WILMINGTON, Del. / Jun 25, 2024 / Business Wire / Positive high-level results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial showed AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI® (durvalumab) in combination with chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the primary endpoint of event-free survival (EFS) and the key secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Patients were treated with IMFINZI in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder) followed by IMFINZI as adjuvant monotherapy.
Approximately one in four patients with bladder cancer has evidence of the tumor invading the muscle wall of the bladder (without distant metastases), known as MIBC.1,2 In the MIBC setting, approximately 117,000 patients are treated with current standard of care.3 Standard treatment includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy.4 However, even after cystectomy, patients experience high rates of recurrence and a poor prognosis.4
Professor Thomas Powles, MD, Professor, Director of Barts Cancer Centre (QMUL), London, UK, and investigator in the trial, said: “Nearly half of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who receive standard of care still experience disease recurrence or progression. These NIAGARA data show for the first time that adding durvalumab to chemotherapy before surgery followed by durvalumab extends patients’ lives.”
Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “The NIAGARA results support our strategy to move immunotherapy to the early stages of cancer treatment. This perioperative regimen with IMFINZI improved survival and reduced the rate at which patients experience disease recurrence or progression. We are eager to bring this regimen with the potential to transform the standard of care to patients as soon as possible.”
IMFINZI was generally well-tolerated and no new safety concerns were observed in either the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting. The safety profile of IMFINZI and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was consistent with the known profile of the individual medicines. The addition of IMFINZI did not increase the discontinuation rate due to adverse events and did not compromise patients' ability to complete surgery compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. These data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with global regulatory authorities.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
There are no contraindications for IMFINZI® (durvalumab) or IMJUDO® (tremelimumab-actl).
Severe and Fatal 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 clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and before each dose. 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 and IMJUDO depending on severity. See USPI Dosing and Administration for specific details. In general, if IMFINZI and IMJUDO 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 and IMJUDO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, which may be fatal. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
IMFINZI with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may be fatal.
IMFINZI and IMJUDO 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 Hepatitis
IMFINZI and IMJUDO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis, which may be fatal.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction
IMFINZI and IMJUDO can cause immune-mediated nephritis.
Immune-Mediated Dermatology Reactions
IMFINZI and IMJUDO 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), has occurred with PD-1/L-1 and CTLA-4 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes.
Immune-Mediated Pancreatitis
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO can cause immune-mediated pancreatitis. Immune-mediated pancreatitis occurred in 2.3% (9/388) of patients receiving IMFINZI and IMJUDO, including Grade 4 (0.3%) and Grade 3 (1.5%) adverse reactions.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of less than 1% each in patients who received IMFINZI and IMJUDO or were reported with the use of other immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
Infusion-Related Reactions
IMFINZI and IMJUDO 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 and IMJUDO based on the severity. See USPI Dosing and Administration for specific details. For Grade 1 or 2 infusion-related reactions, consider using pre-medications with subsequent doses.
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 their mechanism of action and data from animal studies, IMFINZI and IMJUDO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In females of reproductive potential, verify pregnancy status prior to initiating IMFINZI and IMJUDO and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment with IMFINZI and IMJUDO and for 3 months after the last dose of IMFINZI and IMJUDO.
Lactation
There is no information regarding the presence of IMFINZI and IMJUDO in human milk; however, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from IMFINZI and IMJUDO, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions
The safety and effectiveness of IMFINZI and IMJUDO 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 IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genomic tumor aberrations.
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).
IMFINZI, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC).
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).
IMFINZI in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by IMFINZI as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that is mismatch repair deficient (dMMR).
Please see additional Important Safety Information throughout and Full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide for IMFINZI and IMJUDO.
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Notes
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer in the world, with more than 614,000 patients diagnosed each year.5 The most common type of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which begins in the urothelial cells of the urinary tract.6
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer, named for its growth into the muscle wall of the bladder, accounts for about a quarter of all bladder cancer cases.1,2 Approximately 50% of patients who undergo bladder removal surgery experience disease recurrence.4 Treatment options that prevent disease recurrence after surgery are critically needed.
NIAGARA
NIAGARA is a randomized, open-label, multi-center, global Phase III trial evaluating IMFINZI as treatment for patients with MIBC before and after radical cystectomy. In the trial, 1063 patients were randomised to receive IMFINZI plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone prior to cystectomy, followed by IMFINZI or no further treatment after surgery.
The trial is being conducted at 192 centers across 22 countries and regions including in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Its dual primary endpoints are EFS, defined as the time from treatment randomization to an event like tumor recurrence or progression and pathologic complete response. Key secondary endpoints are OS and safety.
IMFINZI
IMFINZI® (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the 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 and the global standard of care 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. IMFINZI is also approved for the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and in combination with a short course of IMJUDO® (tremelimumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC.
IMFINZI in combination with neoadjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy before surgery and as adjuvant monotherapy after surgery has been approved in Switzerland for the treatment of adult patients with resectable NSCLC and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements.
In addition to its indications in lung cancers, IMFINZI is approved in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer and in combination with IMJUDO in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). IMFINZI is also approved as a monotherapy in unresectable HCC in Japan and the EU and in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin plus paclitaxel) followed by IMFINZI monotherapy in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that is mismatch repair deficient in the US.
Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 220,000 patients have been treated with IMFINZI. 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, breast cancer, several gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, and other solid tumors.
IMFINZI is being tested across early- and late-stage bladder cancer in various treatment combinations, including in non-muscle invasive disease (POTOMAC), patients with MIBC who are cisplatin-ineligible or refusing cisplatin (VOLGA) and locally advanced or metastatic disease (NILE).
AstraZeneca in immuno-oncology (IO)
AstraZeneca is a pioneer in introducing the concept of immunotherapy into dedicated clinical areas of high unmet medical need. The Company has a comprehensive and diverse IO portfolio and pipeline anchored in immunotherapies designed to overcome evasion of the anti-tumor immune response and stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumors.
AstraZeneca strives to redefine cancer care and help transform outcomes for patients with IMFINZI as a monotherapy and in combination with IMJUDO as well as other novel immunotherapies and modalities. The Company is also investigating next-generation immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies as well as therapeutics that harness different aspects of immunity to target cancer, including cell therapy and T cell engagers.
AstraZeneca is pursuing an innovative clinical strategy to bring IO-based therapies that deliver long-term survival to new settings across a wide range of cancer types. The Company is focused on exploring novel combination approaches to help prevent treatment resistance and drive longer immune responses. With an extensive clinical program, the Company also champions the use of IO treatment in earlier disease stages, where there is the greatest potential for cure.
AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.
The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.
AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 125 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca.
References | |||||
1. | Burger M, et al. Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Urothelial Bladder Cancer. Eur Urol. 2013;63(2):234-241. | ||||
2. | National Collaborating Centre for Cancer. Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis and Management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK356289/. Accessed June 2024. | ||||
3. | Cerner CancerMPact database. Accessed June 2024. Reflects epidemiology estimates across G8 countries (US, EU, Japan, China). | ||||
4. | Witjes JA, et al. EAU Guidelines on muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. Eur Urol. 2021;1-94. | ||||
5. | World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Bladder Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/30-bladder-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed June 2024. | ||||
6. | American Cancer Society. What Is Bladder Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/about/what-is-bladder-cancer.html. Accessed June 2024. |
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