Infusion-related Hypersensitivity Reactions Research Articles

Iron infusion-related Fishbane-type hypersensitivity reactions

Iron infusion-related Fishbane-type hypersensitivity reactions

Standardized Titration Protocol Reduces the Incidence of Paclitaxel Infusion-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions.

Infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions with paclitaxel are common despite the use of dexamethasone and diphenhydramine premedications. Paclitaxel titration protocols that may reduce reactions are empirically derived from clinical observations, and there are no phase III trials that confirm superiority of any management recommendations. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency and severity of hypersensitivity reactions associated with a recently initiated standardized paclitaxel titration protocol verses standard-of-care (SOC) infusion protocols. This was a retrospective review of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving paclitaxel infusions at five ambulatory infusion centers using a standardized titration protocol (February 2021 to April 2021) versus SOC paclitaxel (November 2018 to December 2019). Patients were age 18 years or older and presented for their first or second infusions. The primary study measure was the rate of hypersensitivity reactions. Secondary evaluations included the timing of the reaction after the start of the infusion, use of premedications, and severity of reactions. A total of 451 patients were included in this study. Eighty-four (18.6%) patients were identified in the titration protocol group and 367 (81.4%) patients in the SOC group. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 4.8% of the titration group and 18.3% of the SOC group (odds ratio [OR], 0.224; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.74; P = .002). Grade 3 or greater infusion reactions were 0% in the titration group versus 18% in the SOC group (OR, 0.28; P < .008). Reactions occurred later with the titration protocol, compared with the SOC paclitaxel infusion. Finally, no differences were observed in the use of appropriate premedications. A standardized paclitaxel titration protocol was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving their first and second infusions. A prospective randomized trial is needed to validate these observations.

Addressing hypersensitivity reactions induced by Daratumumab: A review of management approaches and preventive measures

Daratumumab is a novel and remedial monoclonal antibody with broad-spectrum killing activity. It has shown a favorable safety profile as monotherapy in cases with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Daratumumab along with its remedial benefits is associated with a range of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) most importantly Hypersensitivity reactions that can significantly impact patient outcomes and health-related quality of life. The standard of care can be maintained by administering pre-infusion prophylactic medications and also by optimizing the Daratumumab infusions. The review focuses on the adverse drug reactions induced by Daratumumab, various preventative measures, and management strategies opted for curbing the Daratumumab-mediated infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions.

Novel approach to idursulfase and laronidase desensitization in type 2 and type 1 S mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)

Background:Idursulfase and laronidase are drugs used to treat Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type 2) and Scheie syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 S), respectively. These are rare lysosomal storage disorders, leading to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans within lysosomes. Failure of early recognition of the disease and/or delay in starting the appropriate treatment result in severe clinical impairment and death. For almost 20 years, enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant proteins has represented the first line therapeutic option. However, administration of idursulfase and laronidase is associated with infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions, in approx. 20% of patients. In these patients, rapid desensitization by intravenous administration protocols has been used in order to avoid treatment discontinuation. This approach proved effective and safe. However, long-term tolerance could not be achieved. Thus, we decided to combine rapid desensitization with allergen immunotherapy-like desensitization.Results:Two patients with Hunter syndrome and one patient with Scheie syndrome developed severe allergy to idursulfase and laronidase, respectively, preventing them from continuing the otherwise indispensable therapy. In all three patients, the possible IgE-mediated nature of the reactions suffered was suggested by positive skin tests with the two enzymes, respectively. By devising 12-step, 3-dilution rapid desensitization protocols, we resumed the enzyme replacement therapy. However, the prolonged time required for administration (a not negligible pitfall, since therapy should be given weekly for life) and the persistent occurrence of reactions (mild but still requiring anti-allergic medication at full dosage) led us to combine rapid desensitization with a compact 11-step, 24-day allergen immunotherapy-like desensitization protocol. Thus, idursulfase and laronidase were injected subcutaneously, with a 500-fold increase from step 1 to step 11 for idursulfase and a 222-fold increase for laronidase. This strategy led to restoration of long-term tolerance, allowing weekly intravenous therapy administration under standard conditions, according to the manufacturer instructions, in the absence of side effects and with only precautionary low-dose premedication.Conclusion:Rapid desensitization is a suitable and safe option in the case of idursulfase and laronidase allergy. Combination with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy-like desensitization afforded restoration of enzyme replacement therapy given by the normal administration schedule, by inducing sustained tolerance.

Repeated intravenous cardiosphere-derived cell therapy in late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy (HOPE-2): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial

Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) ameliorate skeletal and cardiac muscle deterioration in experimental models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The HOPE-2 trial examined the safety and efficacy of sequential intravenous infusions of human allogeneic CDCs in late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 10 years or older with moderate upper limb impairment, were enrolled at seven centres in the USA. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using stratified permuted blocks to receive CAP-1002 (1·5 × 108 CDCs) or placebo intravenously every 3 months for a total of four infusions. Clinicians, caregivers, patients, and clinical operations personnel were fully masked to treatment groups. The primary outcome was the change in mid-level elbow Performance of Upper Limb version 1.2 (PUL 1.2) score at 12 months, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all individuals who received an investigational product. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03406780. Between March 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020, 26 male patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were enrolled, of whom eight were randomly assigned to the CAP-1002 group and 12 to the placebo group (six were not randomised due to screening failure). In patients who had a post-treatment PUL 1.2 assessment (eight in the CAP-1002 group and 11 in the placebo group), the mean 12-month change from baseline in mid-level elbow PUL1.2 favoured CAP-1002 over placebo (percentile difference 36·2, 95% CI 12·7-59·7; difference of 2·6 points; p=0·014). Infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions without long-term sequelae were observed in three patients, with one patient discontinuing therapy due to a severe allergic reaction. No other major adverse reactions were noted, and no deaths occurred. CAP-1002 cell therapy appears to be safe and effective in reducing deterioration of upper limb function in patients with late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Various measures of cardiac function and structure were also improved in the CAP-1002 group compared with the placebo group. Longer-term extension studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic durability and safety of CAP-1002 beyond 12 months for the treatment of skeletal myopathy and cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Capricor Therapeutics.

Real-World Data of the Hemostatic Efficacy of Recombinant Human Factor VIIa Eptacog Beta for Acute Bleeding Events in Patients with Hemophilia a and B with Inhibitors

Introduction: Activated prothrombin complex concentrate (FEIBA, Takeda) and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa, Novoseven, NovoNordisk) remain the primary bypassing agents (BPA) available for bleeding management in patients with hemophilia and inhibitors. Eptacog beta [rFVIIa-B, Coagulation factor VIIa (recombinant)-jncw, Sevenfact, HEMA Biologics & LFB] is a recombinant human FVIIa approved by the FDA in 2020 for the treatment of acute bleeding events in adult and adolescent patients ≥12 years old with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. rFVIIa-B demonstrated hemostatic efficacy of 86% in a phase 3, randomized cross-over study of 465 mild/moderate bleeding events in 27 patients with hemophilia A and B with inhibitors. The purpose of this study is to report real-world data on the hemostatic efficacy of rFVIIa-B for acute bleeding management in patients with hemophilia A and B with inhibitors.Methods: This is a retrospective chart-review of individuals ≥12 years of age with severe hemophilia A (factor VIII <1%) or hemophilia B (factor IX <1%) with an active inhibitor from 3 U.S. hemophilia treatment centers who utilized rFVIIa-B for acute bleed management.Results: Seven bleeds were treated among the 3 patients identified. Patient characteristics and bleeding events are summarized in Table 1. The 3 patients were 12, 13, and 31 years of age. Two patients had hemophilia A and 1 patient had hemophilia B. The 2 patients with hemophilia A were on emicizumab prophylaxis per standard dosing regimens for bleeding prevention. The individual patient with hemophilia B had a history of anaphylaxis at inhibitor development and received on-demand BPA for acute bleeding events. All 7 bleeds consisted of hemarthroses with the knee being the primary site in 57% of the bleeds. Five of the 7 bleeds (71%) received a severe bleeding dose of 210-225 microgram per kilogram (mcg/kg) for the initial rFVIIa-B dose followed by 70-75 mcg/kg for subsequent doses. Final dosing regimens were dependent on available vial sizes. rFVIIa-B resulted in complete resolution of all bleeds (100%) at a median of 4 doses (range 1-8 doses) and a median of 24 hours (range 3-48 hours). There were no failures in bleeding resolution following treatment. No adverse events with infusions were reported including infusion-related reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, thrombosis, or thrombotic microangiopathy.Conclusions: Administration of rFVIIa-B in the real-world setting appears to demonstrate hemostatic efficacy in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients with hemophilia A and B with inhibitors and may serve as an alternative human rFVIIa therapy for the management of acute bleeds in this population. Further post-marketing studies are warranted to expand the indication to younger children (<12 years of age) and to continue to monitor drug efficacy and adverse events in a larger population of patients over time including individuals on non-factor therapies such as emicizumab. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBatsuli: Bio Product Laboratory: Honoraria; Kedrion: Honoraria. Tran: HEMA Biologics: Honoraria. Young: Apcintex, BioMarin, Genentech/Roche, Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Rani, Sanofi Genzyme, Spark, Takeda, and UniQure: Consultancy; Genentech/Roche, Grifols, and Takeda: Research Funding. Sidonio: Guardian Therapeutics: Consultancy; Octapharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Catalyst: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Biomarin: Consultancy; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Safety of Intravenous Iron - Cosmofer and Monofer Therapy in Peritoneal Dialysis and Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Safety of parenteral iron therapy is critical and has been demonstrated in several studies, but concerns persist on safety. We performed a retrospective single-center study investigating the safety and efficacy of parenteral iron administration using 2 iron preparations-Monofer and Cosmofer (Pharmacosmos A/S, Holbaek, Denmark)-in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and non-dialysis. A database of CKD patients receiving intravenous (IV) iron was analyzed. Side effects were recorded during infusion, post-infusion, and after 48 hours. In a population of CKD patients (non-dialysis and PD), IV iron is safe with few major adverse effects for these 2 IV iron preparations studied with similar dosing schedules. These data provide reassurance on the relative short-term safety of IV iron preparations regarding acute infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions.

A case of rapid desensitization for rituximab-induced delayed hypersensitivity reaction

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Infu sion-related hypersensitivity reactions to rituximab is well known, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to rituximab are also re ported. Desensitization is commonly used to prevent immediate hypersensitivity reactions, but recently there have been cases of successful desensitization therapy for delayed hypersensitivity reactions. A 66-year-old patient who underwent rituximab treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma showed repeated rituximab-induced delayed hypersensitivity reactions with whole body rashes. Intravenous rapid desensitization was performed by using a 1-bottle, 11-step protocol for 6 cycles and thereafter hypersensitivity reaction did not recur. We herein reported a case of delayed hypersensitivity reaction caused by rituximab, which was successfully desensitized using our 11-step protocol. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2019;7:109-112)

Infusion Related Hypersensitivity Reactions with Bio-similar Anti CD-20 Monoclonal Antibody Rituximab in Indian Patients: A Retrospective Study.

There is paucity of data on infusion related hypersensitivity reactions (IRHR) pattern of bio-similar rituximabin B-cell lymphoma patients. As bio-similar molecules are independently developed monoclonal antibodies, they are likely to differ in immunogenicity and therefore, the hypersensitivity data of the innovator rituximab may not be directly applicable to patients treated with the biosimilar rituximabmolecule. We analysed our data of 256 patients of B cell lymphoid neoplasm who received bio-similar rituximab (Reditux) based chemo-immunotherapy for their treatment. Total 56/256 (21.8%) patients had ≥grade II IRHR with first dose of rituximab. Grade II reactions were seen in 32/256 (12.5%) cases, grade III and grade IV reactions were seen in 21/256 (8.2%) and 3/256 (1.2%) cases, respectively. Rituximab was withdrawn from all further therapy in only 2 patients due to grade IV IRHRafter attempting re-challenge ofthe drug under intensive monitoring. There was no difference in complete response rates in patients with or without IRHR during their first rituximab infusion. The IRHRs with bio-similar rituximab noted in our study were comparable with the previously published reactions associated with the original rituximab.

Left Ventricular Perforation in A Patient with Lung Cancer Treated with Bevacizumab

In addition to traditional chemotherapeutic regimens molecular targeted agents emerged as new therapeutic options for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These targeted therapies do not have the same systemic adverse effects usually observed with traditional cytotoxic drugs, but feature a specific spectrum of characteristic adverse effects. The humanized monoclonal antibody against the VEGF-A ligand Bevacizumab inhibits angiogenesis. The characteristic toxicities of Bevacizumab include hemorrhage, wound healing complications, gastrointestinal perforation, arterial thromboembolism, and infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions. We present a unique case of a left ventricular wall perforation after myocardial infarction associated with the administration of Bevacizumab in NSCLC. Cardiac MRI follow-up showed regression of the ventricular perforation.

The VITAL Amyloidosis Study: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Global, Phase 3 Study of NEOD001 in Patients with AL Amyloidosis and Cardiac Dysfunction

Background: Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is caused by the deposition of misfolded light chain (LC) proteins, which may cause organ failure and death. Current treatments, which target the plasma cells that produce LC, induce organ responses in only 30% to 40% of patients. There is a substantial need for a safe and effective amyloid-directed therapy to improve recovery of organ function. NEOD001, a monoclonal antibody that targets misfolded LC, is hypothesized to neutralize circulating LC aggregates and to clear insoluble organ deposits. In an ongoing phase 1/2 study (NCT02613182; Gertz M et al. J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(10):1097-1103) in 27 patients with AL amyloidosis and persistent organ dysfunction, monthly NEOD001 infusions were well tolerated and produced no infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions. In a best response analysis of subjects who fulfilled eligibility criteria at baseline, 57% met cardiac and 60% met renal response criteria. Supported by these positive results, the current study (VITAL; NCT02312206) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial of NEOD001 in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. Here we present the study design for this trial in progress.Patients and Methods: Eligible patients (estimated enrollment, 236) with a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis (newly diagnosed, treatment naive) and cardiac dysfunction (N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] ≥650 and <8500 pg/mL, clinical signs of heart failure, left ventricular wall thickness >12 mm, or cardiac biopsy-detected amyloidosis) and with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive NEOD001 (24 mg/kg q28d) plus standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy or placebo plus SOC therapy. Subjects will be stratified according to Mayo Clinic stage, renal stage, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance. The primary end point is a composite, evidence-based measure consisting of all-cause mortality or cardiac hospitalization. Key secondary end points include cardiac response measured by NT-proBNP (as defined by Comenzo RL et al. Leukemia. 2012;26(11):2317-2325) and change in 6MWT distance, Short Form-36 Health Survey response, Neuropathy Impairment Score-Lower Limb and renal response (as defined by Palladini G et al. Blood. 2014;124(15):2325-2332). DisclosuresLiedtke:Gilead: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Prothena: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Merlini:Takeda and Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Landau:Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx/Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Prothena: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Comenzo:Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Prothena: Consultancy, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding. Sanchorawala:Prothena: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Weiss:Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodations, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodations; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Prothena: Other: Travel, accommodations, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy. Zonder:Array Biopharma: Consultancy; Prothena: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Walling:Stealth: Consultancy; KaloBios: Consultancy; Exelixis: Consultancy; Newgen: Consultancy; Mateon (was Oxigene): Consultancy; Apex: Consultancy; Corcept: Consultancy; Aduro: Consultancy; Prothena: Consultancy; BioMarin: Equity Ownership; Amgen: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties; NuMedii: Consultancy; Pharm-Olam: Consultancy; Crown Bioscience: Consultancy; Codexis: Consultancy; Upsher Smith: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties. Kinney:Prothena: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Leadership. Koller:Prothena: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Travel, accommodations. Gertz:Ionis: Research Funding; Prothena Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Annexon Biosciences: Research Funding; Research to Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Med Learning Group: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria; NCI Frederick: Honoraria; Sandoz Inc: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria.

Diagnosis and Management of Infusion-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions to Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Lysosomal Diseases: The Role of Desensitization

Diagnosis and Management of Infusion-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions to Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Lysosomal Diseases: The Role of Desensitization

Diagnosis and management of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions to enzyme replacement therapy for lysosomal diseases: The role of desensitization

Diagnosis and management of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions to enzyme replacement therapy for lysosomal diseases: The role of desensitization

Intravenous Versus Oral Dexamethasone Premedication in Preventing Paclitaxel Infusion Hypersensitivity Reactions in Gynecological Malignancies

Dexamethasone premedication is required with paclitaxel to prevent infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Both oral dexamethasone (PO-D; 20 mg 12 and 6 hours before paclitaxel) and intravenous dexamethasone (IV-D; 20 mg 30 minutes before paclitaxel) regimens are used. The optimal premedication regimen and management of patients after HSR are unclear. Data on HSRs in women receiving paclitaxel, 175 mg/m², every 3 weeks at Imperial College Healthcare Trust from May 2011 to February 2012 were obtained from the pharmacy database. During this period, dexamethasone premedication for paclitaxel was administered orally (PO-D; 20 mg 12 and 6 hours before paclitaxel) from May to August 2011, then changed to intravenous dexamethasone (IV-D; 20 mg 30 minutes before paclitaxel) for 3 months, and then reverted to PO-D from November 2011. There were 93 and 55 patients who received PO-D and IV-D before paclitaxel, respectively. Hypersensitivity reaction rates were pooled with those from published studies for analysis. Gynecologic oncology centers in the UK and Canada were surveyed regarding premedication and post-HSR management. A Markov Monte-Carlo simulation model compared costs and benefits of different strategies. Hypersensitivity reaction rates with PO-D and IV-D were 5.4% (5/93) versus 14.5% (8/55) (P = 0.07) in Imperial College Healthcare Trust patients, and 6.8% (20/290) versus 14.1% (30/212) (P = 0.009) on pooled analysis with data from 2 additional studies (502 patients), respectively. However, IV-D is the most common premedication regimen used in the UK and Canada (48.5% and 34.2% of centers). Post-HSR paclitaxel on a desensitization protocol is a cost-effective alternative to discontinuing paclitaxel altogether. Oral dexamethasone seems to be superior to IV-D in preventing HSRs. Post-HSR patients should be considered for desensitization.

Shorter bevacizumab infusions do not increase the incidence of proteinuria and hypertension

BackgroundA previous study has shown that shorter bevacizumab infusions (0.5 mg/kg/min) can be safely administered without increasing the risk of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). However, the risk of proteinuria and hypertension in patients receiving shorter infusions of bevacizumab is undetermined. Patients and methodsThis was a multicenter, prospective, observational study in patients receiving <10 mg/kg of bevacizumab infused over 0.5 mg/kg/min. Patients were observed until discontinuation of bevacizumab for progression of cancer or toxicity. The incidence of hypertension and proteinuria was compared with a prior cohort of patients who had received standard duration infusions of bevacizumab. ResultsSixty-three patients received a total of 392 doses of shorter bevacizumab infusions. Nineteen (30.2%) patients experienced proteinuria while receiving bevacizumab. Out of 19 patients, 13 had grade 1 and 6 had grade 2 proteinuria. None of the patients experienced grade 3 or 4 proteinuria. Hypertension was reported in 32 (50.8%) patients receiving bevacizumab. Twelve (19%) patients developed grade 3 or greater hypertension on bevacizumab. The incidence of proteinuria and hypertension was 38.3% and 56.6%, respectively, in patients (N = 120, 1347 infusions) receiving standard duration infusions of bevacizumab. ConclusionsShorter bevacizumab infusions (0.5 mg/kg/min) do not increase the risk of proteinuria and hypertension.

Echinocandins in Children

Echinocandins in Children

Safety of bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg infusion over 10 minutes in NSCLC patients

Bevacizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody against VEGF. Because infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are a concern with monoclonal antibodies, initial phase 1 trials used a 90-, 60-, then 30-min initial infusion sequence. We evaluated the impact of a shortened bevacizumab infusion (10 min) on toxicity in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Consecutive patients with stage IV NSCLC eligible for anti-VEGF therapy received a platinum doublet plus bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg infused over 10 min, every 3 weeks, in the outpatient setting. Blood pressure was monitored at home twice daily, and other toxicities (HSRs and proteinuria) were monitored at each treatment administration. Bevacizumab was given as a 10 min infusion in 55 patients (group A), and using the standard sequence in another 36 patients (group B). Hypertension (grade ≥ 2) was observed in 18/55 (32.7%) patients in group A and 13/36 (38.9%) patients in group B (p = 0.77). Similarly, no difference was seen regarding the incidence of grade ≥ 2 proteinuria (12.7% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.39), arterial thrombo-embolic events (0 in each group) or venous thromboembolic events (1.8% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.29). Our data suggest that bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg can be safely infused over 10 min in unselected NSCLC patients despite their cardio-vascular and respiratory comorbidities, saving time for both patients and caregivers.

Understanding and managing the possible adverse effects associated with bevacizumab

The adverse events associated with bevacizumab therapy are characterized, and the underlying pathophysiology, risk factors, frequency, and management of these events are described. The adverse events associated with bevacizumab include hypertension, proteinuria, thromboembolism, impaired wound healing, bleeding, perforation, reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome, skin rash, and infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should be monitored for these events throughout the course of bevacizumab therapy. Hypertension is by far the most common adverse event associated with bevacizumab. Blood pressure should be routinely monitored, and hypertension should be medically managed with antihypertensive drugs as deemed appropriate during bevacizumab therapy. Patients should be monitored for proteinuria every three to four weeks, and bevacizumab should be discontinued with persistent proteinuria of >2+. Thromboembolic events, impaired wound healing, bowel and nasal septum perforation, and bleeding share similar pathophysiology. Thromboembolic events should be managed in accordance with guidelines established by the American College of Chest Physicians, and bevacizumab should be discontinued for new life-threatening venous or arterial thromboembolism. To minimize the risk of bleeding or impaired wound healing, bevacizumab should be started at least four weeks after surgery or discontinued for at least six to eight weeks before elective surgery. The management of other adverse events is more anecdotal, with relatively few reports of their occurrence with bevacizumab. Many of the potential serious complications of bevacizumab can be averted by close monitoring of patient-specific variables, which should be measured at baseline and then at predetermined intervals throughout the course of therapy to maximize patient safety.

Intricacies of Bevacizumab-Induced Toxicities and Their Management

To review the serious and common toxicities of bevacizumab and describe their incidence, risk factors, presentation, pathophysiology, and management. Literature for this review article was collected from PubMed, MEDLINE, and the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2000-November 2008). The key terms used in the search were: bevacizumab, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiogenesis inhibitors, toxicity, toxicity management, and adverse event. Review articles, preclinical studies, and all published Phase 1-3 clinical trials were reviewed. The references listed in identified articles were examined for additional publications. The biomedical literature from 2000 to 2008 confirms that bevacizumab carries serious and potentially life-threatening toxicity risks and emphasizes the importance of early recognition, continuous monitoring, and prompt management of these toxicities. Such toxicities include hemorrhage/bleeding, wound healing complications, gastrointestinal perforation, arterial thromboembolism, congestive heart failure, hypertension, proteinuria/nephrotic syndrome, infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions, and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Patients at the highest risk for these toxicities are individuals with a history of hypertension, thromboembolism, bleeding, cardiovascular disease, or preexisting proteinuria, as these conditions may be exacerbated by bevacizumab use. Additionally, particular tumor types correlate with risk for individual toxicities; for example, patients with squamous non-small-cell lung cancer or rectal cancer have a higher risk of bleeding, those with renal cell carcinoma have a higher proteinuria risk, and patients with colorectal cancer have a higher risk of gastrointestinal perforation. Further investigation is warranted to develop effective management strategies for these toxicities. As bevacizumab is becoming widely used in general oncology practice, it is important to understand the toxicities that can arise and to develop practice guidelines for their management.

Trastuzumab 6 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg can be infused safely over 30 minutes.

Abstract Abstract #3150 Background: Trastuzumab (T) is a humanized monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast cancers which overexpress the HER2 protein. Infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) have been reported in patients receiving T. Since T became commercially available in 1998, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) guidelines recommended that 4 and 6 mg/kg doses be infused over 90 minutes, as outlined in the product monograph. Based on more recent pharmacokinetic data of T and the experience at other institutions, it was postulated that a more rapid infusion of T would be well tolerated, even at doses greater than 2 mg/kg. As a result, in June 2007, the guideline at MSKCC was revised to infuse initial loading doses (8, 6 or 4 mg/kg) over 90 minutes and, if tolerated, all subsequent maintenance doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg over 30 minutes. In this review, we sought to evaluate the safety and tolerability of T administered as a 30 minutes infusion.&amp;#x2028; Methods: Our institutional adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting program was used to identify HSRs possibly related to T after implementation of the new infusion time guidelines. Computerized pharmacy records were used to retrospectively identify all patients who received T at MSKCC 1 year prior to implementation of new guideline (6/06 – 5/07), as well as the period of 10 months after the implementation of the revised guideline (7/07 - 4/08). The ADRs reported before and after implementation were reviewed and compared. Additionally, patient medication administration records were reviewed to confirm reactions reported via the ADR reporting program.&amp;#x2028; &amp;#x2028; Results: Of the 2,633 4 and 6 mg/kg maintenance doses administered over 30 minutes, 2451 were given without concurrent administration of diphenhydramine, dexamethasone, or acetaminophen. 165 doses were escalated from 2 to 4 or 6 mg/kg and the infusion rate was kept at 30 minutes. The 2 patients with loading dose-associated HSRs, that occurred after the change in the guideline, were able to tolerate subsequent doses of T (4 and 6 mg/kg) infused over 30 minutes when rechallenged.&amp;#x2028; Conclusion: Trastuzumab can be safely infused over 30 minutes for 4 and 6 mg/kg maintenance doses and this is the current practice at our institution. This change has resulted in improved efficiency and patient convenience, and decreased cost associated with the longer duration infusions. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3150.