Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurological Toxicities

Cytokine Release Syndrome

• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days after the start of infusion and the median time to resolution of CRS was 5 days among cases that resolved. Manifestations of CRS include fever, headache, nausea, asthenia, hypotension, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased total bilirubin, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The manifestations of CRS after treatment with BLINCYTO overlap with those of infusion reactions, capillary leak syndrome (CLS), and hemophagocytic histiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Using all of these terms to define CRS in clinical trials of BLINCYTO, CRS was reported in 15% of patients with relapsed or refractory ALL, in 7% of patients with MRD-positive ALL, and in 16% of patients receiving BLINCYTO cycles in the consolidation phase of therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
• Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of these events. Advise outpatients on BLINCYTO to contact their healthcare professional for signs and symptoms associated with CRS. If severe CRS occurs, interrupt BLINCYTO until CRS resolves. Discontinue BLINCYTO permanently if life-threatening CRS occurs. Administer corticosteroids for severe or life-threatening CRS 

Neurological Toxicities, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome

• BLINCYTO can cause serious or life-threatening neurologic toxicity, including ICANS [see Adverse Reactions 6.1].
• The incidence of neurologic toxicities in clinical trials was approximately 65% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Among patients that experienced a neurologic toxicity, the median time to the first event was within the first 2 weeks of BLINCYTO treatment. The most common (≥ 10%) manifestations of neurological toxicity were headache, and tremor; the neurological toxicity profile varied by age group [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5)]. Grade 3 or higher neurological toxicities following initiation of BLINCYTO administration occurred in approximately 13% of patients and included encephalopathy, convulsions, speech disorders, disturbances in consciousness, confusion and disorientation, and coordination and balance disorders. Manifestations of neurological toxicity included cranial nerve disorders. The majority of neurologic toxicities resolved following interruption of BLINCYTO, but some resulted in treatment discontinuation.
• The incidence of signs and symptoms consistent with ICANS in clinical trials was 7.5%. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS.
• There is limited experience with BLINCYTO in patients with active ALL in the central nervous system (CNS) or a history of neurologic events. Patients with a history or presence of clinically relevant CNS pathology were excluded from clinical studies. Patients with Down Syndrome may have a higher risk of seizures with BLINCYTO therapy.
• Monitor patients receiving BLINCYTO for signs and symptoms of neurological toxicities, including ICANS. Advise outpatients on BLINCYTO to contact their healthcare professional if they develop signs or symptoms of neurological toxicities. Management of neurologic toxicity may require interruption or discontinuation of BLINCYTO as recommended and/or treatment with corticosteroids