports of permanent neurologic defects. One case of possible cerebral vasculitis, responsive to dexamethasone, has been reported. In patients with known seizure disorders, extreme caution should be exercised as Proleukin may cause seizures.
PrecautionsGeneralPatients should have normal cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and CNS function at the start of therapy. (See “PRECAUTIONS” section, “Laboratory Tests” subsection). Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) begins immediately after Proleukin® (aldesleukin) treatment starts and is marked by increased capillary permeability to protein and fluids and reduced vascular tone. In most patients, this results in a concomitant drop in mean arterial blood pressure within 2 to 12 hours after the start of treatment. With continued therapy, clinically significant hypotension (defined as systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg or a 20 mm Hg drop from baseline systolic pressure) and hypoperfusion will occur. In addition, extravasation of protein and fluids into the extravascular space will lead to the formation of edema and creation of new effusions.
Medical management of CLS begins with careful monitoring of the patient’s fluid and organ perfusion status. This is achieved by frequent determination of blood pressure and pulse, and by monitoring organ function, which includes assessment of mental status and urine output. Hypovolemia is assessed by catheterization and central pressure monitoring.
Flexibility in fluid and pressor management is essential for maintaining organ perfusion and blood pressure. Consequently, extreme caution should be used in treating patients with fixed requirements for large volumes of fluid (e.g., patients with hypercalcemia). Administration of IV fluids, either colloids or crystalloids is recommended for treatment of hypovolemia. Correction of hypovolemia may require large volumes of IV fluids but caution is required because unrestrained fluid administration may exacerbate problems associated with edema formation or effusions. With extravascular fluid accumulation, edema is common and ascites, pleural or pericardial effusions may develop. Management of these events depends on a careful balancing of the effects of fluid shifts so that neither the consequences of hypovolemia (e.g., impaired organ perfusion) nor the consequences of fluid accumulations (e.g., pulmonary edema) exceed the patient’s tolerance.
Clinical experience has shown that early administration of dopamine (1 to 5 mcg/kg/min) to patients manifesting capillary leak syndrome, before the onset of hypotension, can help to maintain organ perfusion particularly to the kidney and thus preserve urine output. Weight and urine output should be carefully monitored. If organ perfusion and blood pressure are not sustained by dopamine therapy, clinical investigators have increased the dose of dopamine to 6 to 10 mcg/kg/min or have added phenylephrine hydrochloride (1 to 5 mcg/kg/min) to low dose dopamine (See “ADVERSE REACTIONS” section). Prolonged use of pressors, either in combination or as individual agents, at relatively high doses, may be associated with cardiac rhythm disturbances. If there has been excessive weight gain or edema formation, particularly if associated with shortness of breath from pulmonary congestion, use of diuretics, once blood pressure has normalized, has been shown to hasten recovery. NOTE: Prior to the use of any product mentioned, the physician should refer to the package insert for the respective product.
Proleukin® (aldesleukin) treatment should be withheld for failure to maintain organ perfusion as demonstrated by altered mental status, reduced urine output, a fall in the systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg or onset of cardiac arrhythmias (See “DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION” section, “Dose Modifications” subsection). Recovery from CLS begins soon after cessation of Proleukin therapy. Usually, within a few hours, the blood pressure rises, organ perfusion is restored and reabsorption of extravasated fluid and protein begins.
Kidney and liver function are impaired during Proleukin treatment. Use of concomitant nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic medications may further increase toxicity to the kidney or liver.
Mental status changes including irritability, confusion, or depression which occur while receiving Proleukin may be indicators of bacteremia or early bacterial sepsis, hypoperfusion, occult CNS malignancy, or direct Proleukin-induced CNS toxicity. Alterations in mental status due solely to Proleukin therapy may progress for several days before recovery begins. Rarely, patients have sustained permanent neurologic deficits (See “PRECAUTIONS” section “Drug Interactions” subsection).
Exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune disease or initial presentation of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders has been reported following Proleukin alone or in combination with interferon (See “PRECAUTIONS” section “Drug Interactions” subsection and “ADVERSE REACTIONS” section). Hypothyroidism, sometimes preceded by hyperthyroidism, has been reported following Proleukin treatment. Some of these patients required thyroid replacement therapy. Changes in thyroid function may be a manifestation of autoimmunity. Onset of symptomatic hyperglycemia and/or diabetes mellitus has been reported during Proleukin therapy.
Proleukin enhancement of cellular immune function may increase the risk of allograft rejection in transplant patients.
Serious Manifestations of EosinophiliaSerious manifestations of eosinophilia involving eosinophilic infiltration of cardiac and pulmonary tissues can occur following Proleukin.
Laboratory TestsThe following clinical evaluations are recommended for all patients, prior to beginning treatment and then daily during drug administration.
• Standard hematologic tests-including CBC, differential and platelet counts
• Blood chemistries-including electrolytes, renal and hepatic function tests
• Chest x-rays
Serum creatinine should be ≤1.5 mg/dL prior to initiation of Proleukin treatment.
All patients should have baseline pulmonary function tests with arterial blood gases. Adequate pulmonary function should be documented (FEV1 >2 liters or ≥75% of predicted for height and age) prior to initiating therapy.
All patients should be screened with a stress thallium study. Normal ejection fraction and unimpaired wall motion should be documented. If a thallium stress test suggests minor wall motion abnormalities further testing is suggested to exclude significant coronary artery disease.
Daily monitoring during therapy with Proleukin should include vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration rate), weight, and fluid intake and output. In a patient with a decreased systolic blood pressure, especially less than 90 mm Hg, constant cardiac rhythm monitoring should be conducted. If an abnormal complex or rhythm is seen, an ECG should be performed. Vital signs in these hypotensive patients should be taken hourly.
During treatment, pulmonary function should be monitored on a regular basis by clinical examination, assessment of vital signs and pulse oximetry. Patients with dyspnea or clinical signs of respiratory impairment (tachypnea or rales) should be further assessed with arterial blood gas determination. These tests are to be repeated as often as clinically indicated.
Cardiac function should be assessed daily by clinical examination and assessment of vital signs. Patients with signs or symptoms of chest pain, murmurs, gallops, irregular rhythm or palpitations should be further assessed with an ECG examination and cardiac enzyme evaluation. Evidence of myocardial injury, including findings compatible with myocardial infarction or myocarditis, has been reported. Ventricular hypokinesia due to myocarditis may be persistent for several months. If there is evidence of cardiac ischemia or congestive heart failure, Proleukin therapy should be held, and a repeat thallium study should be done.
Drug InteractionsProleukin may affect central nervous function. Therefore, interactions could occur following concomitant administration of psychotropic drugs (e.g., narcotics, analgesics, antiemetics, sedatives, tranquilizers).
Concurrent administration of drugs possessing nephrotoxic (e.g., aminoglycosides, indomethacin), myelotoxic (e.g., cytotoxic chemotherapy), cardiotoxic (e.g., doxorubicin) or hepatotoxic (e.g., methotrexate, asparaginase) effects with Proleukin may increase toxicity in these organ systems. The safety and efficacy of Proleukin in combination with any antineoplastic agents have not been established.
In addition, reduced kidney and liver function secondary to Proleukin treatment may delay elimination of concomitant medications and increase the risk of adverse events from those drugs.
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving combination regimens containing sequential high dose Proleukin and antineoplastic agents, specifically, dacarbazine, cis-platinum, tamoxifen and interferon-alfa. These reactions consisted of erythema, pruritus, and hypotension and occurred within hours of administration of chemotherapy. These events required medical intervention in some patients.
Myocardial injury, including myocardial infarction, myocarditis, ventricular hypokinesia, and severe rhabdomyolysis appear to be increased in patients receiving Proleukin and interferon-alfa concurrently.
Exacerbation or the initial presentation of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders has been observed following concurrent use of interferon-alfa and Proleukin, including crescentic IgA glomerulonephritis, oculo-bulbar myasthenia gravis, inflammatory arthritis, thyroiditis, bullous pemphigoid, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Although glucocorticoids have been shown to reduce Proleukin-induced side effects including fever, renal insufficiency, hyperbilirubinemia, confusion, and dyspnea, concomitant administration of these agents with Proleukin may reduce the antitumor effectiveness of Proleukin and thus should be avoided.12
Beta-blockers and other antihypertensives may potentiate the hypotension seen with Proleukin.
Delayed Adverse Reactions to Iodinated Contrast MediaA review of the literature revealed that 12.6% (range 11-28%) of 501 patients treated with various interleukin-2 containing regimens who were subsequently administered radiographic iodinated contrast media experienced acute, atypical adverse reactions. The onset of symptoms usually occurred within hours (most commonly 1 to 4 hours) following the administration of contrast media. These reactions include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, rash, diarrhea, hypotension, edema, and oliguria. Some clinicians have noted that these reactions resemble the immediate side effects caused by interleukin-2 administration, however the cause of contrast reactions after interleukin-2 therapy is unknown. Most events were reported to occur when contrast media was given within 4 weeks after the last dose of interleukin-2. These events were also reported to occur when contrast media was given several months after interleukin-2 treatment.13
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilityThere have been no studies conducted assessing the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential of Proleukin.
There have been no studies conducted assessing the effect of Proleukin on fertility. It is recommended that this drug not be administered to fertile persons of either gender not practicing effective contraception.
PregnancyPregnancy Category C.
Proleukin 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 Proleukin by IV injection at doses 2.1 to 36 times higher than the human dose during critical period of organogenesis. No evidence of teratogenicity was observed other than that attributed to maternal toxicity. There are no adequate well-controlled studies of Proleukin in pregnant women. Proleukin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing MothersIt is not known whether this drug is 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 Proleukin, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in children under 18 years of age have not been established.
Geriatric UseThere were a small number of patients aged 65 and over in clinical trials of Proleukin; experience is limited to 27 patients, eight with metastatic melanoma and nineteen with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The response rates were similar in patients 65 years and over as compared to those less than 65 years of age. The median number of courses and the median number of doses per course were similar between older and younger patients.
Proleukin is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. The pattern of organ system toxicity and the proportion of patients with severe toxicities by organ system were generally similar in patients 65 and older and younger patients. There was a trend, however, towards an increased incidence of severe urogenital toxicities and dyspnea in the older patients.
Adverse ReactionsThe rate of drug-related deaths in the 255 metastatic RCC patients who received single-agent Proleukin® (aldesleukin) was 4% (11/255); the rate of drug-related deaths in the 270 metastatic melanoma patients who received single-agent Proleukin was 2% (6/270).
The following data on common adverse events (reported in greater than 10% of patients, any grade), presented by body system, decreasing frequency and by preferred term (COSTART) are based on 525 patients (255 with renal cell cancer and 270 with metastatic melanoma) treated with the recommended infusion dosing regimen.
TABLE 3: ADVERSE EVENTS OCCURRING IN ≥10% OF PATIENTS (n=525) |
|||
Body System |
% |
Body System |
% |
Body as a Whole |
|
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders |
|
Chills |
52 |
Bilirubinemia |
40 |
Fever |
29 |
Creatinine increase |
33 |
Malaise |
27 |
Peripheral edema |
28 |
Asthenia |
23 |
SGOT increase |
23 |
Infection |
13 |
Weight gain |
16 |
Pain |
12 |
Edema |
15 |
Abdominal pain |
11 |
Acidosis |
12 |
Abdomen enlarged |
10 |
Hypomagnesemia |
12 |
Cardiovascular |
|
Hypocalcemia |
11 |
Hypotension |
71 |
Alkaline phosphatase increase |
10 |
Tachycardia |
23 |
Nervous |
|
Vasodilation |
13 |
Confusion |
34 |
Supraventricular tachycardia |
12 |
Somnolence |
22 |
Cardiovascular disordera |
11 |
Anxiety |
12 |
Arrhythmia |
10 |
Dizziness |
11 |
Digestive |
|
Respiratory |
|
Diarrhea |
67 |
Dyspnea |
43 |
Vomiting |
50 |
Lung disorderb |
24 |
Nausea |
35 |
Respiratory disorderc |
11 |
Stomatitis |
22 |
Cough increase |
11 |
Anorexia |
20 |
Rhinitis |
10 |
Nausea and vomiting |
19 |
Skin and Appendages |
|
Hemic and Lymphatic |
|
Rash |
42 |
Thrombocytopenia |
37 |
Pruritus |
24 |
Anemia |
29 |
Exfoliative dermatitis |
18 |
Leukopenia |
16 |
Urogenital |
|
|
|
Oliguria |
63 |
a Cardiovascular disorder: fluctuations in blood pressure, asymptomatic ECG changes, CHF.
b Lung disorder: physical findings associated with pulmonary congestion, rales, rhonchi.
c Respiratory disorder: ARDS, CXR infiltrates, unspecified pulmonary changes.
The following data on life-threatening adverse events (reported in greater than 1% of patients, grade 4), presented by body system, and by preferred term (COSTART) are based on 525 patients (255 with renal cell cancer and 270 with metastatic melanoma) treated with the recommended infusion dosing regimen.
TABLE 4: LIFE-THREATENING (GRADE 4) ADVERSE EVENTS (n= 525) |
|||
Body System |
# (%) |
Body System |
# (%) |
Body as a Whole |
|
Metabolic and |
|
Fever |
5 (1%) |
Bilirubinemia |
13 (2%) |
Infection |
7 (1%) |
Creatinine increase |
5 (1%) |
Sepsis |
6 (1%) |
SGOT increase |
3 (1%) |
Cardiovascular |
|
Acidosis |
4 (1%) |
Hypotension |
15 (3%) |
Nervous |
|
Supraventricular tachycardia |
3 (1%) |
Confusion |
5 (1%) |
Cardiovascular disordera |
7 (1%) |
Stupor |
3 (1%) |
Myocardial infarct |
7 (1%) |
Coma |
8 (2%) |
Ventricular tachycardia |
5 (1%) |
Psychosis |
7 (1%) |
Cardiac arrest |
4 (1%) |
Respiratory |
|
Digestive |
|
Dyspnea |
5 (1%) |
Diarrhea |
10 (2%) |
Respiratory disorderc |
14 (3%) |
Vomiting |
7 (1%) |
Apnea |
5 (1%) |
Hemic and Lymphatic |
|
Urogenital |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
5 (1%) |
Oliguria |
33 (6%) |
Coagulation disorderb |
4 (1%) |
Anuria |
25 (5%) |
|
|
Acute kidney failure |
3 (1%) |
a Cardiovascular disorder: fluctuations in blood pressure.
b Coagulation disorder: intravascular coagulopathy.
c Respiratory disorder: ARDS, respiratory failure, intubation.
The following life-threatening (grade 4) events were reported by <1% of the 525 patients: hypothermia; shock; bradycardia; ventricular extrasystoles; myocardial ischemia; syncope; hemorrhage; atrial arrhythmia; phlebitis; AV block second degree; endocarditis; pericardial effusion; peripheral gangrene; thrombosis; coronary artery disorder; stomatitis; nausea and vomiting; liver function tests abnormal; gastrointestinal hemorrhage; hematemesis; bloody diarrhea; gastrointestinal disorder; intestinal perforation; pancreatitis; anemia; leukopenia; leukocytosis; hypocalcemia; alkaline phosphatase increase; BUN increase; hyperuricemia; NPN increase; respiratory acidosis; somnolence; agitation; neuropathy; paranoid reaction; convulsion; grand mal convulsion; delirium; asthma, lung edema; hyperventilation; hypoxia; hemoptysis; hypoventilation; pneumothorax; mydriasis; pupillary disorder; kidney function abnormal; kidney failure; acute tubular necrosis.
In an additional population of greater than 1,800 patients treated with Proleukin-based regimens using a variety of doses and schedules (e.g., subcutaneous, continuous infusion, administration with LAK cells) the following serious adverse events were reported: duodenal ulceration; bowel necrosis; myocarditis; supraventricular tachycardia; permanent or transient blindness secondary to optic neuritis; transient ischemic attacks; meningitis; cerebral edema; pericarditis; allergic interstitial nephritis; tracheo-esophageal fistula.
In the same clinical population, the following fatal events each occurred with a frequency of <1%: malignant hyperthermia; cardiac arrest; myocardial infarction; pulmonary emboli; stroke; intestinal perforation; liver or renal failure; severe depression leading to suicide; pulmonary edema; respiratory arrest; respiratory failure. In patients with both metastatic RCC and metastatic melanoma, those with ECOG PS of 1 or higher had a higher treatment-related mortality and serious adverse events.
Most adverse reactions are self-limiting and, usually, but not invariably, reverse or improve within 2 or 3 days of discontinuation of therapy. Examples of adverse reactions with permanent sequelae include: myocardial infarction, bowel perforation/infarction, and gangrene.
ImmunogenicitySerum samples from patients in the clinical studies were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-aldesleukin antibodies. Low titers of anti-aldesleukin antibodies were detected in 57 of 77 (74%) patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with an every 8-hour Proleukin regimen and in 33 of 50 (66%) patients with metastatic melanoma treated with a variety of intravenous regimens. In a separate study, the effect of immunogenicity on the pharmacokinetics of aldesleukin was evaluated in 13 patients. Following the first cycle of therapy, comparing the geometric mean aldesleukin exposure (AUC) Day 15 to Day 1, there was an average 68% increase in 11 patients who developed anti-aldesleukin antibodies and no change was observed in the antibody-negative patients (n=2). Overall, neutralizing antibodies were detected in 1 patient. The impact of antialdesleukin antibody formation on clinical efficacy and safety of Proleukin is unknown.
Immunogenicity assay results are highly dependent on several factors including assay sensitivity and specificity, assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of incidence of antibodies to Proleukin with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.
Post Marketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Proleukin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
· Blood and lymphatic system: neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, eosinophilia, lymphocytopenia
· Cardiac: cardiomyopathy, cardiac tamponade
· Endocrine: hyperthyroidism
· Gastrointestinal: gastritis, intestinal obstruction, colitis
· General and administration site conditions: injection site necrosis
· Hepatobiliary: hepatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, cholecystitis
· Immune system: anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria
· Infections and infestations: pneumonia (bacterial, fungal, viral), fatal endocarditis, cellulitis
· Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myopathy, myositis, rhabdomyolysis
· Nervous system: cerebral lesions, encephalopathy, extrapyramidal syndrome, neuralgia, neuritis, demyelinating neuropathy
· Psychiatric: insomnia
· Vascular: hypertension, fatal subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage, retroperitoneal hemorrhage
Exacerbation or initial presentation of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders have been reported (See “WARNINGS” section, “PRECAUTIONS” section, “Drug Interactions” subsection). Persistent but nonprogressive vitiligo has been observed in malignant melanoma patients treated with interleukin-2. Synergistic, additive and novel toxicities have been reported with Proleukin used in combination with other drugs. Novel toxicities include delayed adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media and hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents (See “PRECAUTIONS” section, “Drug Interactions” subsection).
Experience has shown the following concomitant medications to be useful in the management of patients on Proleukin therapy: a) standard antipyretic therapy, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), started immediately prior to Proleukin to reduce fever. Renal function should be monitored as some NSAIDs may cause synergistic nephrotoxicity; b) meperidine used to control the rigors associated with fever; c) H2 antagonists given for prophylaxis of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding; d) antiemetics and antidiarrheals used as needed to treat other gastrointestinal side effects. Generally these medications were discontinued 12 hours after the last dose of Proleukin.
Patients with indwelling central lines have a higher risk of infection with gram positive organisms.9-11 A reduced incidence of staphylococcal infections in Proleukin studies has been associated with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis which includes the use of oxacillin, nafcillin, ciprofloxacin, or vancomycin. Hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine has been used to control symptoms from pruritic rashes and continued until resolution of pruritus. Topical creams and ointments should be applied as needed for skin manifestations. Preparations containing a steroid (e.g., hydrocortisone) should be avoided. NOTE: Prior to the use of any product mentioned, the physician should refer to the package insert for the respective product.
OverdosageSide effects following the use of Proleukin® (aldesleukin) appear to be dose-related. Exceeding the recommended dose has been associated with a more rapid onset of expected dose-limiting toxicities. Symptoms which persist after cessation of Proleukin should be monitored and treated supportively. Life-threatening toxicities may be ameliorated by the intravenous administration of dexamethasone, which may also result in loss of the therapeutic effects of Proleukin.12 NOTE: Prior to the use of dexamethasone, the physician should refer to the package insert for this product.
Proleukin Dosage and AdministrationThe recommended Proleukin® (aldesleukin) treatment regimen is administered by a 15-minute intravenous infusion every 8 hours. Before initiating treatment, carefully review the “INDICATIONS AND USAGE”, “CONTRAINDICATIONS”, “WARNINGS”, “PRECAUTIONS”, and “ADVERSE REACTIONS” sections, particularly regarding patient selection, possible serious adverse events, patient monitoring and withholding dosage. The following schedule has been used to treat adult patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (metastatic RCC) or metastatic melanoma. Each course of treatment consists of two 5-day treatment cycles separated by a rest period.
600,000 International Units/kg (0.037 mg/kg) dose administered every 8 hours by a 15-minute intravenous infusion for a maximum of 14 doses. Following 9 days of rest, the schedule is repeated for another 14 doses, for a maximum of 28 doses per course, as tolerated. During clinical trials, doses were frequently withheld for toxicity (See “CLINICAL STUDIES” section and “Dose Modifications” subsection). Metastatic RCC patients treated with this schedule received a median of 20 of the 28 doses during the first course of therapy. Metastatic melanoma patients received a median of 18 doses during the first course of therapy.
RetreatmentPatients should be evaluated for response approximately 4 weeks after completion of a course of therapy and again immediately prior to the scheduled start of the next treatment course. Additional courses of treatment should be given to patients only if there is some tumor shrinkage following the last course and retreatment is not contraindicated (See “CONTRAINDICATIONS” section). Each treatment course should be separated by a rest period of at least 7 weeks from the date of hospital discharge.
Dose ModificationsDose modification for toxicity should be accomplished by withholding or interrupting a dose rather than reducing the dose to be given. Decisions to stop, hold, or restart Proleukin therapy must be made after a global assessment of the patient. With this in mind, the following guidelines should be used:
Retreatment with Proleukin is contraindicated in patients who have experienced the following toxicities:
Body System |
|
Cardiovascular |
Sustained ventricular tachycardia (≥5 beats) |
|
Cardiac rhythm disturbances not controlled or unresponsive to management |
|
Chest pain with ECG changes, consistent with angina or myocardial infarction |
|
Cardiac tamponade |
Respiratory |
Intubation for >72 hours |
Urogenital |
Renal failure requiring dialysis >72 hours |
Nervous |
Coma or toxic psychosis lasting >48 hours |
|
Repetitive or difficult to control seizures |
Digestive |
Bowel ischemia/perforation |
|
GI bleeding requiring surgery |
Doses should be held and restarted according to the following:
Body System |
Hold dose for |
Subsequent doses may be given if |
Cardiovascular |
Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia or bradycardia that requires treatment or is recurrent or persistent |
Patient is asymptomatic with full recovery to normal sinus rhythm |
|
Systolic bp <90 mm Hg with increasing requirements for pressors |
Systolic bp ≥90 mm Hg and stable or improving requirements for pressors |
|
Any ECG change consistent with MI, ischemia or myocarditis with or without chest pain; suspicion of cardiac ischemia |
Patient is asymptomatic, MI and myocarditis have been ruled out, clinical suspicion of angina is low; there is no evidence of ventricular hypokinesia |
Respiratory |
O2 saturation <90% |
O2 saturation >90% |
Nervous |
Mental status changes, including moderate confusion or agitation |
Mental status changes completely resolved |
Body as a Whole |
Sepsis syndrome, patient is clinically unstable |
Sepsis syndrome has resolved, patient is clinically stable, infection is under treatment |
Urogenital |
Serum creatinine >4.5 mg/dL or a serum creatinine of ≥4 mg/dL in the presence of severe volume overload, acidosis, or hyperkalemia |
Serum creatinine <4 mg/dL and fluid and electrolyte status is stable |
|
Persistent oliguria, urine output of <10 mL/hour for 16 to 24 hours with rising serum creatinine |
Urine output >10 mL/hour with a decrease of serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL or normalization of serum creatinine |
Digestive |
Signs of hepatic failure including encephalopathy, increasing ascites, liver pain, hypoglycemia |
All signs of hepatic failure have resolved* |
|
Stool guaiac repeatedly >3-4+ |
Stool guaiac negative |
Skin |
Bullous dermatitis or marked worsening of pre-existing skin condition, avoid topical steroid therapy |
Resolution of all signs of bullous dermatitis |
* Discontinue all further treatment for that course. A new course of treatment, if warranted, should be initiated no sooner than 7 weeks after cessation of adverse event and hospital discharge.
Reconstitution and Dilution Directions: Reconstitution and dilution procedures other than those recommended may alter the delivery and/or pharmacology of Proleukin and thus should be avoided.
1. Proleukin® (aldesleukin) is a sterile, white to off-white, preservative-free, lyophilized powder suitable for IV infusion upon reconstitution and dilution. EACH VIAL CONTAINS 22 MILLION International Units (1.3 mg) OF Proleukin AND SHOULD BE RECONSTITUTED ASEPTICALLY WITH 1.2 mL OF STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION, USP. WHEN RECONSTITUTED AS DIRECTED, EACH mL CONTAINS 18 MILLION International Units (1.1 mg) OF Proleukin. The resulting solution should be a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid. The vial is for single-use only and any unused portion should be discarded.
2. During reconstitution, the Sterile Water for Injection, USP should be directed at the side of the vial and the contents gently swirled to avoid excess foaming. DO NOT SHAKE.
3. The dose of Proleukin, reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP (without preservative) should be diluted aseptically in 50 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (D5W) and infused over a 15-minute period.
In cases where the total dose of Proleukin is 1.5 mg or less (e.g., a patient with a body weight of less than 40 kilograms), the dose of Proleukin should be diluted in a smaller volume of D5W. Concentrations of Proleukin below 0.03 mg/mL and above 0.07 mg/mL have shown increased variability in drug delivery. Dilution and delivery of Proleukin outside of this concentration range should be avoided.
4. Glass bottles and plastic (polyvinyl chloride) bags have been used in clinical trials with comparable results. It is recommended that plastic bags be used as the dilution container since experimental studies suggest that use of plastic containers results in more consistent drug delivery. In-line filters should not be used when administering Proleukin.
5. Before and after reconstitution and dilution, store in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Administer Proleukin within 48 hours of reconstitution. The solution should be brought to room temperature prior to infusion in the patient.
6. Reconstitution or dilution with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP should be avoided because of increased aggregation. Proleukin should not be coadministered with other drugs in the same container.
7. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
How is Proleukin SuppliedProleukin® (aldesleukin) is supplied in individually boxed single-use vials. Each vial contains 22 million International Units of Proleukin. Discard unused portion.
NDC 65483-116-07 Individually boxed single-use vial
Store vials of lyophilized Proleukin in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). PROTECT FROM LIGHT. Store in carton until time of use.
Reconstituted or diluted Proleukin is stable for up to 48 hours at refrigerated and room temperatures, 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). However, since this product contains no preservative, the reconstituted and diluted solutions should be stored in the refrigerator.
Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the vial. NOTE: This product contains no preservative.
Rx Only
REFERENCES1. Doyle MV, Lee MT, Fong S. Comparison of the biological activities of human recombinant interleukin-2125 and native interleukin-2. J Biol Response Mod 1985; 4:96-109.
2. Ralph P, Nakoinz I, Doyle M, et al. Human B and T lymphocyte stimulating properties of interleukin-2 (IL-2) muteins. In: Immune Regulation By Characterized Polypeptides. Alan R. Liss, Inc. 1987; 453-62.
3. Winkelhake JL and Gauny SS. Human recombinant interleukin-2 as an experimental therapeutic. Pharmacol Rev 1990; 42:1-28.
4. Rosenberg SA, Mule JJ, Spiess PJ, et al. Regression of established pulmonary metastases and subcutaneous tumor mediated by the systemic administration of high-dose recombinant interleukin-2. J Exp Med 1985; 161:1169-88.
5. Konrad MW, Hemstreet G, Hersh EM, et al. Pharmacokinetics of recombinant interleukin-2 in humans. Cancer Res 1990; 50:2009-17.
6. Donohue JH and Rosenberg SA. The fate of interleukin-2 after in vivo administration. J Immunol1983; 130:2203-8.
7. Koths K, Halenbeck R. Pharmacokinetic studies on 35S-labeled recombinant interleukin-2 in mice. In: Sorg C and Schimpl A, eds. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Lymphokines. Academic Press: Orlando, FL, 1985;779.
8. Gibbons JA, Luo ZP, Hansen ER, et al. Quantitation of the renal clearance of interleukin-2 using nephrectomized and ureter ligated rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1995; 272: 119-125.
9. Bock SN, Lee RE, Fisher B, et al. A prospective randomized trial evaluating prophylactic antibiotics to prevent triple-lumen catheter-related sepsis in patients treated with immunotherapy. J Clin Oncol 1990; 8:161-69.
10. Hartman LC, Urba WJ, Steis RG, et al. Use of prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections in interleukin-2-treated patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 1989; 81:1190-93.
11. Snydman DR, Sullivan B, Gill M, et al. Nosocomial sepsis associated with interleukin-2. Ann Intern Med 1990; 112:102-07.
12. Mier JW, Vachino G, Klempner MS, et al. Inhibition of interleukin-2-induced tumor necrosis factor release by dexamethasone: Prevention of an acquired neutrophil chemotaxis defect and differential suppression of interleukin-2 associated side effects. Blood 1990; 76:1933-40.
13. Choyke PL, Miller DL, Lotze MT, et al. Delayed reactions to contrast media after interleukin-2 immunotherapy. Radiology 1992; 183:111-114.
Manufactured by:
Prometheus Laboratories Inc.
San Diego, CA 92121
U.S. License No. 1848
At
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma
Biberach/Riss, Germany
For additional information, contact Prometheus Laboratories Inc. 1-877-Proleukin (1-877-776-5385)
Proleukin is a registered trademark of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc.
© 2010-2015 Prometheus Laboratories Inc.
PROMETHEUS®
Therapeutics & Diagnostics
REV: January 2015
PR001H
Principal Display Panel - Proleukin Label
NDC 65483-116-07 Rx only
Proleukin®
(aldesleukin)
for injection, for intravenous infusion
22 million International Units/Vial (1.3mg/vial)
Single-Use Vial Discard Unused Portion
Principal Display Panel - Proleukin Carton
NDC 65483-116-07
Proleukin®
(aldesleukin)
for injection,
for intravenous infusion
22 million
International Units/Vial
(1.3 mg/vial)
Single-Use Vial
Discard Unused Portion
For Intravenous Use Only
Refrigerate
Rx only
Proleukin aldesleukin injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution |
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Labeler - Prometheus Laboratories Inc. (967000860) |
Establishment |
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Name |
Address |
ID/FEI |
Operations |
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Boehringer-Ingleheim |
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340700520 |
MANUFACTURE(65483-116) |
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Establishment |
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Name |
Address |
ID/FEI |
Operations |
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Catalent U.K. Packaging Limited |
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232616826 |
PACK(65483-116) |
Prometheus Laboratories Inc.