Kadcyla
Generic name: ado-trastuzumab emtansine · Brand names: Kadcyla
Information sourced from FDA Structured Product Labeling, updated April 1, 2026.
WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY, CARDIAC TOXICITY, EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Hepatotoxicity: Serious hepatotoxicity has been reported, including liver failure and death in patients treated with KADCYLA. Monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin prior to initiation of KADCYLA treatment and prior to each KADCYLA dose. Reduce dose or discontinue KADCYLA as appropriate in cases of increased serum transaminases or total bilirubin. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Cardiac Toxicity: KADCYLA administration may lead to reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Evaluate left ventricular function in all patients prior to and during treatment with KADCYLA. Withhold treatment for clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Exposure to KADCYLA during pregnancy can result in embryo-fetal harm.
Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY, CARDIAC TOXICITY, EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in KADCYLA-treated patients. Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and prior to each dose. Institute dose modifications or permanently discontinue as appropriate. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) KADCYLA may lead to reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Assess LVEF prior to initiation. Monitor and withhold dosing or discontinue as appropriate. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Exposure to KADCYLA during pregnancy can result in embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 )
What is it used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE KADCYLA is a HER2-targeted antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate indicated, as a single agent, for: the treatment of patients with HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer who previously received trastuzumab and a taxane, separately or in combination. Patients should have either: received prior therapy for metastatic disease, or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant therapy. the adjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who have residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant taxane and trastuzumab-based treatment. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-authorized test for KADCYLA
Metastatic Breast Cancer
(MBC) KADCYLA ® , as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer who previously received trastuzumab and a taxane, separately or in combination. Patients should have either: Received prior therapy for metastatic disease, or Developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant therapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-authorized test for KADCYLA .
Early Breast Cancer
(EBC) KADCYLA, as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who have residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant taxane and trastuzumab -based treatment. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-authorized test for KADCYLA .
How to take it
Do not substitute KADCYLA for or with trastuzumab. HER2 Testing: Perform using FDA-authorized tests by laboratories with demonstrated proficiency. For intravenous infusion only . Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus. Do not use Dextrose (5%) solution. The recommended dose of KADCYLA is 3.6 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks (21-day cycle) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, or a total of 14 cycles for patients with EBC. Do not administer KADCYLA at doses greater than 3.6 mg/kg. Management of adverse reactions (infusion-related reactions, hepatotoxicity, left ventricular cardiac dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, pulmonary toxicity or peripheral neuropathy) may require temporary interruption, dose reduction, or treatment discontinuation of KADCYLA.
Patient Selection Select
patients based on HER2 protein overexpression or HER2 gene amplification in tumor specimens . Assessment of HER2 protein overexpression and/or HER2 gene amplification should be performed using FDA-authorized tests specific for breast cancers by laboratories with demonstrated proficiency. Information on the FDA-authorized tests for the detection of HER2 protein overexpression and HER2 gene amplification is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics. Improper assay performance, including use of sub-optimally fixed tissue, failure to utilize specified reagents, deviation from specific assay instructions, and failure to include appropriate controls for assay validation, can lead to unreliable results.
Recommended Doses and Schedules Do
not substitute trastuzumab for or with KADCYLA. The recommended dose of KADCYLA is 3.6 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks (21-day cycle). Do not administer KADCYLA at doses greater than 3.6 mg/kg . Closely monitor the infusion site for possible subcutaneous infiltration during drug administration . First infusion: Administer infusion over 90 minutes. Observe patients during the infusion and for at least 90 minutes following the initial dose for fever, chills, or other infusion-related reactions . Subsequent infusions: Administer over 30 minutes if prior infusions were well tolerated.
Observe patients during the infusion and for at least 30 minutes after infusion. Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Patients with MBC should receive treatment until disease progression or unmanageable toxicity. Early Breast Cancer (EBC) Patients with EBC should receive treatment for a total of 14 cycles unless there is disease recurrence or unmanageable toxicity.
Dose Modifications Do
not re-escalate the KADCYLA dose after a dose reduction is made. If a planned dose is delayed or missed, administer as soon as possible; do not wait until the next planned cycle. Adjust the schedule of administration to maintain a 3-week interval between doses. Administer the infusion at the dose and rate the patient tolerated in the most recent infusion.
Slow or interrupt the infusion rate of KADCYLA if the patient develops an infusion-related reaction. Permanently discontinue KADCYLA for life-threatening infusion-related reactions . Management of increased serum transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, left ventricular dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, pulmonary toxicity or peripheral neuropathy may require temporary interruption, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation of KADCYLA as per guidelines provided in Tables 1 and 2 . Table 1 Recommended Dose Reduction Schedule for Adverse Reactions Dose Reduction Schedule Dose Level Starting dose 3.6 mg/kg First dose reduction 3 mg/kg Second dose reduction 2.4 mg/kg Requirement for further dose reduction Discontinue treatment Table 2 Dose Modification Guidelines for KADCYLA ALT = alanine transaminase; AST = aspartate transaminase, CHF = congestive heart failure, DILI = Drug Induced Liver Injury; LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction, LVSD = left ventricular systolic dysfunction, TBILI = Total Bilirubin, ULN = upper limit of normal Dose Modifications for Patients with MBC Adverse reaction Severity Treatment modification Increased Transaminase (AST/ALT) Grade 2 (> 2.5 to ≤ 5× the ULN) Treat at the same dose level. Grade 3 (> 5 to ≤ 20× the ULN) Do not administer KADCYLA until AST/ALT recovers to Grade ≤ 2, and then reduce one dose level Grade 4 (> 20× the ULN) Discontinue KADCYLA Hyperbilirubinemia Grade 2 (> 1.5 to ≤ 3× the ULN) Do not administer KADCYLA until total bilirubin recovers to Grade ≤ 1, and then treat at the same dose level.
Grade 3 (> 3 to ≤ 10× the ULN) Do not administer KADCYLA until total bilirubin recovers to Grade ≤ 1 and then reduce one dose level. Grade 4 (> 10× the ULN) Discontinue KADCYLA Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI) Serum transaminases > 3 × ULN and concomitant total bilirubin > 2 × ULN Permanently discontinue KADCYLA in the absence of another likely cause for the elevation of liver enzymes and bilirubin, e.g. liver metastasis or concomitant medication Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia (NRH) All Grades Permanently discontinue KADCYLA Thrombocytopenia Grade 3 (25,000 to < 50,000/mm 3 ) Do not administer KADCYLA until platelet count recovers to Grade ≤ 1 (≥ 75,000/mm 3 ), and then treat at the same dose level Grade 4 (< 25,000/mm 3 ) Do not administer KADCYLA until platelet count recovers to Grade ≤ 1 (≥ 75,000/mm 3 ), and then reduce one dose level Left Ventricular Dysfunction Symptomatic CHF Discontinue KADCYLA LVEF < 40% Do not administer KADCYLA Repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF < 40% is confirmed, discontinue KADCYLA LVEF 40% to ≤ 45% and decrease is ≥ 10% points from baseline Do not administer KADCYLA Repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks.
If the LVEF has not recovered to within 10% points from baseline, discontinue KADCYLA LVEF 40% to ≤ 45% and decrease is < 10% points from baseline Continue treatment with KADCYLA . Repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. LVEF > 45% Continue treatment with KADCYLA . Pulmonary Toxicity Interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis Permanently discontinue KADCYLA Peripheral Neuropathy Grade 3-4 Do not administer KADCYLA until resolution Grade ≤ 2 Dose Modification Guidelines for EBC Adverse reaction Severity Treatment modification Increased Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Grade 2-3 (> 3.0 to ≤ 20 × ULN on day of scheduled treatment) Do not administer KADCYLA until ALT recovers to Grade ≤ 1, and then reduce one dose level Grade 4 (> 20 × ULN at any time) Discontinue KADCYLA Increased Aspartate Transaminase (AST) Grade 2 (> 3.0 to ≤ 5 × ULN on day of scheduled treatment) Do not administer KADCYLA until AST recovers to Grade ≤ 1, and then treat at the same dose level Grade 3 (> 5 to ≤ 20 × ULN on day of scheduled treatment) Do not administer KADCYLA until AST recovers to Grade ≤ 1, and then reduce one dose level Grade 4 (> 20 × ULN at any time) Discontinue KADCYLA Hyperbilirubinemia TBILI > 1.0 to ≤ 2.0 × the ULN on day of scheduled treatment Do not administer KADCYLA until total bilirubin recovers to ≤ 1.0 × ULN, and then reduce one dose level TBILI > 2 × ULN at any time Discontinue KADCYLA Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia (NRH) All Grades Permanently discontinue KADCYLA Thrombocytopenia Grade 2-3 on day of scheduled treatment (25,000 to < 75,000/mm 3 ) Do not administer KADCYLA until platelet count recovers to Grade ≤ 1 (≥ 75,000/mm 3 ), and then treat at the same dose level. If a patient requires 2 delays due to thrombocytopenia, consider reducing dose by one level.
Grade 4 at any time < 25,000/mm 3 Do not administer KADCYLA until platelet count recovers to Grade ≤ 1 (≥ 75,000/mm 3 ), and then reduce one dose level. Left Ventricular Dysfunction LVEF < 45% Do not administer KADCYLA Repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF < 45% is confirmed, discontinue KADCYLA. LVEF 45% to < 50% and decrease is ≥ 10% points from baseline Prior to starting KADCYLA treatment Do not administer KADCYLA Repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks.
If the LVEF remains < 50% and has not recovered to < 10% points from baseline, discontinue KADCYLA. LVEF 45% to < 50% and decrease is < 10% points from baseline Continue treatment with KADCYLA. Repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. LVEF ≥ 50% Continue treatment with KADCYLA. Heart Failure Symptomatic CHF, Grade 3-4 LVSD or Grade 3-4 heart failure, or Grade 2 heart failure accompanied by LVEF < 45% Discontinue KADCYLA Peripheral Neuropathy Grade 3-4 Do not administer KADCYLA until resolution Grade ≤ 2 Pulmonary Toxicity Interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis Permanently discontinue KADCYLA Radiotherapy-Related Pneumonitis Grade 2 Discontinue KADCYLA if not resolving with standard treatment Grade 3-4 Discontinue KADCYLA
Preparation for Administration In
order to prevent medication errors it is important to check the vial labels to ensure that the drug being prepared and administered is KADCYLA (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and not trastuzumab. Administration: Administer KADCYLA as an intravenous infusion only with a 0.2 or 0.22 micron in-line polyethersulfone (PES) filter. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus.
Do not mix KADCYLA, or administer as an infusion, with other medicinal products. Reconstitution: Use aseptic technique for reconstitution and preparation of dosing solution. Appropriate procedures for the preparation of chemotherapeutic drugs should be used. Using a sterile syringe, slowly inject 5 mL of Sterile Water for Injection or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection into the 100 mg KADCYLA vial, or 8 mL of Sterile Water for Injection or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection into the 160 mg KADCYLA vial to yield a solution containing 20 mg/mL. Swirl the vial gently until completely dissolved.
Do not shake. Inspect the reconstituted solution for particulates and discoloration. The reconstituted solution should be clear to slightly opalescent and free of visible particulates. The color of the reconstituted solution should be colorless to pale brown. Do not use if the reconstituted solution contains visible particulates or is cloudy or discolored.
The reconstituted lyophilized vials should be used immediately following reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection. If not used immediately, the reconstituted KADCYLA vials can be stored for up to 120 hours (5 days) in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); discard unused KADCYLA after 120 hours (5 days) if stored at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.
The reconstituted product contains no preservative and is intended for single-dose only. Dilution: Determine the correct dose (mg) of KADCYLA . Calculate the volume of the 20 mg/mL reconstituted KADCYLA solution needed. Withdraw this amount from the vial and add it to an infusion bag containing 250 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection.
Do not use Dextrose (5%) solution. Gently invert the bag to mix the solution in order to avoid foaming. The diluted KADCYLA infusion solution should be used immediately. If not used immediately, the solution may be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 24 hours prior to use.
This storage time is additional to the time allowed for the reconstituted vials. Do not freeze or shake.
Warnings
Pulmonary Toxicity: Permanently discontinue KADCYLA in patients diagnosed with interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. For patients with radiation pneumonitis in the adjuvant setting, permanently discontinue KADCYLA for Grade ≥ 3 or for Grade 2 not responding to standard treatment. ( 2.2 , 5.4 ) Infusion-Related Reactions, Hypersensitivity Reactions: Monitor for signs and symptoms during and after infusion. If significant infusion-related reactions or hypersensitivity reactions occur, slow or interrupt the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapies. Permanently discontinue KADCYLA for life threatening infusion-related reaction. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 5.5 ) Hemorrhage: Fatal cases of hemorrhage occurred in clinical trials among patients with no known identified risk factors, as well as among patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving anti-coagulation and antiplatelet therapy. Use caution with these agents and consider additional monitoring when concomitant use is medically necessary . Thrombocytopenia: Monitor platelet counts prior to each KADCYLA dose. Institute dose modifications as appropriate. ( 2.2 , 5.7 ) Neurotoxicity: Monitor for signs or symptoms. Withhold dosing temporarily for patients experiencing Grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy. ( 2.2 , 5.8 , 13.2 )
Hepatotoxicity Hepatotoxicity,
predominantly in the form of asymptomatic, transient increases in the concentrations of serum transaminases, has been observed in clinical trials with KADCYLA . Serious hepatotoxicity, including 3 fatal cases, has been observed in clinical trials (n=1624) with KADCYLA as single-agent. All fatal cases occurred in MBC clinical trials with KADCYLA, which included severe drug-induced liver injury and associated hepatic encephalopathy. Some of the patients experiencing hepatotoxicity had comorbidities and/or concomitant medications with known hepatotoxic potential.
Monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin prior to initiation of KADCYLA treatment and prior to each KADCYLA dose. Patients with known active liver disease (such as, hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus) were excluded from the EMILIA and KATHERINE studies . Reduce the dose or discontinue KADCYLA as appropriate in cases of increased serum transaminases and/or total bilirubin . Permanently discontinue KADCYLA treatment in patients with serum transaminases > 3 × ULN and concomitant total bilirubin > 2 × ULN. KADCYLA has not been studied in patients with serum transaminases > 2.5 × ULN or bilirubin > 1.5 × ULN prior to the initiation of treatment. In clinical trials of KADCYLA, cases of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver have been identified from liver biopsies (5 cases out of 1624 treated patients, one of which was fatal).
Two of these five cases of NRH were observed in EMILIA and two were observed in KATHERINE . NRH is a rare liver condition characterized by widespread benign transformation of hepatic parenchyma into small regenerative nodules; NRH may lead to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. The diagnosis of NRH can be confirmed only by histopathology. NRH should be considered in all patients with clinical symptoms of portal hypertension and/or cirrhosis-like pattern seen on the computed tomography (CT) scan of the liver but with normal transaminases and no other manifestations of cirrhosis.
Upon diagnosis of NRH, KADCYLA treatment must be permanently discontinued.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction Patients
treated with KADCYLA are at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. A decrease of LVEF to < 40% has been observed in patients treated with KADCYLA. Serious cases of heart failure, with no fatal cases, have been observed in clinical trials with KADCYLA. In EMILIA, left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 1.8% of patients in the KADCYLA-treated group and 3.3% of patients in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group. In KATHERINE, left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 0.4% of patients in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0.6% of patients in the trastuzumab-treated group . Based on limited data from a retrospective observational study, 22% (7 of 32) of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with a baseline LVEF of 40-49% treated with KADCYLA developed a congestive heart failure (CHF) or a > 10% reduction in LVEF . Assess LVEF prior to initiation of KADCYLA and at regular intervals (e.g. every three months) during treatment to ensure the LVEF is within the institution's normal limits.
KADCYLA has not been studied in an adequately controlled study in patients with LVEF < 50%. For patients with MBC, if, at routine monitoring, LVEF is < 40%, or is 40% to 45% with a 10% or greater absolute decrease below the pretreatment value, withhold KADCYLA and repeat LVEF assessment within approximately 3 weeks. Permanently discontinue KADCYLA if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. For patients with EBC, if, at routine monitoring, LVEF is < 45%, or is 45% to 49% with a 10% or greater absolute decrease below the pretreatment value, withhold KADCYLA and repeat LVEF assessment within approximately 3 weeks.
Permanently discontinue KADCYLA if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further . Patients with a history of symptomatic CHF, serious cardiac arrhythmia, or history of myocardial infarction or unstable angina within 6 months were excluded from the EMILIA and KATHERINE studies .
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
KADCYLA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Cases of oligohydramnios, and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities and neonatal death were observed in the post-marketing setting in patients treated with trastuzumab, the antibody component of KADCYLA. DM1, the cytotoxic component of KADCYLA, can cause embryo-fetal toxicity based on its mechanism of action. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of KADCYLA. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to KADCYLA during pregnancy or within 7 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm.
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of KADCYLA .
Pulmonary Toxicity Cases of
interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, some leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome or fatal outcome have been reported in clinical trials with KADCYLA. Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, cough, fatigue, and pulmonary infiltrates. In patients with MBC, pneumonitis was reported at an incidence of 0.8% (7 out of 884 treated patients), with one case of Grade 3 pneumonitis. The overall incidence of pneumonitis was 1.2% in EMILIA. In KATHERINE, pneumonitis was reported at an incidence of 1.1% (8 out of 740 patients treated with KADCYLA), with one case of Grade 3 pneumonitis.
Radiation pneumonitis was reported at an incidence of 1.8% (11 out of 623 patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and KADCYLA), with 2 cases of Grade 3 radiation pneumonitis . Permanently discontinue treatment with KADCYLA in patients diagnosed with ILD or pneumonitis. For patients with radiation pneumonitis in the adjuvant setting, KADCYLA should be permanently discontinued for Grade ≥ 3 or for Grade 2 not responding to standard treatment . Patients with dyspnea at rest due to complications of advanced malignancy, co-morbidities, and receiving concurrent pulmonary radiation therapy may be at increased risk of pulmonary toxicity.
Infusion-Related Reactions, Hypersensitivity Reactions Treatment
with KADCYLA has not been studied in patients who had trastuzumab permanently discontinued due to infusion-related reactions (IRRs) and/or hypersensitivity; treatment with KADCYLA is not recommended for these patients. Infusion-related reactions, characterized by one or more of the following symptoms − flushing, chills, pyrexia, dyspnea, hypotension, wheezing, bronchospasm, and tachycardia have been reported in clinical trials of KADCYLA. In EMILIA, the overall incidence of IRRs in patients treated with KADCYLA was 1.4%. In KATHERINE, the overall incidence of IRRs in patients treated with KADCYLA was 1.6% . In most patients, these reactions resolved over the course of several hours to a day after the infusion was terminated. KADCYLA treatment should be interrupted in patients with severe IRR. KADCYLA treatment should be permanently discontinued in the event of a life-threatening IRR . Patients should be observed closely for IRR reactions, especially during the first infusion.
One case of a serious, allergic/anaphylactic-like reaction has been observed in clinical trials of single-agent KADCYLA. Medications to treat such reactions, as well as emergency equipment, should be available for immediate use.
Hemorrhage Cases of
hemorrhagic events, including central nervous system, respiratory, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, have been reported in clinical trials with KADCYLA. Some of these bleeding events resulted in fatal outcomes. In EMILIA, the overall incidence of hemorrhage was 32% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 16% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group. The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 hemorrhage was 1.8% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0.8% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group.
In KATHERINE, the overall incidence of hemorrhage was 29% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 10% in the trastuzumab-treated group. The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 hemorrhage was 0.4% in the KADCYLA-treated group, with one fatal case of intracranial hemorrhage, and 0.3% in the trastuzumab-treated group . Although, in some of the observed cases the patients were also receiving anti-coagulation therapy, antiplatelet therapy, or had thrombocytopenia, in others there were no known additional risk factors. Use caution with these agents and consider additional monitoring when concomitant use is medically necessary.
Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia, or
decreased platelet count, was reported in clinical trials of KADCYLA (145 of 1624 treated patients with Grade ≥ 3; 494 of 1624 treated patients with any Grade). The majority of these patients had Grade 1 or 2 events (< LLN to ≥ 50,000/mm 3 ) with the nadir occurring by day 8 and generally improving to Grade 0 or 1 (≥ 75,000/mm 3 ) by the next scheduled dose. In clinical trials of KADCYLA, the incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia were higher in Asian patients.
In EMILIA, the overall incidence of thrombocytopenia was 31% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 3.3% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group . The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia was 15% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0.4% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group. In Asian patients, the incidence of Grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia was 45% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 1.3% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group. In KATHERINE, the overall incidence of thrombocytopenia was 29% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 2.4% in the trastuzumab-treated group . The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia was 6% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0.3% in the trastuzumab-treated group.
In Asian patients, the incidence of Grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia was 19% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0% in the trastuzumab-treated group. The overall incidence of thrombocytopenia in the KADCYLA-treated group for Asian patients was 50%. Monitor platelet counts prior to initiation of KADCYLA and prior to each KADCYLA dose . KADCYLA has not been studied in patients with platelet counts < 100,000/mm 3 prior to initiation of treatment. In the event of decreased platelet count to Grade ≥ 3 (< 50,000/mm 3 ) do not administer KADCYLA until platelet counts recover to Grade 1 (≥ 75,000/mm 3 ) . Closely monitor patients with thrombocytopenia (< 100,000/mm 3 ) and patients on anti-coagulant treatment during treatment with KADCYLA.
Neurotoxicity Peripheral
neuropathy, mainly as Grade 1 and predominantly sensory, was reported in clinical trials of KADCYLA (26 of 1624 treated patients with Grade ≥ 3; 435 of 1624 treated patients with any Grade). In EMILIA, the overall incidence of peripheral neuropathy was 21% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 14% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group . The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 peripheral neuropathy was 2.2% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0.2% in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group. In KATHERINE, the overall incidence of peripheral neuropathy was 32% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 17% in the trastuzumab-treated group.
Peripheral neuropathy, including sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy, for KADCYLA treated patients 30% of cases were not resolved at the time of the primary IDFS analysis for KATHERINE. The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 peripheral neuropathy was 1.6% in the KADCYLA-treated group and 0.1% in the trastuzumab-treated group. KADCYLA should be temporarily discontinued in patients experiencing Grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy until resolution to Grade ≤ 2. Patients should be clinically monitored on an ongoing basis for signs or symptoms of neurotoxicity .
Extravasation In
KADCYLA clinical studies, reactions secondary to extravasation have been observed. These reactions, observed more frequently within 24 hours of infusion, were usually mild and comprised erythema, tenderness, skin irritation, pain, or swelling at the infusion site. Specific treatment for KADCYLA extravasation is unknown.
The infusion site should be closely monitored for possible subcutaneous infiltration during drug administration.
Who should not take it
None. None.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy If
KADCYLA is administered during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving KADCYLA or within 7 months following the last dose of KADCYLA, health care providers and patients should immediately report KADCYLA exposure to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555. Risk Summary KADCYLA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of KADCYLA in pregnant women.
Cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death were observed in the postmarketing setting in patients treated with trastuzumab, the antibody component of KADCYLA . Based on its mechanism of action, the DM1 component of KADCYLA can also cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . Apprise the patient of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if KADCYLA is used in a pregnant woman, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of KADCYLA . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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.
Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Monitor women who received KADCYLA during pregnancy or within 7 months prior to conception for oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, perform fetal testing that is appropriate for gestational age and consistent with community standards of care. Data Human Data There are no available data on the use of KADCYLA in pregnant women.
In the post-marketing setting, cases of oligohydramnios, and of oligohydramnios sequence, manifesting in the fetus as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities and neonatal death were observed after treatment with trastuzumab during pregnancy. These case reports described oligohydramnios in pregnant women who received trastuzumab either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. In some case reports, amniotic fluid index increased after trastuzumab was stopped.
In one case, trastuzumab therapy resumed after amniotic index improved, and oligohydramnios recurred. Animal Data There were no reproductive and developmental toxicology studies conducted with ado-trastuzumab emtansine. DM1, the cytotoxic component of KADCYLA, disrupts microtubule function.
DM1 is toxic to rapidly dividing cells in animals and is genotoxic, suggesting it has the potential to cause embryotoxicity and teratogenicity. In studies where trastuzumab was administered to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 25 mg/kg given twice weekly (about 7 times the clinical dose), trastuzumab crossed the placental barrier during the early (Gestation Days 20 to 50) and late (Gestation Days 120 to 150) phases of gestation. The resulting concentrations of trastuzumab in fetal serum and amniotic fluid were approximately 33% and 25%, respectively, of those present in the maternal serum but were not associated with adverse developmental effects.
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Hepatotoxicity Left Ventricular Dysfunction Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Pulmonary Toxicity Infusion-Related Reactions, Hypersensitivity Reactions Hemorrhage Thrombocytopenia Neurotoxicity Metastatic Breast Cancer The most common adverse reactions (≥ 25%) with KADCYLA were fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, headache, increased transaminases, constipation and epistaxis. Early Breast Cancer The most common adverse reactions (≥ 25%) with KADCYLA were fatigue, nausea, increased transaminases, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, headache, peripheral neuropathy, and arthralgia. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Clinical Trials Experience Because
clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to KADCYLA as a single agent at 3.6 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks (21-day cycle) in 1624 patients including 884 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and 740 patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer (KATHERINE trial). Metastatic Breast Cancer In clinical trials, KADCYLA has been evaluated as single-agent in 884 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
The most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions were fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, headache, increased transaminases, constipation and epistaxis. The adverse reactions described in Table 3 were identified in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treated in the EMILIA trial . Patients were randomized to receive KADCYLA or lapatinib plus capecitabine. The median duration of study treatment was 7.6 months for patients in the KADCYLA-treated group and 5.5 months and 5.3 months for patients treated with lapatinib and capecitabine, respectively.
In the EMILIA trial, 43% of patients experienced Grade ≥ 3 adverse reactions in the KADCYLA-treated group compared with 59% of patients in the lapatinib plus capecitabine-treated group. Dose adjustments for KADCYLA were permitted . Thirty-two patients (7%) discontinued KADCYLA due to an adverse reaction, compared with 41 patients (8%) who discontinued lapatinib, and 51 patients (10%) who discontinued capecitabine due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions leading to KADCYLA discontinuation were thrombocytopenia and increased transaminases.
Eighty patients (16%) treated with KADCYLA had adverse reactions leading to dose reductions. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of KADCYLA (in ≥ 1% of patients) included thrombocytopenia, increased transaminases, and peripheral neuropathy. Adverse reactions that led to dose delays occurred in 116 (24%) of KADCYLA treated patients.
The most frequent adverse reactions leading to a dose delay of KADCYLA (in ≥ 1% of patients) were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, fatigue, increased transaminases and pyrexia. Table 3 reports the adverse reactions that occurred in patients in the KADCYLA-treated group (n=490) of the EMILIA trial. Selected laboratory abnormalities are shown in Table 4 . The most common adverse reactions seen with KADCYLA in the randomized trial (frequency > 25%) were nausea, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, increased transaminases, headache, and constipation.
The most common NCI–CTCAE (version 3) Grade ≥ 3 adverse reactions (frequency > 2%) were thrombocytopenia, increased transaminases, anemia, hypokalemia, peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. Table 3 Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients on the KADCYLA Treatment Arm in the EMILIA Trial Grouped terms were used for the following Adverse Reactions: Thrombocytopenia: thrombocytopenia, platelet count decreased Anemia: anemia, hemoglobin decreased Abdominal pain: abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper Stomatitis: stomatitis, mucosal inflammation, oropharyngeal pain Transaminases Increased: transaminases increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, liver function test abnormal, hepatic enzyme increased, hepatic function abnormal Hypokalemia: hypokalemia, blood potassium decreased Musculoskeletal Pain: muscle spasms, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal chest pain, back pain, pain in extremity, bone pain, musculoskeletal pain Peripheral neuropathy: neuropathy peripheral, peripheral sensory neuropathy, peripheral motor neuropathy, paresthesia Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage terms (excl laboratory terms) (SMQ, wide), Hemorrhage laboratory terms (SMQ, narrow). Adverse Reactions KADCYLA (3.6 mg/kg) n=490 Lapatinib (1250 mg) + Capecitabine (2000 mg/m 2 ) n=488 All Grades (%) Grade 3 – 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 – 4 (%) SMQ=standardized MedDRA queries Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Thrombocytopenia 31 15 3.3
Anemia
14 4.1 11
Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea
40 0.8 45
Constipation
27 0.4 11 0 Diarrhea 24 1.6 80 21 Vomiting 19 0.8 30
Abdominal
pain 19 0.8 18
Dry Mouth
17 0 4.9
Stomatitis
14 0.2 33
General Disorders and Administration Fatigue
36 2.5 28
Pyrexia
19 0.2 8
Asthenia
18 0.4 18
Investigations Transaminases
increased 29 8.0 14
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hypokalemia
10 2.7 9
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Musculoskeletal
pain 36 1.8 31
Arthralgia
19 0.6 8 0 Myalgia 14 0.6 3.7 0 Nervous System Disorders Headache 28 0.8 15
Peripheral
neuropathy 21 2.2 14
Dizziness
10 0.4 11
Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia
12 0.4 9
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Epistaxis
23 0.2 8 0 Cough 18 0.2 13
Dyspnea
12 0.8 8
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash
12 0 28
Vascular Disorders Hemorrhage
32 1.8 16
The
following clinically relevant adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients in the KADCYLA-treated group in EMILIA: dyspepsia (9%), urinary tract infection (9%), chills (8%), dysgeusia (8%), neutropenia (7%), peripheral edema (7%), pruritus (6%), hypertension (5%), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (4.7%), vision blurred (4.5%), conjunctivitis (3.9%), dry eye (3.9%), lacrimation increased (3.3%), drug hypersensitivity (2.2%), left ventricular dysfunction (1.8%), infusion-related reaction (1.4%), pneumonitis (1.2%), nodular regenerative hyperplasia (0.4%), portal hypertension (0.4%). Table 4 Selected Laboratory Abnormalities (EMILIA) Parameter KADCYLA (3.6 mg/kg) Lapatinib (1250 mg) + Capecitabine (2000 mg/m 2 ) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Chemistry Increased AST 98 7 0.5 65 3 0 Increased ALT 82 5 0.2 54 3 0 Decreased potassium 33 3 0 31 6
Increased
bilirubin 17 0.6 0 57 2 0 Hematology Decreased platelet count 83 14 3 21 0.4
Decreased
hemoglobin 60 4 1 64 3
Decreased
neutrophils 39 3 0.6 38 6 2 Early Breast Cancer KADCYLA has been evaluated as a single-agent in 740 patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer. The adverse reactions described in Table 5 were identified in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer treated in the KATHERINE trial . Patients were randomized to receive KADCYLA or trastuzumab. The median duration of study treatment was 10 months for patients in the KADCYLA-treated group and 10 months for patients treated with trastuzumab.
One hundred and ninety (26%) patients experienced Grade ≥ 3 adverse reactions in the KADCYLA-treated group compared with 111 (15%) patients in the trastuzumab group. One hundred and thirty-three patients (18%) discontinued KADCYLA due to an adverse reaction, compared with 15 patients (2.1%) who discontinued trastuzumab due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions leading to KADCYLA discontinuation (in ≥ 1% of patients) were platelet count decreased, blood bilirubin increased, ejection fraction decreased, AST increased, ALT increased, and peripheral neuropathy.
Dose adjustments for KADCYLA were permitted . One hundred and six patients (14%) treated with KADCYLA had dose reductions. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of KADCYLA (in ≥ 1% of patients) included thrombocytopenia, increased transaminases, blood bilirubin and fatigue. Adverse reactions that led to dose delays occurred in 106 (14%) of KADCYLA treated patients.
The most frequent adverse reactions leading to a dose delay of KADCYLA (in ≥ 1% of patients) were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and AST increased. Selected laboratory abnormalities are shown in Table 6 . The most common adverse reactions seen with KADCYLA in the randomized trial (frequency > 25%) were fatigue, nausea, increased transaminases, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, headache, peripheral neuropathy, and arthralgia. The most common NCI–CTCAE (version 3) Grade ≥ 3 adverse reactions (> 2%) were thrombocytopenia and hypertension.
Table 5 Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients in the KATHERINE Trial Grouped terms were used for the following Adverse Reactions: Thrombocytopenia: thrombocytopenia, platelet count decreased Anemia: anemia, hemoglobin decreased Stomatitis: stomatitis, mucosal inflammation, oropharyngeal pain Abdominal pain: abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper Urinary Tract Infection: urinary tract infection, cystitis Transaminases Increased: transaminases increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, liver function test abnormal, hepatic enzyme increased, hepatic function abnormal Musculoskeletal Pain: muscle spasms, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal chest pain, back pain, pain in extremity, bone pain, musculoskeletal pain Peripheral neuropathy: neuropathy peripheral, peripheral sensory neuropathy, peripheral motor neuropathy, paresthesia Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage terms (excl laboratory terms) (SMQ, wide), Hemorrhage laboratory terms (SMQ, narrow) Adverse Reactions KADCYLA n=740 Trastuzumab n=720 All grades (%) Grade 3 – 4 (%) All grades (%) Grade 3 – 4 (%) SMQ=standardized MedDRA queries Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Thrombocytopenia 29 6 2.4
Anemia
10 1.1 9
Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea
42 0.5 13
Constipation
17 0.1 8 0 Stomatitis 15 0.1 8
Vomiting
15 0.5 5
Dry Mouth
14 0.1 1.3 0 Diarrhea 12 0.8 13
Abdominal
pain 11 0.4 7
General Disorders and Administration Fatigue
50 1.1 34
Pyrexia
10 0 4 0 Infections and Infestations Urinary tract infection 10 0.3 6
Investigations Transaminases
increased 32 1.5 8
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Musculoskeletal
pain 30 0.7 29
Arthralgia
26 0.1 21 0 Myalgia 15 0.4 11 0 Nervous System Disorders Headache 28 0 17
Peripheral
neuropathy 28 1.6 14
Dizziness
10 0.1 8
Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia
14 0 12
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Epistaxis
22 0 3.5 0 Cough 14 0.1 12 0 Vascular Disorders Hemorrhage 29
Included
one fatal hemorrhage. 10
The
following clinically relevant adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients in the KADCYLA-treated group in KATHERINE: blood alkaline phosphatase increased (8%), dysgeusia (8%), dyspnea (8%), neutropenia (8%), blood bilirubin increased (7%), hypokalemia (7%), pruritus (7%), hypertension (6%), lacrimation increased (6%), chills (5%), dry eye (4.5%), dyspepsia (4.3%), peripheral edema (3.9%),vision blurred (3.9%), conjunctivitis (3.5%), left ventricular dysfunction (3.0%), drug hypersensitivity (2.7%), infusion-related reaction (1.6%), radiation pneumonitis (1.5%), pneumonitis (1.1%), rash (1.1%), asthenia (0.4%), nodular regenerative hyperplasia (0.3%). Table 6 Selected Laboratory Abnormalities (KATHERINE) Parameter KADCYLA n=740 Trastuzumab n=720 All Grade (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grade (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Chemistry Increased AST 79 0.8 0 21 0.1 0 Increased ALT 55 0.7 0 21 0.1 0 Decreased potassium 26 2 0.5 9 0.7
Increased
bilirubin 12 0 0 4 0.7 0 Hematology Decreased platelet count 51 4 2 13 0.1
Decreased
hemoglobin 31 1 0 29 0.3 0 Decreased neutrophils 24 1 0 19 0.6 0.6
Post-Marketing Experience The
following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of KADCYLA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse Reactions from Observational Studies CHF and > 10% reduction in LVEF in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with a baseline LVEF of 40-49% treated with KADCYLA . Adverse Reactions from Postmarketing Spontaneous Reports Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) Skin/tissue necrosis after extravasation
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