The first medication
approved by the FDA
to treat advanced
medullary thyroid
cancer (aMTC)

The first medication approved by the FDA to treat advanced medullary thyroid cancer (aMTC)

Efficacy

CAPRELSA is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. Use CAPRELSA in patients with indolent, asymptomatic or slowly progressing disease only after careful consideration of the treatment-related risks of CAPRELSA.

Clinical Trial Design

ZETA Study

  • CAPRELSA was studied in an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial to determine efficacy and safety in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic MTC1,2
  • One of the largest clinical trials in patients with aMTC
  • Patients were followed for progression and survival2

Primary objective: To demonstrate an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo1,2

Secondary objectives: To evaluate objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety1,2

PFS and ORR assessments were based on centralized, independent, blinded review of the imaging data.1

 

infographic

Progression-free Survival

CAPRELSA Significantly Prolonged PFS vs Placebo1,2


efficacy graph

Median final OS were similar across both treatment arms.

Comparison of ORR for CAPRELSA and Placebo

44% of CAPRELSA Patients Achieved
Response During Randomized Phase1

efficacy chart

All objective responses were partial responses. No complete responses were observed.1

Mechanism of Action

  • In vitro studies have shown that vandetanib inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR and VEGFR families, RET, BRK, TIE2, and members of the EPH receptor and Src kinase families1
  • In vitro, vandetanib inhibited EGF-stimulated receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in tumor cells and endothelial cells and VEGF-stimulated tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in endothelial cells1
  • In in vivo mouse models of cancer, vandetanib administration reduced tumor cell-induced angiogenesis, tumor vessel permeability, and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis1

EGFR=epidermal growth factor receptor; VEGFR=vascular endothelial growth factor receptor; RET=rearranged during transfection; BRK=breast tumor kinase; TIE2=endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase; EPH=ephrin receptors; Src=non-receptor tyrosine kinases.

References

  1. CAPRELSA [prescribing information], Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA 02142.
  2. Wells SA Jr, Robinson BG, Gagel RF, et al. Vandetanib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer: a randomized, double-blind phase III trial. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30(2):134-141.

Important Safety Information, including Boxed WARNING, for CAPRELSA

WARNING: QT PROLONGATION, TORSADES DE POINTES, AND SUDDEN DEATH

CAPRELSA can prolong the QT interval. Torsades de pointes and sudden death have occurred in patients receiving CAPRELSA. Do not use CAPRELSA in patients with hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or long QT syndrome. Correct hypocalcemia, hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia prior to CAPRELSA administration. Monitor electrolytes periodically. Avoid drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Only prescribers and pharmacies certified with the restricted distribution program are able to prescribe and dispense CAPRELSA.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

QT Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes:

Severe Skin Reactions: Severe skin reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis), some leading to death, have occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. For severe skin reactions, refer patients for urgent medical advice. Systemic therapies e.g., steroids, may be appropriate in such cases and permanent discontinuation of CAPRELSA is recommended. Photosensitivity reactions can occur during CAPRELSA treatment and up to 4 months after treatment discontinuation

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): ILD or pneumonitis, including fatalities, has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Interrupt CAPRELSA for acute or worsening pulmonary symptoms and discontinue CAPRELSA if ILD is confirmed

Ischemic cerebrovascular events: Ischemic cerebrovascular events, including fatalities, occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. The safety of resumption of CAPRELSA therapy after resolution of an ischemic cerebrovascular event has not been studied. Discontinue CAPRELSA in patients who experience a severe ischemic cerebrovascular event

Hemorrhage: Serious hemorrhagic events, including fatalities, occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Do not administer CAPRELSA to patients with a recent history of hemoptysis of ≥1/2 teaspoon of red blood. Discontinue CAPRELSA in patients with severe hemorrhage

Heart Failure: Heart failure, including fatalities, occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of heart failure. Consider discontinuation of CAPRELSA in patients with heart failure. Heart failure may not be reversible upon stopping CAPRELSA

Diarrhea: Diarrhea of Grade 3 or greater severity occurred in patients receiving CAPRELSA. If diarrhea occurs, carefully monitor serum electrolytes and ECGs to enable early detection of QT prolongation resulting from dehydration. Interrupt CAPRELSA for severe diarrhea and upon improvement resume CAPRELSA at a reduced dose

Hypothyroidism: Increased dosing of thyroid replacement therapy was required in 49% of CAPRELSA-treated patients. Obtain TSH at baseline, at 2-4 weeks and 8-12 weeks after starting treatment with CAPRELSA, and every 3 months thereafter. If signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism occur, examine thyroid hormone levels and adjust thyroid replacement therapy accordingly

Hypertension: Hypertension, including hypertensive crisis, has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Monitor all patients for hypertension. Dose reduction or interruption for hypertension may be necessary. If hypertension cannot be controlled, do not resume CAPRELSA

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS): RPLS has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Consider this syndrome in any patient presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion or altered mental function. In clinical studies, three of four patients who developed RPLS while taking CAPRELSA also had hypertension. Discontinue CAPRELSA treatment in patients with RPLS

Drug Interactions: Avoid administration of CAPRELSA with anti-arrhythmic drugs and other drugs that may prolong the QT interval

Renal Failure: Renal failure has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Vandetanib exposure is increased in patients with impaired renal function. Reduce the starting dose to 200 mg in patients with moderate renal impairment and monitor the QT interval closely. Vandetanib is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (clearance below 30 mL/min). There is no information available for patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis

Hepatic Impairment: CAPRELSA is not recommended for patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, as safety and efficacy have not been established

Impaired Wound Healing: Impaired wound healing has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Withhold for at least 1 month prior to elective surgery. Do not administer CAPRELSA for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of treatment with CAPRELSA after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CAPRELSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing potential should avoid pregnancy and be advised that they must use effective contraception during CAPRELSA treatment and for at least 4 months following the last dose of CAPRELSA

CAPRELSA REMS Program: Because of the risks of QT prolongation, Torsades de pointes, and sudden death, CAPRELSA is available only through the CAPRELSA REMS Program. Only prescribers and pharmacies certified with the restricted distribution program are able to prescribe and dispense CAPRELSA. To learn about the specific REMS requirements and to enroll in the CAPRELSA REMS Program, call 1-800-817-2722 or visit www.caprelsarems.com

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (>20%) seen with CAPRELSA and with a between arm difference of ≥5% are diarrhea/colitis (57%), rash (53%), acneiform dermatitis (35%), hypertension (33%), nausea (33%), headache (26%), upper respiratory tract infections (23%), decreased appetite (21%), and abdominal pain (21%).

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

CAPRELSA is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. Use CAPRELSA in patients with indolent, asymptomatic or slowly progressing disease only after careful consideration of the treatment-related risks of CAPRELSA.

Use CAPRELSA in patients with indolent, asymptomatic or slowly progressing disease only after careful consideration of the treatment related risks of CAPRELSA.

Please see full Prescribing Information for CAPRELSA, including Boxed WARNING.