A reduced pazopanib dose with food: Is it more patient-friendly and does it reduce drug costs?

Abstract

4564 Background: Pazopanib has been licensed for advanced soft tissue sarcoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a fixed oral daily dose of 800mg taken fasted. We hypothesized that ingesting pazopanib with food may improve patients’ comfort and reduce gastro-intestinal adverse events. Moreover, a food intervention, resulting in a better absorption, can lead to a lower dose, which could significantly reduce treatment costs. Methods: Part 1 of the study was performed to determine whether 600mg pazopanib taken with a continental breakfast was bioequivalent to 800mg pazopanib taken fasted. In part 2, differences in GI-toxicity and patient satisfaction were assessed by the cancer-therapy-satisfaction-questionnaire after both intake regimens. Finally, patient’s preference for either intake regimen was asked. Results: 16 patients were included in the bioequivalence study. The geometric mean ratio (fed/fasted) of the area under the plasma concentration time curve was 1.10 (90% CI 1.00-1.19), maximum peak concentration was 1.12 (90% CI 1.02-1.22) and pazopanib trough concentration was 1.10 (90% CI 1.02-1.18). In part 2, 60 patients were included. No differences were seen in the occurrence of GI-toxicities under both intake regimens. Patients seem to be more positive about their feelings about side effects (72.3(95% CI 68.1-76.5) vs 68·2 (62.7-73.6); p=.092) and satisfaction with therapy scores were higher (84.7(95% CI 81.4-87.9) vs 81.9 (78.7-85.2); p= .059) when pazopanib was taken with food. 41 (68%) of the patients preferred the intake with continental breakfast. Conclusions: Intake of 600mg pazopanib with food results in bioequivalent exposure and was preferred over a standard pazopanib dose without food. Moreover, with this simple food intervention a large cost reduction can be realized in patients treated with pazopanib. Clinical trial information: NCT02138526.