IMFINZI® (durvalumab) Plus Chemotherapy Reduced Risk of Death by 20% in 1st-Line Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer
AstraZeneca announced positive results from the TOPAZ-1 Phase III trial, revealing that IMFINZI® (durvalumab) combined with chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival and progression-free survival for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer compared to chemotherapy alone. The trial showed a 20% reduction in the risk of death and a median overall survival of 12.8 months versus 11.5 months for chemotherapy. The combination also resulted in a 25% reduction in disease progression risk. This promising data will be presented at the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium on January 21, 2022.
- Statistically significant improvement in overall survival at 12.8 months for IMFINZI plus chemotherapy versus 11.5 months for chemotherapy alone.
- 20% reduction in risk of death (HR 0.80; p=0.021) and 25% reduction in risk of disease progression.
- Objective response rate of 26.7% for IMFINZI combination compared to 18.7% for chemotherapy alone.
- No increased discontinuation rate due to adverse events compared to chemotherapy.
- None.
TOPAZ-1 is the first Phase III trial to show improved survival with an immunotherapy combination in this setting
Combination did not increase discontinuations due to adverse events vs. chemotherapy alone
These results will be presented on
BTC is a group of rare and aggressive cancers that occur in the bile ducts and gallbladder.1,2 Approximately 50,000 people in the US,
Do-
In a predefined interim analysis, patients treated with IMFINZI in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy experienced a
Results also showed a
Summary of efficacy resultsi:
|
IMFINZI + chemotherapy (n=341) |
Placebo + chemotherapy (n=344) |
OSii,iii |
|
|
Percentage of patients with event |
58.1 |
65.7 |
Median OS ( |
12.8 (11.1, 14.0) |
11.5 (10.1, 12.5) |
HR ( 2-sided p-value |
0.80 (0.66, 0.97) 0.021 |
|
OS rate at 18 months ( |
35.1 (29.1, 41.2) |
25.6 (19.9, 31.7) |
OS rate at 24 months ( |
24.9 (17.9, 32.5) |
10.4 (4.7, 18.8) |
PFSiv,v |
|
|
Percentage of patients with event |
80.9 |
86.3 |
Median PFS ( |
7.2 (6.7, 7.4) |
5.7 (5.6, 6.7) |
HR ( 2-sided p-value |
0.75 (0.64, 0.89) 0.001 |
|
ORR (%) |
26.7 |
18.7 |
i. |
Analysis was done at |
|
ii. |
Investigator-assessed OS data cut-off date was |
|
iii. |
Median follow-up in censored patients at DCO: 13.7 months (range 0.4-27.2) for IMFINZI plus chemotherapy, 12.6 months (range 0.7-26.0) for chemotherapy alone. |
|
iv. |
Investigator-assessed PFS data cut-off date was |
|
v. |
Median follow-up in censored patients at DCO: 9.2 months (range 0.0-24.0) for IMFINZI plus chemotherapy, 6.9 months (range 0.0-20.4) for chemotherapy alone. |
IMFINZI plus chemotherapy did not increase the discontinuation rate due to adverse events (AEs) compared to chemotherapy alone. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AEs were experienced by
In
An additional presentation featured during the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium will showcase IMFINZI data from the HIMALAYA Phase III trial, demonstrating the potential of this medicine in the treatment of unresectable liver cancer.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
There are no contraindications for IMFINZI® (durvalumab).
Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under Warnings and Precautions may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting treatment or after discontinuation. Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate. Withhold or permanently discontinue IMFINZI depending on severity. See Dosing and Administration for specific details. In general, if IMFINZI requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 mg to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. In patients who did not receive recent prior radiation, the incidence of immune-mediated pneumonitis was
Immune-Mediated Colitis
IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated colitis that is frequently associated with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
-
Adrenal Insufficiency: IMFINZI can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency occurred in
0.5% (9/1889) of patients receiving IMFINZI, including Grade 3 (<0.1% ) adverse reactions. -
Hypophysitis: IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate symptomatic treatment including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Grade 3 hypophysitis/hypopituitarism occurred in <
0.1% (1/1889) of patients who received IMFINZI. - Thyroid Disorders: IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated.
-
Thyroiditis: Immune-mediated thyroiditis occurred in
0.5% (9/1889) of patients receiving IMFINZI, including Grade 3 (<0.1% ) adverse reactions. -
Hyperthyroidism: Immune-mediated hyperthyroidism occurred in
2.1% (39/1889) of patients receiving IMFINZI. -
Hypothyroidism: Immune-mediated hypothyroidism occurred in
8.3% (156/1889) of patients receiving IMFINZI, including Grade 3 (<0.1% ) adverse reactions. -
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis: Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Grade 3 immune-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in <
0.1% (1/1889) of patients receiving IMFINZI.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction
IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Dermatology Reactions
IMFINZI can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have occurred with PD-1/L-1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Immune-mediated rash or dermatitis occurred in
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of less than
- Cardiac/vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis.
- Nervous system: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy.
- Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
- Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis including increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis.
- Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatic.
- Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
- Other (hematologic/immune): Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplant rejection.
Infusion-Related Reactions
IMFINZI can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt, slow the rate of, or permanently discontinue IMFINZI based on the severity. See Dosing and Administration for specific details. For Grade 1 or 2 infusion-related reactions, consider using pre-medications with subsequent doses. Infusion-related reactions occurred in
Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after IMFINZI
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/L-1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/L-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/L-1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action and data from animal studies, IMFINZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with IMFINZI and for at least 3 months after the last dose of IMFINZI.
Lactation
There is no information regarding the presence of IMFINZI in human milk; however, because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed infants from IMFINZI, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions
-
In patients with Stage III NSCLC in the PACIFIC study receiving IMFINZI (n=475), the most common adverse reactions (≥
20% ) were cough (40% ), fatigue (34% ), pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis (34% ), upper respiratory tract infections (26% ), dyspnea (25% ), and rash (23% ). The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥3% ) were pneumonitis/radiation pneumonitis (3.4% ) and pneumonia (7% ) -
In patients with Stage III NSCLC in the PACIFIC study receiving IMFINZI (n=475), discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred in
15% of patients in the IMFINZI arm. Serious adverse reactions occurred in29% of patients receiving IMFINZI. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥2% ) were pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis (7% ) and pneumonia (6% ). Fatal pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis and fatal pneumonia occurred in <2% of patients and were similar across arms -
In patients with extensive-stage SCLC in the
CASPIAN study receiving IMFINZI plus chemotherapy (n=265), the most common adverse reactions (≥20% ) were nausea (34% ), fatigue/asthenia (32% ), and alopecia (31% ). The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction (≥3% ) was fatigue/asthenia (3.4% ) -
In patients with extensive-stage SCLC in the
CASPIAN study receiving IMFINZI plus chemotherapy (n=265), IMFINZI was discontinued due to adverse reactions in7% of the patients receiving IMFINZI plus chemotherapy. Serious adverse reactions occurred in31% of patients receiving IMFINZI plus chemotherapy. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least1% of patients were febrile neutropenia (4.5% ), pneumonia (2.3% ), anemia (1.9% ), pancytopenia (1.5% ), pneumonitis (1.1% ), and COPD (1.1% ). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in4.9% of patients receiving IMFINZI plus chemotherapy
The safety and effectiveness of IMFINZI have not been established in pediatric patients.
Indications:
IMFINZI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
IMFINZI, in combination with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information
Notes
About biliary tract cancer
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a group of rare and aggressive gastrointestinal (GI) cancers that form in the cells of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), gallbladder or ampulla of Vater (where the bile duct and pancreatic duct connect to the small intestine).1,2
Cholangiocarcinoma is more common in
Apart from ampullary cancer, early-stage BTC often presents without clear symptoms and most new cases of BTC are therefore diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited and the prognosis is poor.8-10
About TOPAZ-1
TOPAZ-1 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter, global Phase III trial of IMFINZI in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) versus placebo in combination with chemotherapy as a 1st-line treatment in 685 patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic BTC, including intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer (ampullary carcinoma was excluded).
The primary endpoint was OS and key secondary endpoints included progression-free survival, objective response rate and safety. The trial was conducted in 105 centres across 17 countries including in the US,
About IMFINZI® (durvalumab)
IMFINZI is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumor’s immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
IMFINZI is the only approved immunotherapy in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiation therapy and is the global standard of care in this setting based on the PACIFIC Phase III trial.
IMFINZI is also approved in the US, EU,
IMFINZI is also approved for previously treated patients with advanced bladder cancer in several countries. Since the first approval in
As part of a broad development program, IMFINZI is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, bladder cancer, liver cancer, BTC, esophageal cancer, gastric and gastroesophageal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other solid tumors.
About AstraZeneca Support Programs
Additionally,
About
Within this program, the Company is committed to improving outcomes in gastric, liver, BTC, esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
IMFINZI is being assessed in combinations in liver, BTC, esophageal and gastric cancers in an extensive development program spanning early to late-stage disease. In
The Company aims to understand the potential of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, a HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate, in the two most common GI cancers, colorectal and gastric cancers. Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki is jointly developed and commercialized by
Olaparib is a first-in-class PARP inhibitor with a broad and advanced clinical trial program across multiple GI tumor types including pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Olaparib is developed and commercialized in collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc.,
About
Immunotherapy is a therapeutic approach designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumors. The Company’s Immuno-Oncology (IO) portfolio is anchored in immunotherapies that have been designed to overcome anti-tumor immune suppression.
The Company is pursuing a comprehensive clinical-trial program that includes IMFINZI as a single treatment and in combination with tremelimumab and other novel antibodies in multiple tumor types, stages of disease and lines of treatment, and where relevant using the PD-L1 biomarker as a decision-making tool to define the best potential treatment path for a patient.
In addition, the ability to combine the IO portfolio with radiation, chemotherapy and targeted small molecules from across AstraZeneca’s Oncology pipeline and from research partners, may provide new treatment options across a broad range of tumors.
About
The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that
About
References
1.
2. ESMO. What is Biliary Tract Cancer. Available at: https://www.esmo.org/content/download/266801/5310983/1/EN-Biliary-Tract-Cancer-Guide-for-Patients.pdf. Accessed
3. Siegel R, et al. Cancer Statistics. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020; 70: 7-30.
4. Nakachi K, et al. A randomized Phase III trial of adjuvant S1 therapy vs. observation alone in resected biliary tract cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study (JCOG1202, ASCOT).
5. GBD 2017 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.
6. Turkes F, et al. Contemporary Tailored Oncology Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancers. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2019; 2019:7698786.
7. Rawla P, et al. Epidemiology of gallbladder cancer. Clin Exp Hepatol. 2019; 5(2): 93-102.
8. Banales JM, et al. Cholangiocarcinoma 2020: the next horizon in mechanisms and management. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2020; 17: 557-588.
9. Mehrotra B. Gallbladder cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, and diagnosis. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gallbladder-cancer-epidemiology-risk-factors-clinical-features-and-diagnosis. Accessed
10. He XD, et al. Association of metabolic syndromes and risk factors with ampullary tumors development: A case-control study in
11. WHO. World Cancer Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/900-world-fact-sheets.pdf. Accessed
US-61053 Last Updated 1/22
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