WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Cytokine Release Syndrome
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including fatal or
life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with KYMRIAH. In Study
1, CRS occurred in 79% (54/68) of patients receiving KYMRIAH, including Grade 3
or 4 (Penn grading system1) CRS in 49% (33/68) of patients. The
median time to onset of CRS was 3 days (range: 1-22 days). Of the 54 patients
with CRS, 27 (50%) received tocilizumab; 7 (13%) patients received two doses of
tocilizumab, 3 (6%) patients received three doses of tocilizumab, and 14 (26%)
patients received addition of corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone). The
median time to resolution of CRS was 8 days (range: 1-36 days).
Key manifestations of CRS include high fever, lower than
normal blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and may be associated with
hepatic, renal, and cardiac dysfunction, and coagulopathy.
Risk factors for severe CRS are high pre-infusion tumor
burden (greater than 50% blasts in bone marrow), uncontrolled or accelerating
tumor burden following lymphodepleting chemotherapy, active infections, and/or
inflammatory processes.
Delay the infusion of KYMRIAH after lymphodepleting
chemotherapy if the patient has unresolved serious adverse reactions from
preceding chemotherapies (including pulmonary toxicity, cardiac toxicity, or
hypotension), active uncontrolled infection, active graft versus host disease
(GVHD), or worsening of leukemia burden [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Ensure that tocilizumab is available on site prior to
infusion of KYMRIAH. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least
4 weeks after treatment with KYMRIAH. Counsel patients to seek immediate
medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time [see PATIENT INFORMATION]. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate
patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care,
tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids as indicated [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Neurological Toxicities
Neurological toxicities, which may be severe or
life-threatening can occur following treatment with KYMRIAH. The majority of
neurological toxicities occurred within 8 weeks following KYMRIAH infusion. In
Study 1, neurological toxicities within 8 weeks after KYMRIAH infusion occurred
in 65% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 neurological toxicities in 18% of
patients, and 75% of events resolved within 12 days. The most common
neurological toxicities were headache (37%), encephalopathy (34%), delirium (21%),
anxiety (13%), and tremor (9%). Other manifestations of neurological toxicities
included disturbances in consciousness, disorientation, confusion, agitation,
seizures, mutism and aphasia. Onset of neurological toxicity can be concurrent
with CRS, following resolution of CRS or in the absence of CRS.
Monitor patients for neurological events and exclude
other causes for neurological symptoms. Provide supportive care as needed for
KYMRIAH-associated neurological events.
KYMRIAH REMS To Mitigate Cytokine Release Syndrome And Neurological
Toxicities
Because of the risk of CRS and neurological toxicities,
KYMRIAH is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation
and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the KYMRIAH REMS [see BOXED WARNING,
Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurological Toxicities]. The required components of the KYMRIAH REMS
are:
- Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer
KYMRIAH must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements. Certified
healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab, and
ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each
patient for administration within 2 hours after KYMRIAH infusion, if needed for
treatment of CRS.
- Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that
healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense or administer KYMRIAH are trained
about the management of CRS and neurological toxicities.
Further information is available at www.kymriah-rems.com
or 1-844-4KYMRIAH.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Allergic reactions may occur with infusion of KYMRIAH.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dextran 40 in KYMRIAH.
Serious Infections
Serious infections, including life-threatening or fatal
infections, occurred in patients after KYMRIAH infusion. In Study 1, infections
(all Grades) after KYMRIAH infusion occurred in 40 patients (59%), including 24
patients (35%) with Grade 3-4 infections and 2 patients (3%) with fatal
infections. Infections with an unknown pathogen occurred in 41% of patients,
viral infections in 26%, bacterial infections in 19%, and fungal infections in
13%. Prior to KYMRIAH infusion, infection prophylaxis should follow local
guidelines. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection after
treatment with KYMRIAH and treat appropriately [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Febrile neutropenia (Grade 3 or 4) was also observed in
37% of patients after KYMRIAH infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the
event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad
spectrum antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care as medically indicated.
Viral Reactivation
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases
resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in
patients treated with drugs directed against B cells. Hepatitis cases have been
reported in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, and
also in patients who are HBsAg-negative but hepatitis B core antibody
(anti-HBc) positive. HBV reactivation has occurred in patients who appear to
have resolved hepatitis B infection (i.e., HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive
and hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] positive).
HBV reactivation is defined as an abrupt increase in HBV
replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA level or detection
of HBsAg in a person who was previously HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-positive.
Reactivation of HBV replication is often followed by hepatitis, i.e., increase
in transaminase levels. In severe cases, increase in bilirubin levels, liver
failure, and death can occur.
Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance
with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.
Prolonged Cytopenias
Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks
following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and KYMRIAH infusion Grade 3 and 4
cytopenias not resolved by Day 28 following KYMRIAH treatment included
neutropenia (40%), and thrombocytopenia (27%) among 52 responding patients. At
56 days following KYMRIAH, 17% and 12% of responding patients had Grade 3 and 4
neutropenia or thrombocytopenia respectively. Prolonged neutropenia has been
associated with increased risk of infection. Myeloid growth factors, particularly
GM-CSF, are not recommended during the first 3 weeks after KYMRIAH infusion or
until CRS has resolved.
Hypogammaglobulinemia
Hypogammaglobulinemia and agammaglobulinemia (IgG) can
occur in patients with a complete remission (CR) after KYMRIAH infusion. In
Study 1, 43% of patients had hypogammaglobulinemia. B-cell aplasia is an
on-target effect of KYMRIAH and therefore a patient may experience
hypogammaglobulinemia for as long as KYMRIAH persists [see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].
Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with
KYMRIAH and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis and
immunoglobulin replacement standard guidelines.
The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines
during or following KYMRIAH treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with
live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 2 weeks prior to the start
of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during KYMRIAH treatment, and until immune
recovery following treatment with KYMRIAH.
Pregnant women who have received KYMRIAH may have
hypogammaglobulinemia. Assess immunoglobulin levels in newborns of mothers
treated with KYMRIAH.
Secondary Malignancies
Patients treated with KYMRIAH may develop secondary
malignancies or recurrence of their leukemia. Monitor life-long for secondary
malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-844-4KYMRIAH to obtain instructions on patient
samples to collect for testing.
Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines
Due to the potential for neurological events, including
altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving KYMRIAH are at risk for
altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following
KYMRIAH infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in
hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially
dangerous machinery, during this initial period.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (Medication Guide).
Ensure that patients understand the risk of manufacturing
failure. This has been reported in up to 9% of manufacturing attempts. In case
of a manufacturing failure, a second manufacturing of KYMRIAH may be attempted.
In addition, while the patient awaits the product, additional chemotherapy (not
the lymphodepletion) may be necessary and may increase the risk of adverse
events during the pre-infusion period.
Prior to infusion, advise patients of the following
risks:
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) -- Report signs and
symptoms of CRS (high fever, difficulty breathing, chills/shaking chills,
severe nausea, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, severe muscle pain, severe
joint pain, very low blood pressure, or dizziness/lightheadedness) to their
healthcare professional [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE
REACTIONS].
- Neurological Toxicities -- Report altered or decreased
consciousness, delirium, confusion, agitation, seizures, difficulty speaking
and understanding, or loss of balance to their healthcare professional [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].
- Serious Infections -- KYMRIAH may cause serious
infections. Advise patients that they will be screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV
before collection of cells [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE
REACTIONS].
- Hypogammaglobulinemia -- Patients may need to receive
immunoglobulin replacement for an indefinite amount of time following treatment
with KYMRIAH. Patients should tell their physician about their treatment with
KYMRIAH before receiving a live virus vaccine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].
- Driving and Engaging in Hazardous Occupations -- Patients
should refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or
activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, for at
least 8 weeks after treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Patients should be instructed to contact Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-844-4KYMRIAH if they get secondary
malignancies [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Genotoxicity assays and carcinogenicity assessment in
rodent models were not performed for KYMRIAH. In vitro expansion studies with
transduced T cells (KYMRIAH) from healthy donors and patients showed no
evidence for transformation and/or immortalization of T cells. In vivo studies
in immunocompromised mice did not show signs of abnormal cell growth or signs
of clonal cell expansion for up to 7 months after cell injection. A genomic
insertion site analysis was performed on KYMRIAH products from 14 individual
donors (12 patients and 2 healthy volunteers). There was no evidence for
preferential integration near genes of concern, or preferential outgrowth of
cells harboring integration sites of concern
No studies on the effects of KYMRIAH on fertility have
been conducted.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no available data with KYMRIAH use in pregnant
women. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been
conducted with KYMRIAH to assess whether it can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman. It is not known if KYMRIAH has the potential
to be transferred to the fetus. Based on the mechanism of action, if the
transduced cells cross the placenta, they may cause fetal toxicity, including
B-cell lymphocytopenia. Therefore, KYMRIAH is not recommended for women who are
pregnant, and pregnancy after KYMRIAH administration should be discussed with
the treating physician. Report pregnancies to Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Corporation at 1-888-669-6682.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background
risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized
pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of KYMRIAH
in human milk, the effect on the breastfed infant, and the effects on milk
production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be
considered along with the mother's clinical need for KYMRIAH and any potential
adverse effects on the breastfed infant from KYMRIAH or from the underlying
maternal condition.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy status of females with reproductive potential
should be verified. Sexually-active females of reproductive potential should
have a pregnancy test prior to starting treatment with KYMRIAH.
Contraception
See the prescribing information for fludarabine and
cyclophosphamide for information on the need for effective contraception in
patients who receive the lymphodepleting chemotherapy.
There are insufficient exposure data to provide a
recommendation concerning duration of contraception following treatment with
KYMRIAH.
Infertility
There are no data on the effect of KYMRIAH on fertility.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of KYMRIAH have been established
in pediatric patients. Use of KYMRIAH is supported by a single-arm trial [see Clinical
Studies] that included 52 pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory
B-cell precursor ALL in the following age groups: 33 children (age 3 years to
less than 12 years) and 19 adolescents (age 12 years to less than 17 years). No
differences in efficacy or safety were observed between the different age
subgroups or in comparison to the young adults in the trial.
Geriatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of KYMRIAH have not been
established in geriatric patients. Clinical studies of KYMRIAH for this
indication did not include patients age 65 years and over.
REFERENCES
1. Porter, D. et al (2015). Chimeric antigen receptor T
cells persist and induce sustained remissions in relapsed refractory chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (Table S4A). Sci. Transl. Med., 303ra139. DOI:
10.1126/scitranslmed.aac5415