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BRAF V600E mutant mCRC

Up to 12% of patients with mCRC have BRAF mutations1-3

Patients with BRAF MT mCRC have a poor prognosis, with poorer survival and faster time to progression than patients with BRAF WT mCRC4-7

Patients with BRAF MT CRC are less likely than patients with BRAF WT CRC to receive 2L treatment after 1L progression8

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommends that all patients with mCRC have their tumor tissue genotyped for BRAF mutations at diagnosis.9,10

  • NCCN Guidelines® recommends that all patients with mCRC have tumor tissue genotyping for RAS (KRAS and NRAS) and BRAF mutations, individually or as part of an NGS panel
    • Testing for KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations should be performed only in laboratories that are certified under the CLIA-88 as qualified to perform high-complexity clinical laboratory (molecular pathology) testing
  • NCCN Guidelines also recommends universal MMR or MSI testing, which may be done by a PCR, a validated NGS panel, or via IHC, in newly diagnosed patients with colon or rectal cancer
    • Testing for MMR or MSI should be performed only in CLIA-approved laboratories

NCCN makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding their content, use, or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.

1L=first-line; 2L=second line; CLIA=Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments; CLIA-88=Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988; CRC=colorectal cancer; IHC=immunohistochemistry; MMR=mismatch repair; MSI=microsite instability; NCCN=National Comprehensive Cancer Network; NGS=next-generation sequencing; NRAS=neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog; PCR=polymerase chain reaction.

How do you evaluate BRAF V600E MT mCRC?

ERBITUX is indicated, in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy

Erbitux patient on porch swing

Cora's goal is to see her granddaughter splash through more puddles.

Could ERBITUX + encorafenib help your patients like Cora with BRAF V600E MT mCRC reach their similar goal?

Patient profile

mCRC with BRAF V600E mutation patient case*

Cora is a patient who has mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation.

  • 59-year-old female with a history of hypertension, controlled with an ACE inhibitor
  • Previously diagnosed with mCRC
    • Genetic testing, including for BRAF mutation, identified her mCRC as positive for BRAF V600E mutation
    • Tumor was KRAS WT; NGS found no RAS mutations
    • Her physician prescribed 1L bevacizumab + FOLFOX for the treatment of her mCRC
  • 5 months after her initial diagnosis, she presents to her physician with rapidly worsening symptoms

Laboratory results and medical findings

  • CT scan reveals a 3.5-cm nonobstructing tumor and multiple new liver and peritoneal metastases
  • ECOG PS 1

Patient perspective

  • Cora's family is realistic, yet hoping for an improvement in her symptoms, a slowing of her disease progression, and more time
  • Cora understands her prognosis but is determined to keep fighting

*Hypothetical patient case study.

SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Pulmonary Toxicity

  • ERBITUX can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD, which was fatal in one case, occurred in <0.5% of 1570 patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity. Interrupt or permanently discontinue ERBITUX for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue ERBITUX for confirmed ILD.
Image of Erbitux patient with granddaughter

When you see Cora's tumor shrink, her hope for more sweet moments watching her granddaughter splash through puddles grows.

ERBITUX is the first and only anti-EGFR therapy that is FDA approved for use in combination with an anti-BRAF therapy in previously treated patients with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC.11

Explore the BEACON trial efficacy results in patients with BRAF V600E MT mCRC.

BEACON Study

BEACON=Binimetinib, Encorafenib, and Cetuximab Combined to Treat BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer (NCT02928224)

Erbitux BEACON Horizontal Study Design Details

The BEACON study included adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, with the following key characteristics: BRAF V 600 E mutation, disease progression after prior therapy, ECOG PS 0 to 1, eligible to receive cetuximab per local labelling with respect to tumor RAS status, and no prior treatment with a RAF, MEK, or EGFR inhibitor.

The study population was randomized in three treatment groups one to one to one. ERBITUX plus encorafenib (n equals 220), ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control) (n equals 221), or ERBITUX plus encorafenib plus binimetinib (n equals 224).

BEACON was a phase III, open-label, randomized, multicenter, active-controlled clinical trial in patients who had BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC with disease progression after prior therapy. Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to receive ERBITUX + encorafenib (doublet) (N=220), ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control) (N=221), or ERBITUX + binimetinib + encorafenib (triplet) (N=224). The major efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures included PFS, ORR, and DoR as assessed by BICR.11,12

To see the full study design for additional information please click here

ERBITUX + encorafenib significantly improved median OS vs ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control).11

Major efficacy outcome measure: Median OS11

Erbitux BEACON OS KaplanMeierCurve Chart

The median overall survival was measured over the duration of twenty-two months comparing those treated with ERBITUX plus encorafenib (n equals 220) versus those in the control group treated with ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (n equals 221). It took 5.4 months, with a 95% confidence interval of 4.8 to 6.6, for the control group to drop to 50% overall survival, while the ERBITUX plus encorafenib group went 8.4 months, with a 95% confidence interval of 7.5 to 11.0, before they dropped to 50% overall survival. The difference of 3.0 months equates to a 40% reduction in the risk of death, with a hazard ratio of 0.60, a 95% confidence interval of 0.45 to 0.79, and a P value equal to 0.0003. These data were stratified by the ECOG PS, source of cetuximab (US licensed versus EU approved), and prior irinotecan use at randomization. The hazard ratio was determined by the stratified Cox proportional hazard model. The P value was derived by a stratified log-rank test, tested at alpha level of 0.0084.

The number of patients at risk were determined every two months from month 0 to month 22 for both treatment groups. The number of patients in the ERBITUX plus encorafenib group versus the control group at month zero was 220 versus 221; at month two 184 versus 158; at month four 133 versus 102; at month six 87 versus 60; at month eight 57 versus 34; at month ten 33 versus 18; at month twelve 21 versus 15; at month fourteen 12 versus 7; at month sixteen 8 versus 4; at month eighteen 3 versus 2; at month twenty 1 versus 1; at month twenty-two 0 versus 0.

OS was assessed in all randomized patients.11

  • In primary analyses, the number of OS events was 93 (42%) in the ERBITUX + encorafenib treatment arm and 114 (52%) in the ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control) treatment arm11
  • Cutoff date for the primary analyses was February 11, 201912

*Stratified by ECOG PS, source of cetuximab (US licensed vs EU approved), and prior irinotecan use at randomization.

†Stratified Cox proportional hazard model.

‡Stratified log-rank test, tested at alpha level of 0.0084.

SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Dermatologic Toxicities

  • ERBITUX can cause dermatologic toxicities, including acneiform rash, skin drying and fissuring, paronychial inflammation, infectious sequelae (e.g., S. aureus sepsis, abscess formation, cellulitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis/ulcerative keratitis with decreased visual acuity, cheilitis), and hypertrichosis
    • Acneiform rash occurred in 82% of the 1373 patients who received ERBITUX across clinical trials. Severe (Grades 3 or 4) acneiform rash occurred in 10% of patients. Acneiform rash usually developed within the first 2 weeks of therapy; the rash lasted more than 28 days after stopping ERBITUX in most patients.
    • Life-threatening and fatal bullous mucocutaneous disease with blisters, erosions, and skin sloughing has been observed in patients who received ERBITUX. It could not be determined whether these mucocutaneous adverse reactions were directly related to EGFR inhibition or to idiosyncratic immune-related effects (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis).
    • Monitor patients receiving ERBITUX for dermatologic toxicities and infectious sequelae.
    • Sun exposure may exacerbate these effects. Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during ERBITUX therapy.
    • Withhold, reduce dose or permanently discontinue ERBITUX based on severity of acneiform rash or mucocutaneous disease.

ERBITUX + encorafenib demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in ORR vs ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control).11

Additional efficacy outcome measure: ORR (per BICR)11

Erbitux BEACON Efficacy ORR bar graph

The objective response rate per blinded independent central review, or BICR, for ERBITUX plus encorafenib (n equals 113) was 20% with a 95% confidence interval of 13 to 29. For the control group treated with ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (n equal 107) the objective response rate was 2% with a 95% confidence interval of 0 to 7. The P value for these data is less than 0.0001. The P value was determined by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, tested at an alpha level of 0.05. These data were stratified by ECOG PS, source of cetuximab (US licensed versus EU approved), and prior irinotecan use at randomization.

ORR and DoR were assessed in the subset of the first 220 patients included in the randomized portion of the ERBITUX + encorafenib and ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control) treatment arm of the trial.11

  • ORR included CR (disappearance of all target lesions) + PR (≥30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions)11,13
  • Tumor responses were assessed by BICR according to RECIST (v1.1)12,13

§Stratified by ECOG PS, source of cetuximab (US licensed vs EU approved), and prior irinotecan use at randomization.

‖Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test; tested at alpha level of 0.05.

Additional efficacy outcome measure: Median DoR (per BICR)11

Erbitux BEACON DoR Chart comparing erbitux + encorafenib to control

The duration of response per BICR for patients treated with ERBITUX plus encorafenib (n equals 113) was 6.1 months with a 95% confidence interval of 4.1 to 8.3. For the control group treated with ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (n equal 107) the duration of response was not reached with a 95% confidence interval of 2.6 to NR (not reached).

DoR was a prespecified secondary efficacy endpoint that was not powered or controlled for type 1 error. Treatment differences observed cannot be regarded as statistically significant.

  • DoR included CR (disappearance of all target lesions) + PR (≥30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) + SD¶ (neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for PD [≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions]), taking as reference the smallest sum of diameters while on study11-13

¶Refers to patients with measurable disease who had SD and patients with nonmeasurable disease who did not have a CR or who did not have PD according to RECIST.12

Statistically, significantly delayed disease progression with ERBITUX plus encorafenib (4.2 months) vs control (ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI) (1.5 months)11

Additional efficacy outcome measure: Median PFS (per BICR)11,14

Erbitux BEACON PFS KaplanMeierCurve Chart

The median progression free survival was measured over the duration of twenty months comparing those treated with ERBITUX plus encorafenib (n equals 220) versus those in the control group treated with ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (n equals 221). It took 1.5 months, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.4 to 1.7, for the control group to drop to 50% progression free survival, while the ERBITUX plus encorafenib group took 4.2 months, with a 95% confidence interval of 3.7 to 5.4, before they dropped to 50% progression free survival. The difference of 2.7 months equates to a 60% decrease in the risk of disease progression or death, with a hazard ratio of 0.40, a 95% confidence interval of 0.31 to 0.52, and a P value less than 0.0001. These data were stratified by the ECOG PS, source of cetuximab (US licensed versus EU approved), and prior irinotecan use at randomization. The hazard ratio was determined by the stratified Cox proportional hazard model. The P value was derived by a stratified log-rank test, tested at alpha level of 0.0234.

The number of patients at risk were determined every two months from month 0 to month 20 for both treatment groups. The number of patients in the ERBITUX plus encorafenib group versus the control group at month zero was 220 versus 221; at month two 143 versus 50; at month four 80 versus 26; at month six 37 versus 9; at month eight 27 versus 6; at month ten 12 versus 2; at month twelve 4 versus 0; at month fourteen 2 versus 0; at month sixteen 2 versus 0; at month eighteen 1 versus 0; at month twenty 0 versus 0.

Adapted from N Engl J Med, Supplement to: Kopetz S, et al, Encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab in BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer, Volume 381, Page 14. Copyright © 2019 Massachusetts Medical Society. Reprinted with permission from Massachusetts Medical Society.

PFS was assessed in all randomized patients.11

  • In primary analyses, the number of PFS events was 133 (60%) in the ERBITUX + encorafenib treatment arm and 128 (58%) in the ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control) treatment arm11
  • Cutoff date for the primary analyses was February 11, 201912

#Stratified by ECOG PS, source of cetuximab (US licensed vs EU approved), and prior irinotecan use at randomization.

**Stratified Cox proportional hazard model.

††Stratified log-rank test, tested at alpha level of 0.0234.

BEACON trial design11,12

BEACON=Binimetinib, Encorafenib, and Cetuximab Combined to Treat BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer

A phase III, open-label, randomized, multicenter, active-controlled clinical trial in patients who had mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected using the Qiagen® therascreen® BRAF V600E RGQ PCR Kit, with disease progression after prior therapy.11,12

Erbitux BEACON Study Design Details

a Randomization was stratified by ECOG PS (0 vs 1), prior use of irinotecan (yes vs no), and cetuximab product used (US licensed vs EU approved).

The BEACON study included adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, with the following characteristics: BRAF V 600 E mutation, disease progression after prior therapy, ECOG PS 0 to 1, eligible to receive cetuximab per local labelling with respect to tumor RAS status, and no prior treatment with a RAF, MEK, or EGFR inhibitor.

The study population was randomized in three treatment groups one to one to one. ERBITUX plus encorafenib (n equals 220), ERBITUX plus either irinotecan or FOLFIRI (control) (n equals 221), or ERBITUX plus encorafenib plus binimetinib (n equals 224). Randomization was stratified by ECOG PS (0 to 1), prior use of irinotecan (yes versus no), and cetuximab product used (US licensed versus EU approved).

The treatment occurred until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival. Additional efficacy outcome measures (as assessed by blinded independent central review, or BICR) were progression free survival, objective response rate, and duration of response.

Overall survival and progression free survival were assessed in all randomized patients. Objective response rate and duration of response were assessed in the subset of the first 220 patients included in the randomized portion of the doublet and control arms of the trial.

  • All patients received an IV infusion of ERBITUX 400 mg/m2 for the first dose followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly11
    • Patients in the active arms received ERBITUX + oral encorafenib 300 mg per day
    • Patients in the control arm received ERBITUX + either an IV infusion of irinotecan 180 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle or FOLFIRI intravenously (irinotecan 180 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15; folinic acid 400 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15; then a bolus of fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15, followed by fluorouracil 2400 mg/m2 per day by continuous infusion over 2 days)

BEACON trial safety data11

BEACON=Binimetinib, Encorafenib, and Cetuximab Combined to Treat BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer

Adverse reactions occurring in ≥10% of patients receiving ERBITUX + encorafenib11‖‖

ERBITUX + encorafenib
(N=216)
Control: ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI
(N=193)
All Grades ≥ grade 3¶¶ All Grades ≥ grade 3
Adverse reaction Percentage of patients
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue## 51 7 50 8
Pyrexia## 17 1 15 1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea 34 1 41 1
Diarrhea## 33 2 48 10
Abdominal pain## 30 4 32 5
Vomiting 21 1 29 3
Constipation 15 0 18 1
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 27 2 27 3
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia## 27 4 3 0
Myopathy## 15 1 4 0
Pain in extremity 10 0 1 0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Dermatitis acneiform## 32 1 43 3
Rash## 26 0 26 2
Pruritus## 14 0 6 0
Melanocytic nevus 14 0 0 0
Dry skin## 13 0 12 1
Nervous system disorders
Headache## 20 0 3 0
Peripheral neuropathy## 12 1 6 0
Vascular disorders
Hemorrhage## 19 2 9 0
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia## 13 0 6 0

‖‖Grades per NCI CTCAE v4.03.

¶¶Grade 4-5 adverse reactions in the ERBITUX + encorafenib arm were limited to grade 5 hemorrhage (n=1).

##Represents a composite of multiple, related preferred terms.

  • The median duration of exposure was 4.4 months for patients treated with ERBITUX + encorafenib and 1.6 months for patients treated with either irinotecan or infusional 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid/irinotecan (FOLFIRI) + ERBITUX11
  • Other clinically important adverse reactions occurring in <10% of patients who received ERBITUX + encorafenib were: Gastrointestinal disorders: Pancreatitis11

Laboratory abnormalities occurring in ≥10% (all grades) of patients receiving ERBITUX + encorafenib11‖‖

ERBITUX + encorafenib Control: ERBITUX + either irinotecan or FOLFIRI
All Grades Grades 3 and 4 All Grades Grades 3 and 4
Laboratory abnormality††† Percentage of patients
Hematology
Anemia 34 4 48 5
Lymphopenia 24 7 35 5
Increased activated partial thromboplastin time 13 1 7 1
Chemistry
Hypomagnesemia 19 0 22 1
Increased ALP 18 4 30 7
Increased ALT 17 0 29 3
Increased AST 15 1 22 2
Hypokalemia 12 3 32 5
Hyponatremia 11 2 13 2

***Grades per NCI CTCAE v4.03.

†††Based on the number of patients with available baseline and at least one on-treatment laboratory test.

ACE=angiotensin-converting enzyme; BICR=blinded independent central review; CI=confidence interval; CR=complete response; CT=computerized tomography; DoR=duration of response; ECOG=Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; EGFR=epidermal growth factor receptor; EU=European Union; FOLFOX=folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin; HR=hazard ratio; IV=intravenous; MEK=mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase; NCI CTCAE=National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events; NR=not reached; ORR=overall response rate; OS=overall survival; PCR=polymerase chain reaction; PD=progressive disease; PFS=progression-free survival; PR=partial response; PS=performance status; RAF=rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma; RECIST=Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors; SD=stable disease; US=United States.

References

  1. Chu JE, Johnson B, Kugathasan L, et al. Population-based screening for BRAFV600E in metastatic colorectal cancer reveals increased prevalence and poor prognosis. Clin Cancer Res. 2020;26(17):4599-4605.
  2. Ducreux M, Chamseddine A, Laurent-Puig P, et al. Molecular targeted therapy of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol. 2019;11:1-15. doi:10.1177/1758835919856494.
  3. Van Cutsem E, Cervantes A, Adam R, et al. ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Ann Oncol. 2016;27(8):1386-1422.
  4. Taieb J, Lapeyre-Prost A, Puig PL, et al. Exploring the best treatment options for BRAF-mutant metastatic colon cancer. Br J Cancer. 2019;121(6):434-442.
  5. Strickler JH, Wu C, Bekaii-Saab T. Targeting BRAF in metastatic colorectal cancer: maximizing molecular approaches. Cancer Treat Rev. 2017;60:109-119.
  6. Cremolini C, Loupakis F, Antoniotti C, et al. FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: updated overall survival and molecular subgroup analyses of the open-label, phase 3 TRIBE study. Lancet Oncol. 2015;16(13):1306-1315.
  7. Loupakis F, Ruzzo A, Cremolini C, et al. KRAS codon 61, 146 and BRAF mutations predict resistance to cetuximab plus irinotecan in KRAS codon 12 and 13 wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer. 2009;101(4):715-721.
  8. Seligmann JF, Fisher D, Smith CG, et al. Investigating the poor outcomes of BRAF-mutant advanced colorectal cancer: analysis from 2530 patients in randomised clinical trials. Ann Oncol. 2017;28(3):562-568.
  9. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Colon Cancer V.2.2021. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Accessed January 21, 2021. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org . NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK®, NCCN®, NCCN GUIDELINES®, and all other NCCN content are trademarks owned by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc.
  10. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Rectal Cancer V.1.2021. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Accessed December 22, 2020. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org . NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK®, NCCN®, NCCN GUIDELINES®, and all other NCCN content are trademarks owned by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc.
  11. ERBITUX (cetuximab) [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2021.
  12. Kopetz S, Grothey A, Yaeger R, et al. Encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab in BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(17):1632-1643.
  13. Eisenhauer EA, Therasse P, Bogaerts J, et al. New response evaluation criteria in solid tumours: revised RECIST guideline (version 1.1). Eur J Cancer. 2009;45(2):228-247.
  14. Supplement to: Kopetz S, Grothey A, Yaeger R, et al. Encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab in BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(17):1632-1643.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warning:

WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS AND CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST

Infusion Reactions - ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions. Severe (Grades 3 and 4) infusion reactions occurred in 2.2% of patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials.

  • The risk of anaphylactic reactions may be increased in patients with a history of tick bites, red meat allergy, or in the presence of IgE antibodies directed against galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). Consider testing patients for alpha-gal IgE antibodies using FDA-cleared methods prior to initiating ERBITUX. Negative results for alpha-gal antibodies do not rule out the risk of severe infusion reactions.
  • Approximately 90% of the severe infusion reactions occurred with the first infusion of ERBITUX despite premedication with antihistamines.
    • Serious infusion reactions, requiring immediate medical intervention, included symptoms of rapid onset of airway obstruction (bronchospasm, stridor, hoarseness), hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, myocardial infarction, and/or cardiac arrest. Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX infusion for serious infusion reactions.
    • Caution must be exercised with every ERBITUX infusion as infusion reactions may occur during or several hours following completion of the infusion.
    • Premedicate with a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist as recommended.
    • Monitor patients for at least 1 hour following each ERBITUX infusion in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis. In patients requiring treatment for infusion reactions, monitor for more than 1 hour to confirm resolution of the reaction. Interrupt the infusion and upon recovery, resume the infusion at a slower rate or permanently discontinue ERBITUX based on severity.
Cardiopulmonary Arrest - ERBITUX can cause cardiopulmonary arrest. Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in 2% of 208 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving radiation therapy and ERBITUX in BONNER. In 3 patients with prior history of coronary artery disease, death occurred 27, 32, and 43 days respectively after the last dose of ERBITUX. One patient with no prior history of coronary artery disease died one day after the last dose of ERBITUX. In EXTREME, fatal cardiac disorders and/or sudden death occurred in 3% of the 219 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with a cetuximab product in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil.
  • Carefully consider the use of ERBITUX with radiation therapy, or with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil, in head and neck cancer patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias.
  • Closely monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX therapy.

Pulmonary Toxicity

  • ERBITUX can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD, which was fatal in one case, occurred in <0.5% of 1570 patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity. Interrupt or permanently discontinue ERBITUX for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue ERBITUX for confirmed ILD.

Dermatologic Toxicities

  • ERBITUX can cause dermatologic toxicities, including acneiform rash, skin drying and fissuring, paronychial inflammation, infectious sequelae (e.g., S. aureus sepsis, abscess formation, cellulitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis/ulcerative keratitis with decreased visual acuity, cheilitis), and hypertrichosis
    • Acneiform rash occurred in 82% of the 1373 patients who received ERBITUX across clinical trials. Severe (Grades 3 or 4) acneiform rash occurred in 10% of patients. Acneiform rash usually developed within the first 2 weeks of therapy; the rash lasted more than 28 days after stopping ERBITUX in most patients.
    • Life-threatening and fatal bullous mucocutaneous disease with blisters, erosions, and skin sloughing has been observed in patients who received ERBITUX. It could not be determined whether these mucocutaneous adverse reactions were directly related to EGFR inhibition or to idiosyncratic immune-related effects (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis).
    • Monitor patients receiving ERBITUX for dermatologic toxicities and infectious sequelae.
    • Sun exposure may exacerbate these effects. Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during ERBITUX therapy.
    • Withhold, reduce dose or permanently discontinue ERBITUX based on severity of acneiform rash or mucocutaneous disease.

Risks Associated with Use in Combination with Radiation and Cisplatin

  • ERBITUX is not indicated for the treatment of SCCHN in combination with radiation and cisplatin.
  • In a controlled study, 940 patients with locally advanced SCCHN were randomized 1:1 to receive either ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy and cisplatin, or radiation therapy and cisplatin alone. The addition of ERBITUX resulted in an increase in the incidence of Grade 3 and 4 mucositis, radiation recall syndrome, acneiform rash, cardiac events, and electrolyte disturbances compared to radiation and cisplatin alone.
  • Adverse reactions with fatal outcome were reported in 4% of patients in the ERBITUX combination arm and 3% in the control arm.
  • In the ERBITUX arm, 2% experienced myocardial ischemia compared to 0.9% in the control arm.
  • The addition of ERBITUX to radiation and cisplatin did not improve progression-free survival (the primary endpoint).

Hypomagnesemia and Accompanying Electrolyte Abnormalities

  • ERBITUX can cause hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia occurred in 55% of 365 patients receiving ERBITUX in study CA225-025 and two other clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) or head and neck cancer, including Grades 3 and 4 in 6% to 17%. In EXTREME, where a cetuximab product was administered in combination with platinum-based therapy, the addition cetuximab to cisplatin and fluorouracil resulted in an increased incidence of hypomagnesemia of any grade (14%) and of Grade 3 or 4 hypomagnesemia (7%). Hypomagnesemia of any grade occurred in 4% of patients who received cetuximab, carboplatin, and fluorouracil. No patient experienced grade 3 or 4 hypomagnesemia. The onset of hypomagnesemia and accompanying electrolyte abnormalities can occur days to months after initiating ERBITUX.
    • Monitor patients weekly during treatment for hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia, and for at least 8 weeks following the completion of ERBITUX.
    • Replete electrolytes as necessary.

Increased Tumor Progression, Increased Mortality, or Lack of Benefit in Patients with Ras-Mutant mCRC

  • ERBITUX is not indicated for the treatment of patients with CRC that harbor somatic mutations in exon 2 (codons 12 and 13), exon 3 (codons 59 and 61), and exon 4 (codons 117 and 146) of either K-Ras or N-Ras and hereafter referred to as "Ras" or when the Ras status is unknown.
  • Retrospective subset analyses of Ras-mutant and wild-type populations across several randomized clinical trials, including CRYSTAL, were conducted to investigate the role of Ras mutations on the clinical effects of anti-EGFR-directed monoclonal antibodies. Use of cetuximab in patients with Ras mutations resulted in no clinical benefit with treatment related toxicity. Confirm Ras mutation status in tumor specimens prior to initiating ERBITUX.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

  • Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, ERBITUX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data for ERBITUX exposure in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, intravenous administration of cetuximab once weekly to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortion. Disruption or depletion of EGFR in animal models results in impairment of embryo-fetal development including effects on placental, lung, cardiac, skin, and neural development. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ERBITUX and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX. Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ERBITUX.

Adverse Reactions

  • The most common adverse reactions (all grades; incidence ≥25%) seen in patients with carcinomas of the head and neck receiving ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy (n=208) versus radiation alone (n=212) (BONNER) were acneiform rash (87% vs 10%), radiation dermatitis (86% vs 90%), weight loss (84% vs 72%), asthenia (56% vs 49%), nausea (49% vs 37%), increased alanine transaminase (43% vs 21%), increased aspartate transaminase (38% vs 24%), increased alkaline phosphatase (33% vs 24%), fever (29% vs 13%), emesis (29% vs 23%), pharyngitis (26% vs 19%) and dehydration (25% vs 19%). The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions for ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy (≥10%) versus radiation alone included: radiation dermatitis (23% vs 18%), acneiform rash (17% vs 1%), and weight loss (11% vs 7%). The overall incidence of late radiation toxicities (any grade) was higher for patients receiving ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy, versus radiation therapy alone. The following sites were affected: salivary glands (65% vs 56%), larynx (52% vs 36%), subcutaneous tissue (49% vs 45%), mucous membrane (48% vs 39%), esophagus (44% vs 35%), skin (42% vs 33%). The incidence of Grade 3 or 4 late radiation toxicities was similar between radiation therapy alone and the ERBITUX with radiation treatment groups.
  • The most common adverse reactions (all grades; incidence ≥25%) seen in patients with carcinomas of the head and neck receiving a cetuximab product in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil (CT) (n=219) versus CT alone (n=215) (EXTREME) were acneiform rash (70% vs 2%), nausea (54% vs 47%), infection (44% vs 27%), rash (28% vs 2%), diarrhea (26% vs 16%) and anorexia (25% vs 14%). The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reaction for a cetuximab product in combination with CT (≥10%) versus CT alone was infection (11% vs 8%). Because ERBITUX provides approximately 22% higher exposure relative to the cetuximab product used in EXTREME, the data provided above may underestimate the incidence and severity of adverse reactions anticipated with ERBITUX for this indication. However, the tolerability of the recommended dose is supported by safety data from additional studies of ERBITUX.
  • The most common adverse reactions (all grades; incidence ≥25%) seen in patients with K-Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing mCRC treated with a cetuximab product in combination with FOLFIRI (n=317) versus FOLFIRI alone (n=350) (CRYSTAL) were acne-like rash (86% vs 13%), diarrhea (66% vs 60%), neutropenia (49% vs 42%), rash (44% vs 4%), stomatitis (31% vs 19%), anorexia (30% vs 23%), dermatitis acneiform (26% vs <1%) and pyrexia (26% vs 14%). The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions (≥10%) included: neutropenia (31% vs 24%), acne-like rash (18% vs <1%), and diarrhea (16% vs 10%). ERBITUX provides approximately 22% higher exposure compared to the cetuximab product used in CRYSTAL; however, the safety data from CRYSTAL is consistent in incidence and severity of adverse reactions with those seen for ERBITUX in this indication.
  • The most common adverse reactions (all grades; incidence ≥25%) seen in patients with K-Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing mCRC treated with ERBITUX + best supportive care (BSC) (n=118) versus BSC alone (n=124) (CA225-025) were rash/desquamation (95% vs 21%), fatigue (91% vs 79%), nausea (64% vs 50%), pain-other (59% vs 37%), dry skin (57% vs 15%), constipation (53% vs 38%), dyspnea (49% vs 44%), pruritus (47% vs 11%), neuropathy-sensory (45% vs 38%), diarrhea (42% vs 23%), vomiting (40% vs 26%), headache (38% vs 11%), infection without neutropenia (38% vs 19%), other-dermatology (35% vs 7%), stomatitis (32% vs 10%), nail changes (31% vs 4%), cough (30% vs 19%), insomnia (27% vs 13%) and fever (25% vs 16%). The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions (≥10%) included: fatigue (31% vs 29%), pain-other (18% vs 10%), rash/desquamation (16% vs 1%), dyspnea (16% vs 13%), other-gastrointestinal (12% vs 5%), and infection without neutropenia (11% vs 5%).
  • The most common adverse reactions (all grades) seen in patients with EGFR-expressing recurrent mCRC (n=354) treated with ERBITUX plus irinotecan in clinical trials (CP02-9923 and BOND) were acneiform rash (88%), asthenia/malaise (73%), diarrhea (72%), and nausea (55%). The most common grade 3-4 adverse reactions included: diarrhea (22%), leukopenia (17%), asthenia/malaise (16%), and acneiform rash (14%).
  • The most common adverse reactions (all grades; incidence ≥25%) seen in patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC treated with ERBITUX in combination with encorafenib (N=216) versus ERBITUX with irinotecan or ERBITUX with FOLFIRI (N=193) (BEACON) were fatigue (51% vs 50%), nausea (34% vs 41%), diarrhea (33% vs 48%), dermatitis acneiform (32% vs 43%), abdominal pain (30% vs 32%), decreased appetite (27% vs 27%), arthralgia (27% vs 3%) and rash (26% vs 26%). Other clinically important adverse reactions occurring in <10% of patients who received ERBITUX in combination with encorafenib were pancreatitis. The most common laboratory abnormalities (all grades; incidence ≥20%) seen in patients receiving ERBITUX in combination with encorafenib versus ERBITUX with irinotecan or ERBITUX with FOLFIRI (BEACON) were anemia (34% vs 48%) and lymphopenia (24% vs 35%).

Use in Specific Populations

  • Lactation: There is no information regarding the presence of ERBITUX in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Human IgG antibodies can be excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ERBITUX, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ERBITUX and for at least 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX.
  • Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of ERBITUX in pediatric patients have not been established. No new safety signals were identified in pediatric patients when ERBITUX in combination with irinotecan was administered in an open-label, single-arm dose-finding study in 27 patients with refractory solid tumors aged 1 to 12 years old and in 19 patients aged 13 to 18 years old.
  • Geriatric Use: In SCCHN clinical studies of ERBITUX there were insufficient number of patients >65 years of age to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

CE HCP ISI_ALL 14SEP2022

INDICATION

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
ERBITUX is indicated for the treatment of KRAS wild-type, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test for this use:

  • In combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) for first-line treatment
  • In combination with irinotecan in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy
  • As a single agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy or who are intolerant to irinotecan

Limitations of Use: ERBITUX is not indicated for treatment of RAS-mutant colorectal cancer or when the results of the RAS mutation tests are unknown

ERBITUX is indicated, in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy

Head and Neck Cancer

  • ERBITUX, in combination with radiation therapy (RT), is indicated for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN)
  • ERBITUX is indicated in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil (CT) for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic SCCHN
  • ERBITUX, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed
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