Docetaxel Teva - summary of medicine characteristics

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Docetaxel Teva 20 mg/0.72 ml concentrate and solvent for solution for infusion

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each vial of Docetaxel Teva 20 mg/0.72 ml concentrate contains 20 mg docetaxel. Each ml of concentrate contains 27.73 mg docetaxel.

4.1 Therapeutic indications

cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Concentrate and solvent for solution for infusion.

The concentrate is a clear viscous, yellow to brown-yellow solution.

The solvent is a colourless solution.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

Docetaxel Teva in combination with doxoru treatment of patients with:

For patients with operable node-negative breast cancer, adjuvant treatment should be restricted to patients eligible to recei emotherapy according to internationally established criteria for primary therapy of early breast r (see section 5.1).

ination with doxorubicin is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have not previously received cytotoxic therapy for this condition.

Teva monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or breast cancer after failure of cytotoxic therapy. Previous chemotherapy should have

Docetaxel Teva in combination with trastuzumab is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer whose tumours over express HER2 and who previously have not received chemotherapy for metastatic disease.

Docetaxel Teva in combination with capecitabine is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Previous therapy should have included an anthracycline.

Non-small cell lung cancer

Docetaxel Teva is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy.

Docetaxel Teva in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, in patients who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Prostate cancer

Docetaxel Teva in combination with prednisone or prednisolone is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Docetaxel Teva in combination with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), with or without prednisone or prednisolone, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Gastric adenocarcinoma

Docetaxel Teva in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease.

Head and neck cancer

Docetaxel Teva in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

V2

The use of docetaxel should be confined to units specialised in the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy and it should only be administered under the supervision of a physician qualified in the use of anticancer chemotherapy (see section 6.6).

Posology

For breast, non-small cell lung, gastric, and head and neck cancers, premedication consisting of an oral corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone 16 mg per day (e.g. 8 mg BID) for 3 days starting 1 day prior to

less contraindicated, can be used (see section 4.4).

istant prostate cancer, given the concurrent use of prednisone or

ded premedication regimen is oral dexamethasone 8 mg, 12 hours, 3 hours cetaxel infusion (see section 4.4).

ne-sensitive prostate cancer, irrespective of the concurrent use of prednisone or commended premedication regimen is oral dexamethasone 8 mg 12 hours, 3 hours, ocetaxel infusion (see section 4.4).

tic G-CSF may be used to mitigate the risk of haematological toxicities.

Docetaxel is administered as a one-hour infusion every three weeks.

Breast cancer

In the adjuvant treatment of operable node-positive and node-negative breast cancer, the recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2 administered 1-hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 6 cycles (TAC regimen) (see also Dose adjustments during treatment).

For the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the recommended dose of docetaxel is 100 mg/m2 in monotherapy. In first-line treatment, docetaxel 75 mg/m2 is given in combination therapy with doxorubicin (50 mg/m2).

In combination with trastuzumab the recommended dose of docetaxel is 100 mg/m2 every three weeks, with trastuzumab administered weekly. In the pivotal study the initial docetaxel infusion was started the day following the first dose of trastuzumab. The subsequent docetaxel doses were administered immediately after completion of the trastuzumab infusion, if the preceding dose of trastuzumab was well tolerated. For trastuzumab dose and administration, see trastuzumab summary of product characteristics.

In combination with capecitabine, the recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2 every three weeks, combined with capecitabine at 1,250 mg/m2 twice daily (within 30 minutes after a meal) for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period. For capecitabine dose calculation according to body surface area, see capecitabine summary of product characteristics.

Non-small cell lung cancer

In chemotherapy naïve patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer, the recommended dos is docetaxel 75 mg/m2 immediately followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 over 30–60 minutes. F after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy, the recommended dose is 75 mg/m2 a* agent.

Prostate cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

The recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2. Prednisone or prednisolone 5 mg orally twice daily is administered continuously (see section 5.1).

Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

The recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2 every prednisolone 5 mg orally twice daily may be administered co

Gastric adenocarcinoma

The recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2 as a 1-hour infusion, followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2, as a 1-to 3-hour infusion (both on day 1 only), followed by 5-fluorouracil 750 mg /m2 per

days, starting at the end of the cisplatin infusion.

s must receive premedication with antiemetics and

n. Prophylactic G-CSF should be used to mitigate the ose adjustments during treatment).

Head and neck cancer

Patients must receive premedication with antiemetics and appropriate hydration (prior to and after cisplatin administration). Prophylactic G-CSF may be used to mitigate the risk of haematological toxicities. All patie the docetaxel-containing arm of the TAX 323 and TAX 324 studies, received prophylac tibiotics.

Inductio     motherapy followed by radiotherapy (TAX 323)

For the induction treatment of inoperable locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), the recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2 as a 1 hour infusion followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 over 1 hour, on day one, followed by 5-fluorouracil as a continuous infusion at 750 mg/m2 per day for five days. This regimen is administered every

3 weeks for 4 cycles. Following chemotherapy, patients should receive radiotherapy.

Induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy (TAX 324)

For the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced (technically unresectable, low probability of surgical cure, and aiming at organ preservation) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), the recommended dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion on day 1, followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m2 administered as a 30-minute to 3 hour infusion, followed by 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2/day as a continuous infusion from day 1 to day 4. This regimen is administered every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. Following chemotherapy, patients should receive chemoradiotherapy.

For cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil dose modifications, see the corresponding summary of product characteristics.

Dose adjustments during treatment

General

Docetaxel should be administered when the neutrophil count is >1,500 cells/mm3.

In patients who experienced either febrile neutropenia, neutrophil count <500 cells/mm3 for more than one week, severe or cumulative cutaneous reactions or severe peripheral neuropathy during docetaxel therapy, the dose of docetaxel should be reduced from 100 mg/m2 to 75 mg/m2 and/or from 75 to 60 mg/m2. If the patient continues to experience these reactions at 60 mg/m2, the treatment should be discontinued.

Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer

Primary G-CSF prophylaxis should be considered in patients who receive docetaxel, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (TAC) adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Patients who experience febrile neutropenia and/or neutropenic infection should have their docetaxel dose reduced to 60 mg/m2 in all subsequent cycles (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Patients who experience Grade 3 or 4 stomatitis should have their dose decreased to 60 mg/m2.

In combination with cisplatin

For patients who are dosed initially at docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin and whose nadir of platelet count during the previous course of therapy is <25,000 cells/mm3, or in patients who experience febrile neutropenia, or in patients with serious non-haematologic toxicities, the docetaxel dose in subsequent cycles should be reduced to 65 mg/m2. For cisplatin dose adjustments, see the corresponding summary of product characteristics.

In combination with capecitabine

• • For capecitabine dose modifications, see capecitabine summary of product characteristics.
• • For patients developing the first appearance of Grade 2 toxicity, which persists at the time of the

next docetaxel/cape­citabine treatment, delay treatment until resolved to Grade 0–1, and resume at 100% of the original dose.

• • For patients developing the second appearance of Grade 2 toxicity, or the first appearance of Grade 3 toxicity, at any time during the treatment cycle, delay treatment until resolved to Grade 0–1 and then resume treatment with docetaxel 55 mg/m2.
• • For any subsequent appearances of toxicities, or any Grade 4 toxicities, discontinue the docetaxel dose.

For trastuzumab dose modifications, see trastuzumab summary of product characteristics.

In combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil

If an episode of febrile neutropenia, prolonged neutropenia or neutropenic infection occurs despite G-CSF use, the docetaxel dose should be reduced from 75 to 60 mg/m2. If subsequent episodes of complicated neutropenia occur the docetaxel dose should be reduced from 60 to 45 mg/m2. In case of Grade 4 thrombocytopenia the docetaxel dose should be reduced from 75 to 60 mg/m2. Patients should not be retreated with subsequent cycles of docetaxel until neutrophils recover to a level

• > 1,500 cells/mm3 and platelets recover to a level > 100,000 cells/mm3. Discontinue treatment if these toxicities persist (see section 4.4).

Recommended dose modifications for toxicities in patients treated with docetaxel in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU):

For cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil dose adjustments, see the corresponding summary of product characteristics.

Elderly              V

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, there are no special instructions for use in the elderly. In combination with capecitabine, for patients 60 years of age or more, a starting dose reduction of capecitabine to 75% is recommended (see capecitabine summary of product characteristics).

4.3 Contraindications

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for useFor breast and non-small cell lung cancers, premedication consisting of an oral corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone 16 mg per day (e.g. 8 mg BID) for 3 days starting 1 day prior to docetaxel administration, unless contraindicated, can reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention as well as the severity of hypersensitivity reactions. For prostate cancer, the premedication is oral dexamethasone 8 mg, 12 hours, 3 hours and 1 hour before the docetaxel infusion (see section 4.2).HaematologyNeutropenia is the most frequent adverse reaction of docetaxel. Neutrophil nadirs occurred at a median of 7 days but this interval may be shorter in heavily pre-treated patients. Frequent monitoring of complete blood counts should be conducted on all patients receiving docetaxel. Patients should retreated with docetaxel when neutrophils recover to a level >1,500 cells/mm3 (see section 4.2).In the case of severe neutropenia (<500 cells/mm3 for seven days or more) during a cours docetaxel therapy, a reduction in dose for subsequent courses of therapy or the use of a symptomatic measures are recommended (see section 4.2).In patients treated with docetaxel in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluoroura      F), febrileneutropenia and neutropenic infection occurred at lower rates when patients received prophylactic G-CSF. Patients treated with TCF should receive prophylactic G-CSF to mitigate the risk of complicated neutropenia (febrile neutropenia, prolonged neutropenia or neutropenic infection). Patients receiving TCF should be closely monitored, (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).In patients treated with docetaxel in combination with doxo febrile neutropenia and/or neutropenic infection occurred primary G-CSF prophylaxis. Primary G-CSF prophylaxid cyclophosphamide (TAC), r rates when patients received uld be considered in patients whoreceive adjuvant therapy with TAC for breast cancer to mitigate the risk of complicated neutropenia (febrile neutropenia, prolonged neutropenia or neutropenic infection). Patients receiving TAC should be closely monitored (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).Gastrointestinal reactionsCaution is recommended for patients with neutropenia, particularly at risk for developing gastrointestinal complications. Although majority of cases occurred during the first or second cycle of docetaxel containing regimen, enterocolitis could develop at any time, and could lead to death as earlyas on the first day of ons gastrointestinal toxicity (nts should be closely monitored for early manifestations of serious ions 4.2, 4.4 Haematology, and 4.8).Hypersensitives

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The amount of alcohol in this medicinal product may alter the effects of other medicinal products.

In vitro studies have shown that the metabolism of docetaxel may be modified by the concomitant administration of compounds which induce, inhibit or are metabolised by (and thus may inhibit the enzyme competitively) cytochrome P450–3A such as ciclosporine, ketoconazole and erythromycin. As a result, caution should be exercised when treating patients with these medicinal products as concomitant therapy since there is a potential for a significant interaction.

In case of combination with CYP3A4 inhibitors, the occurrence of docetaxel adverse reactio increase, as a result of reduced metabolism. If the concomitant use of a strong CYP3A4 i (e.g.,

ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, s r,

telithromycin and voriconazole) cannot be avoided, a close clinical surveillance is warranted and a

dose adjustment of docetaxel may be suitable during the treatment with the str (see section 4.4). In a pharmacokinetic study with 7 patients, the co-administr the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole leads to a significant decrease in do 49%.

Docetaxel pharmacokinetics in the presence of prednisone was studied in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Docetaxel is metabolised by CYP3A4 and prednisone is known to induce CYP3A4. No statistically significant effect of prednisone on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel was observed.

Docetaxel is highly protein bound (>95%). Although the possible in vivo interaction of docetaxel with concomitantly administered medicinal product has not investigated formally, in vitro interactions with tightly protein-bound agents such as erythromyci henhydramine, propranolol, propafenone,

phenytoin, salicylate, sulfamethoxazole and sodium va docetaxel. In addition, dexamethasone did not affect p

influence the binding of digitoxin.

The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel, co-administration. Limited data fro between docetaxel and carboplatin.

about 50% higher than values previously reported for carboplatin monotherapy.

• 4.6 Fertility, pregn     and lactation

  
  

  Pregnancy

  
  

There is no information on the use of docetaxel in pregnant women. Docetaxel has been shown to be both embryotoxic and foetotoxic in rabbits and rats, and to reduce fertility in rats. As with other cytotoxic medicinal products, docetaxel may cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Therefore, docetaxel must not be used during pregnancy unless clearly indicated.

Women of childbearing age receiving docetaxel should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant, and to inform the treating physician immediately should this occur.

Breast-feeding

Docetaxel is a lipophilic substance but it is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. Consequently, because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, breast feeding must be discontinued for the duration of docetaxel therapy.

Contraception in males and females

An effective method of contraception should be used during treatment.

Fertility

In non clinical studies, docetaxel has genotoxic effects and may alter male fertility (see section 5.3). Therefore, men being treated with docetaxel are advised not to father a child during and up to 6 months after treatment and to seek advice on conservation of sperm prior to treatment.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. The amount of

alcohol in this medicinal product and the side effects of the product may impair the ability to drive or use machines (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Therefore, patients should be warned of the potential i of the amount of alcohol and the side effects of this medicinal product on the ability to drive machines, and be advised not to drive or use machines if they experience these side effect treatment.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile for all indications

The adverse reactions considered to be possibly or probably related to the administration of docetaxel have been obtained in:

1,312 and 121 patients who received 100 mg/m2 and 75 respectively.

258 patients who received docetaxel in combination with doxorubicin.

406 patients who received docetaxel in combination with cisplatin.

92 patients treated with docetaxel in combination with trastuzumab.

255 patients who received docetaxel in combination with capecitabine.

s were described using the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (grade 3 = G3;

= G3/4; grade 4 = G4), the COSTART and the MedDRA terms. Frequencies are defined as: mon (>1/10), common (>1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (>1/10,000

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions of docetaxel alone are: neutropenia (which was reversible and not cumulative; the median day to nadir was 7 days and the median duration of severe neutropenia (<500 cells/mm3) was 7 days), anaemia, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhoea and asthenia. The severity of adverse events of docetaxel may be increased when docetaxel is given in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

For combination with trastuzumab, adverse events (all grades) reported in > 10% are displayed. There was an increased incidence of SAEs (40% vs. 31%) and Grade 4 AEs (34% vs. 23%) in the trastuzumab combination arm compared to docetaxel monotherapy.

For combination with capecitabine, the most frequent treatment-related undesirable effects (> 5%) reported in a phase III study in breast cancer patients failing anthracycline treatment are presented (see capecitabine summary of product characteristics).

For combination with ADT and with prednisone or prednisolone (STAMPEDE study), adverse events occurring over the 6 cycles of treatment with docetaxel and having at least 2% higher incidence in the docetaxel treatment arm by comparison to the control arm, are presented, using the CTCAE grading

scale.

The following adverse reactions are frequently observed with docetaxel:

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity reactions have generally occurred within a few minutes following the start of the infusion of docetaxel and were usually mild to moderate. The most frequently reported symptoms were flushing, rash with or without pruritus, chest tightness, back pain, dyspnoea and fever or chills.

Severe reactions were characterised by hypotension and/or bronchospas rash/erythema (see section 4.4).

Nervous system disorders

The development of severe peripheral neurotoxicity require duction of dose (see sections 4.2 and 4.4). Mild to moderate neuro-sensory signs are characterised by paraesthesia, dysesthesia or pain including burning. Neuro-motor events are mainly characterised by weakness.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Reversible cutaneous reactions have been observed and were generally considered as mild to moderate. Reactions were characterised by a rash including localised eruptions mainly on the feet and hands (including severe hand and foot syndrome), but also on the arms, face or thorax, and frequently

generally occurred within one week after the docetaxel infusion. such as eruptions followed by desquamation which rarely lead to

docetaxel treatment were reported (see sections 4.2 and 4.4). Severe y hypo- or hyperpigmentation and sometimes pain and onycholysis.

ministration site conditions

Infusion site reactions were generally mild and consisted of hyper pigmentation, inflammation, redness or dryness of the skin, phlebitis or extravasation and swelling of the vein.

Fluid retention includes events such as peripheral oedema and less frequently pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites and weight gain. The peripheral oedema usually starts at the lower extremities and may become generalised with a weight gain of 3 kg or more. Fluid retention is cumulative in incidence and severity (see section 4.4).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in breast cancer for Docetaxel 100 mg/m2 single agent

Description of selected adverse reactions in breast cancer for Docetaxel 100 mg/m2 single agent

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Rare: bleeding episodes associated with grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia.

Nervous system disorders

Reversibility data are available among 35.3% of patients who developed neurotoxicity following docetaxel treatment at 100 mg/m2 as single agent. The events were spontaneously reversible within 3 months.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very rare: one case of alopecia non-reversible at the end of the study. 73% of the cutaneous reactions were reversible within 21 days.

General disorders and administration site conditions

The median cumulative dose to treatment discontinuation was more than 1,000 mg/m2 and the median time to fluid retention reversibility was 16.4 weeks (range 0 to 42 weeks). The onset of moderate and severe retention is delayed (median cumulative dose: 818.9 mg/m2) in patients with premedication compared with patients without premedication (median cumulative dose: 489.7 mg/m2); however, it has been reported in some patients during the early courses of therapy.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in breast cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with doxorubicin

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in non-small cell lung cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in breast cancer for Docetaxel 100 mg/m2 in combination with trastuzumab

Description of selected adverse reactions in breast cancer for Docetaxel 100 mg/m2 in combination with trastuzumab

Cardiac disorders

Symptomatic cardiac failure was reported in 2.2% of the patients who received doceta trastuzumab compared to 0% of patients given docetaxel alone. In the docetaxel plus trastuzumab arm, 64% had received a prior anthracycline as adjuvant therapy compared with 55% in the docetaxel arm alone.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Very common: Haematological toxicity was increased in patients receiving trastuzumab and docetaxel, compared with docetaxel alone (32% grade 3/4 neutropenia versus 22%, using NCI-CTC criteria). Note that this is likely to be an underestimate since docetaxel alone at a dose of 100 mg/m2 is known to result in neutropenia in 97% of patients, 76% grade 4, based on nadir blood counts. The incidence of febrile neutropenia/ne­utropenic sepsis was also increased in patients treated with Herceptin plus docetaxel (23% versus 17% for patients treated with docetaxel alone).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in breast cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with capecitabine

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with prednisone or prednisolone

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in high-risk locally advanced or metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer for docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with prednisone or prednisolone and ADT (STAMPEDE study)

aFrom the GETUG AFU15 study

ns for adjuvant therapy with Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with tide in patients with node-positive (TAX 316) and node-negative

;er – pooled data

Description of selected adverse reactions for adjuvant therapy with Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in patients with node-positive (TAX 316) and node-negative (GEICAM 9805) breast cancer

Nervous system disorders

In study TAX316 peripheral sensory neuropathy started during the treatment period and persisted into the follow-up period in 84 patients (11.3%) in TAC arm and 15 patients (2%) in FAC arm. At the end of the follow-up period (median follow-up time of 8 years), peripheral sensory neuropathy was observed to be ongoing in 10 patients (1.3%) in TAC arm, and in 2 patients (0.3%) in FAC arm. In GEICAM 9805 study peripheral sensory neuropathy that started during the treatment period persisted into the follow-up period in 10 patients (1.9%) in TAC arm and 4 patients (0.8%) in FAC arm. At the end of the follow-up period (median follow-up time of 10 years and 5 months), peripheral sensory neuropathy was observed to be ongoing in 3 patients (0.6%) in TAC arm, and in 1 patient (0.2%) in FAC arm.

Cardiac disorders

In study TAX316, 26 patients (3.5%) in the TAC arm and 17 patients (2.3%) in the FAC arm experienced congestive heart failure. All except one patient in each arm were diagnosed with CHF more than 30 days after the treatment period. Two patients in the TAC arm and 4 patients in the FAC arm died because of cardiac failure.

In GEICAM 9805 study, 3 patients (0.6%) in TAC arm and 3 patients (0.6%) in FAC arm de congestive heart failure during the follow-up period. At the end of the follow-up period (a follow-up time of 10 years and 5 months), no patients had CHF in TAC arm and 1 patient

ders and administration site conditions

316 peripheral oedema that started during the treatment period and persisted into the p period after the end of chemotherapy was observed in 119 of 744 TAC patients (16.0%) and

6 FAC patients (3.1%). At the end of the follow-up period (actual median follow-up time of 8 years), peripheral oedema was ongoing in 19 TAC patients (2.6%) and 4 FAC patients (0.5%).

In study TAX316 lymphoedema that started during the treatment period and persisted into the followup period after the end of chemotherapy was reported in 11 of 744 TAC patients (1.5%) and 1 of 736 FAC patients (0.1%). At the end of the follow-up period (actual median follow-up time of 8 years), lymphoedema was observed to be ongoing in 6 TAC patients (0.8%) and 1 FAC patient (0.1%).

In study TAX316 asthenia that started during the treatment period and persisted into the follow-up period after the end of chemotherapy was reported in 236 of 744 TAC patients (31.7%) and 180 of 736 FAC patients (24.5%). At the end of the follow-up period (actual median follow-up time of 8 years), asthenia was observed to be ongoing in 29 TAC patients (3.9%) and 16 FAC patients (2.2%).

In study GEICAM 9805 peripheral oedema that started during the treatment period persisted into the follow-up period in 4 patients (0.8%) in TAC arm and in 2 patients (0.4%) in FAC arm. At the end of the follow-up period (median follow-up time of 10 years and 5 months), no patients (0%) in TAC arm had peripheral oedema and it was observed to be ongoing in 1 patient (0.2%) in FAC arm.

Lymphoedema that started during the treatment period persisted into the follow-up period in 5 patients (0.9%) in TAC arm and 2 patients (0.4%) in FAC arm. At the end of the follow-up period, lymphoedema was observed to be ongoing in 4 patients (0.8%) in TAC arm, and in 1 patient (0.2%) in FAC arm.

Asthenia that started during the treatment period and persisted into the follow-up period was observed to be ongoing in 12 patients (2.3%) in TAC arm and 4 patients (0.8%) in FAC arm. At the end of the follow-up period, asthenia was observed to be ongoing in 2 patients (0.4%) in TAC arm, and in 2 patients (0.4%) in FAC arm.

Acute leukaemia / Myelodysplastic syndrome.

After 10 years of follow up in study TAX316, acute leukaemia was reported in 3 of 744 TAC patients (0.4%) and in 1 of 736 FAC patients (0.1%). One TAC patient (0.1%) and 1 FAC patient (0.1%) died due to AML during the follow-up period (median follow-up time of 8 years). Myelodysplastic syndrome was reported in 2 of 744 TAC patients (0.3%) and in 1 of 736 FAC patients (0.1%).

After 10 years of follow-up in GEICAM 9805 study, acute leukaemia occurred in 1 of 532 (0.2%) patients in TAC arm. No cases were reported in patients in FAC arm. No patient was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in either treatment groups.

Neutropenic complications

Table below shows that the incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and neutropenic infection was decreased in patients who received primary G-CSF prophylaxis after it was made mandatory in the TAC arm – GEICAM study.

Neutropenic complications in patients receiving TAC with or without primary G-CSF prophylaxis (GEICAM 9805)

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in gastric adenocarcinoma cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil:

Description of selected adverse reactions in gastric adenocarcinoma cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Febrile neutropenia and neutropenic infection occurred in 17.2% and 13.5% of patients respectively, regardless of G-CSF use. G-CSF was used for secondary prophylaxis in 19.3% of patients (10.7% of the cycles). Febrile neutropenia and neutropenic infection occurred respectively in 12.1% and 3.4% of patients when patients received prophylactic G-CSF, in 15.6% and 12.9% of patients without prophylactic G-CSF, (see section 4.2).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in head and neck cancer for Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil

• • Induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (TAX 323)

• • Induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy (TAX 324)

Post-marketing experience

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Second primary malignancies (frequency not known), including non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been reported in association with docetaxel when used in combination with other anticancer treatments known to be associated with second primary malignancies. Acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome have been reported (frequency uncommon) in pivotal clinical studies in breast cancer with TAC regimen.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Bone marrow suppression and other haematologic adverse reactions have been reported. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), often in association with sepsis or multi-organ failure, has been reported.

Immune system disorders

Some cases of anaphylactic shock, sometimes fatal, have been reported.

Hypersensitivity reactions (frequency not known) have been reported with docetaxel in patients who previously experienced hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel.

Nervous system disorders

Rare cases of convulsion or transient loss of consciousness have been observed with docetaxel administration. These reactions sometimes appear during the infusion of the medicinal product.

Eye disorders

Very rare cases of transient visual disturbances (flashes, flashing lights, scotomata) typically occurring during infusion of the medicinal product and in association with hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. These were reversible upon discontinuation of the infusion. Cases of lacrimation with or without conjunctivitis, as cases of lacrimal duct obstruction resulting in excessive tearing have been rarely reported. Cases of cystoid macular oedema (CMO) have been reported in patients treated with docetaxel.

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Rare cases of ototoxicity, hearing impaired and/or hearing loss have been reported.

Cardiac disorders

Rare cases of myocardial infarction have been reported.

Ventricular arrhythmia including ventricular tachycardia (frequency not known), sometimes fatal, has been reported in patients treated with docetaxel in combination regimens including doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil and/ or cyclophosphamide.

Vascular disorders

Venous thromboembolic events have rarely been reported.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Acute respiratory distress syndrome and cases of interstitial pneumonia/pne­umonitis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure sometimes fatal have rarely been reported. Rare cases of radiation pneumonitis have been reported in patients receiving concomitant radiotherapy.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Rare cases of enterocolitis, including colitis, ischemic colitis, and neutropenic enter reported with a potential fatal outcome (frequency not known).

Rare occurrences of dehydration have been reported as a consequence of gastr including enterocolitis and gastrointestinal perforation.

Rare cases of ileus and intestinal obstruction have been reported.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Very rare cases of hepatitis, sometimes fatal primarily in patien have been reported.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Cases of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, bullous eruptions such as erythema multiforme and severe cutaneous adverse reactions such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with docetaxel. Scleroderma-like changes usually preceded by peripheral lymphoedema have been reported with docetaxel. Cases of permanent alopecia

Renal and urinary disorders

Renal insufficiency and renal failure have been reported. In about 20% of these cases there were no risk factors for acute renal failure such as concomitant nephrotoxic medicinal products and gastrointestinal disorders.

inistration site conditions

Radiation recall phenomena have rarely been reported.

Injection site recall reaction (recurrence of skin reaction at a site of previous extravasation following administration of docetaxel at a different site) has been observed at the site of previous extravasation wn).

n has not been accompanied by acute episodes of oliguria or hypotension. Dehydration nary oedema have rarely been reported.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Cases of electrolyte imbalance have been reported. Cases of hyponatraemia have been reported, mostly associated with dehydration, vomiting and pneumonia. Hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypocalcaemia were observed, usually in association with gastrointestinal disorders and in particular with diarrhoea. Tumour lysis syndrome, potentially fatal, has been reported (frequency not known).

Musculoskeletal disorder

Myositis has been reported with docetaxel (frequency not known).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in

4.9 Overdose

There were a few reports of overdose. There is no known antidote for docetaxel overdose. In case of overdose, the patient should be kept in a specialised unit and vital functions closely monitored. In cases of overdose, exacerbation of adverse events may be expected. The primary anticipated complications of overdose would consist of bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity and mucositis. Patients should receive therapeutic G-CSF as soon as possible after discovery of overdose. Other appropriate symptomatic measures should be taken, as needed.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Taxanes, ATC Code: L01CD 02

Mechanism of action

Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent which acts by promoting the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules and inhibits their disassembly which leads to a marked decrease of free tubulin. The binding of docetaxel to microtubules does not alter the number of protofilaments.

Docetaxel has been shown in vitro to disrupt the microtubular network in cells which is essential for vital mitotic and interphase cellular functions.

o against various murine and human tumour cell lines and in clonogenic assays. Docetaxel achieves high intracellular

concentrations with a long cell residence time. In addition, docetaxel was found to be active on some but not all cell lines over expressing the p-glycoprotein which is encoded by the multidrug resistance gene. In vivo , docetaxel is schedule independent and has a broad spectrum of experimental anti-tumour activity against advanced murine and human grafted tumours.

Breast canc el in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide: adjuvant therapy with operable node-positive breast cancer (TAX 316)

Data from a multi-centre open-label randomised study support the use of docetaxel for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer and KPS > 80%, between 18 and 70 years of age. After stratification according to the number of positive lymph nodes (1–3, 4+), 1,491 patients were randomised to receive either docetaxel 75 mg/m2 administered 1-hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (TAC arm), or doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 followed by fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (FAC arm). Both regimens were administered once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. Docetaxel was administered as a 1-hour infusion; all other medicinal products were given as intravenous bolus on day one. G-CSF was administered as secondary prophylaxis to patients who experienced complicated neutropenia (febrile neutropenia, prolonged neutropenia, or infection). Patients on the TAC arm received antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice daily for 10 days starting on day 5 of each cycle, or equivalent. In both arms, after the last cycle of chemotherapy, patients with positive oestrogen and/or progesterone receptors received tamoxifen 20 mg daily for up to 5 years. Adjuvant radiation therapy was prescribed according to guidelines in place at participating institutions and was given to 69% of patients who received TAC and 72% of patients who received FAC.

Two interim analyses and one final analysis were performed. The first interim analysis was planned 3 years after the date when half of study enrolment was done. The second interim analysis was done after 400 DFS events had been recorded overall, which led to a median follow-up of 55 months. The final analysis was performed when all patients had reached their 10-year follow-up visit (unless they had a DFS event or were lost to follow-up before). Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary efficacy endpoint and Overall survival (OS) was the secondary efficacy endpoint.

A final analysis was performed with an actual median follow up of 96 months. Significantly longer disease-free survival for the TAC arm compared to the FAC arm was demonstrated. Incidence of relapses at 10 years was reduced in patients receiving TAC compared to those who received FAC (39% versus 45%, respectively) i.e. an absolute risk reduction by 6% (p=0.0043). Overall survival at 10 years was also significantly increased with TAC compared to FAC (76% versus 69%, respectively) i.e. an absolute reduction of the risk of death by 7% (p=0.002). As the benefit observed in patients with 4+ nodes was not statistically significant on DFS and OS, the positive benefit/risk ratio for TAC in patients with 4+ nodes was not fully demonstrated at the final analysis.

Overall, the study results demonstrate a positive benefit risk ratio for TAC compared to FAC.

TAC-treated patient subsets according to prospectively defined major prognostic factors were analysed:

a hazard ratio of less than 1 indicates that TAC is associated with a longer disease-free survival and overall survival compared to FAC

Patients with operable node-negative breast cancer eligible to receive chemotherapy (GEICAM 9805)

Data from a multi-centre open-label randomised trial support the use of Docetaxel for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-negative breast cancer eligible to receive chemotherapy. 1,060 patients were randomised to receive either Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 administered 1-hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (539 patients in TAC arm), or doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 followed by fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (521 patients in FAC arm), as adjuvant treatment of operable node-negative breast cancer patients with high risk of relapse according to 1998 St. Gallen criteria (tumour size >2 cm and/or negative ER and PR and/or high histological/nu­clear grade (grade 2 to 3) and /or age <35 years). Both regimens were administered once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. Docetaxel was administered as a 1-hour infusion, all other medicinal products were given intraveinously on day 1 every three weeks. Primary prophylactic G-CSF was made mandatory in TAC arm after 230 patients were randomised. The incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and neutropenic infection was decreased in patients who received primary G-CSF prophylaxis (see section 4.8). In both arms, after the last cycle of chemotherapy, patients with ER+ and/or PgR+ tumours received tamoxifen 20 mg once a day for up to 5 years.

Adjuvant radiation therapy was administered according to guidelines in place at participating institutions and was given to 57.3% of patients who received TAC and 51.2% of patients who received FAC.

One primary analysis and one updated analysis were performed. The primary analysis was done when all patients had a follow-up of greater than 5 years (median follow-up time of 77 months). The updated analysis was performed when all patients had reached their 10-year (median follow up time of 10 years and 5 months) follow-up visit (unless they had a DFS event or were lost to follow-up previously). Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary efficacy endpoint and Overall survival (OS) was the secondary efficacy endpoint.

At the median follow-up time of 77 months, significantly longer disease-free survival for the TAC arm compared to the FAC arm was demonstrated. TAC-treated patients had a 32% reduction in the risk of relapse compared to those treated with FAC (hazard ratio = 0.68, 95% CI (0.49–0.93), p = 0.01). At the median follow up time of 10 years and 5 months, TAC-treated patients had a 16.5% reduction in the risk of relapse compared to those treated with FAC (hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% CI (0.65–1.08), p=0.1646). DFS data were not statistically significant but were still associated with a positive trend in favour of TAC.

At the median follow-up time of 77 months, overall survival (OS) was longer in the TAC arm with TAC-treated patients having a 24% reduction in the risk of death compared to FAC (hazard ratio = 0.76, 95% CI (0.46–1.26, p = 0.29). However, the distribution of OS was not significantly different between the 2 groups.

At the median follow up time of 10 years and 5 months, TAC-treated patients had a 9% reduction in the risk of death compared to FAC-treated patients (hazard ratio = 0.91, 95% CI (0.63–1.32)).

The survival rate was 93.7% in the TAC arm and 91.4% in the FAC arm, at the 8-year follow-up time point, and 91.3% in the TAC arm and 89% in the FAC arm, at the 10-year follow-up time point.

The positive benefit risk ratio for TAC compared to FAC remained unchanged.

TAC-treated patient subsets according to prospectively defined major prognostic factors were analysed in the primary analysis (at the median follow-up time of 77 months) (see table below):

Subset Analyses-Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Node-negative Breast Cancer Study (Intent-to-Treat Analysis)

a hazard ratio (TAC/FAC) of less than 1 indicates that TAC is associated with a longer disease free survival compared to FAC.

Exploratory subgroup analyses for disease-free survival for patients who meet the 2009 St. Gallen chemotherapy criteria – (ITT population) were performed and presented here below:

TAC = docetaxel, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide

FAC = 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide CI = confidence interval; ER = oestrogen receptor PR = progesterone receptor

a ER/PR-negative or Grade 3 or tumour size >5 cm

The estimated hazard ratio was using Cox proportional hazard model with treatment group as the factor.

Docetaxel as single agent

Two randomised phase III comparative studies, involving 392 anthracycline failure metastatic breast cancer patients recommended dose and regimen of 100 mg/m2 every 3 w

During these two phase III studies, the safety profile of docetaxel was consistent with the safety profile observed in phase II studies (see section 4.8).

An open-label, multi-centre, randomised phase III study was conducted to compare docetaxel monotherapy and paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced breast cancer in patients whose previous therapy should have included an anthracycline. A total of 449 patients were randomised to receive either docetaxel monotherapy 100 mg/m2 as a 1 hour infusion or paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 as a 3 hour infusion. Both regimens were administered every 3 weeks.

Without affecting the primary endpoint, overall response rate (32% vs 25%, p=0.10), docetaxel prolonged median time to progression (24.6 weeks vs 15.6 weeks; p<0.01) and median survival (15.3 months vs 12.7 months; p=0.03).

More grade 3/4 adverse events were observed for docetaxel monotherapy (55.4%) compared to paclitaxel (23.0%).

Docetaxel in combination with doxorubicin

One large randomised phase III study, involving 429 previously untreated patients with metastatic disease, has been performed with doxorubicin (50 mg/m2) in combination with docetaxel (75 mg/m2) (AT arm) versus doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) in combination with cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) (AC arm). Both regimens were administered on day 1 every 3 weeks.

Time to progression (TTP) was significantly longer in the AT arm versus AC arm, p=0.0138. The median TTP was 37.3 weeks (95% CI:33.4 – 42.1) in AT arm and 31.9 weeks (95% CI: 27.4 – 36.0) in AC arm.

Overall response rate (ORR) was significantly higher in the AT arm versus AC arm, p=0.009. The ORR was 59.3% (95% CI: 52.8 – 65.9) in AT arm versus 46.5% (95% CI: 39.8 – 53.2) in AC arm.

In this study, AT arm showed a higher incidence of severe neutropenia (90% versus 68.6%), febrile neutropenia (33.3% versus 10%), infection (8% versus 2.4%), diarrhoea (7.5% versus 1.4%), asthenia (8.5% versus 2.4%), and pain (2.8% versus 0%) than AC arm. On the other hand, AC arm showed a higher incidence of severe anemia (15.8% versus 8.5%) than AT arm, and, in addition, a higher incidence of severe cardiac toxicity: congestive heart failure (3.8% versus 2.8%), absolute LVEF decrease > 20% (13.1 % versus 6.1%), absolute LVEF decrease > 30% (6.2% versus 1.1%). Toxic deaths occurred in 1 patient in the AT arm (congestive heart failure) and in 4 patients in the AC arm (1 due to septic shock and 3 due to congestive heart failure).

In both arms, quality of life measured by the EORTC questionnaire was comparable and stable during treatment and follow-up.

Docetaxel in combination with trastuzumab

Docetaxel in combination with trastuzumab was studie

breast cancer whose tumours over express HER2, and who previously had not received chemotherapy for metastatic disease. One hundred eighty six patients were randomised to receive docetaxel (100 mg/m2) with or without trastuzumab; 60% of patients received prior anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Docetaxel plus trastuzumab was efficacious in patients whether or not they had received prior adjuvant anthracyclines. The main test method used to determine HER2 positivity in

(IHC). A minority of patients were tested using his study, 87% of patients had disease that was IHC 3+, as IHC 3+ and/or FISH positive. Efficacy results are

TTP=time to progression; “ne” indicates that it could not be estimated or it was not yet reached.

1Full analysis set (intent-to-treat)

2Estimated median survival

Docetaxel in combination with capecitabine

Data from one multi-centre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical study support the use of docetaxel in combination with capecitabine for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy, including an anthracycline. In this

study, 255 patients were randomised to treatment with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks) and capecitabine (1,250 mg/m2 twice daily for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest period). 256 patients were randomised to treatment with docetaxel alone (100 mg/ m2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks). Survival was superior in the docetaxel +capecitabine combination arm (p=0.0126). Median survival was 442 days (docetaxel + capecitabine) vs. 352 days (docetaxel alone).

The overall objective response rates in the all-randomised population (investigator assessment) were 41.6% (docetaxel + capecitabine) vs. 29.7% (docetaxel alone); p = 0.0058. Time to progressive disease was superior in the docetaxel + capecitabine combination arm (p<0.0001). The median time to progression was 186 days (docetaxel + capecitabine) vs. 128 days (docetaxel alone).

Non-small cell lung cancer

Patients previously treated with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy

In a phase III study, in previously treated patients, time to progression (12.3 weeks versus 7 weeks) and overall survival were significantly longer for docetaxel at 75 mg/m2 compared to Best Supportive Care. The 1-year survival rate was also significantly longer in docetaxel (40%) versus BSC (16%). There was less use of morphinic analgesic (p<0.01), non-morphinic analgesics (p<0.01), other disease related medications (p=0.06) and radiotherapy (p<0.01) in patients treated with docetaxel at 75 mg/m2 compared to those with BSC.

The overall response rate was 6.8% in the evaluable patients, and the median duration of response was 26.1 weeks.

Docetaxel in combination with platinum agents in chemotherapy-naïve patients

In a phase III study, 1,218 patients with unresectable stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, with KPS of 70% or greater, and who did not receive previous chemotherapy for this condition, were randomised to either docetaxel (T) 75 mg/m2 as a 1 hour infusion immediately followed by cisplatin (Cis) 75 mg/m2 over 30–60 minutes every 3 weeks (TCis), docetaxel 75 mg/m2 as a 1 hour infusion in combination with carboplatin (AUC 6 mg/ml. min) over 30–60 minutes every 3 weeks, or vinorelbine (V) 25 mg/m2 administered over 6–10 minutes on days 1, 8, 15, 22 followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m2 administered on day 1 of cycles repeated every 4 weeks (VCis).

Survival data, median time to progression and response rates for two arms of the study are illustrated in the following table:

: Corrected for multiple comparisons and adjusted for stratification factors (stage of disease and region of treatment), based on evaluable patient population.

Secondary end-points included change of pain, global rating of quality of life by EuroQoL-5D, Lung Cancer Symptom Scale, and changes in Karnosfky performance status. Results on these end-points were supportive of the primary end-points results.

For docetaxel/car­boplatin combination, neither equivalent nor non-inferior efficacy could be proven compared to the reference treatment combination VCis.

Prostate cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

The safety and efficacy of docetaxel in combination with prednisone or prednisolone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were evaluated in a randomised multi-centre phase III study (TAX 327). A total of 1,006 patients with KPS>60 were randomised to the following treatment groups:

• • Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 10 cycles.
• • Docetaxel 30 mg/m2 administered weekly for the first 5 weeks in a 6 week cycle for 5 cycles.
• • Mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 10 cycles.

All 3 regimens were administered in combination with prednisone or predn continuously.

Patients who received docetaxel every three weeks demonstrated significantly longer overall survival compared to those treated with mitoxantrone. The increase in survival seen in the docetaxel weekly arm was not statistically significant compared to the mitoxantrone control arm. Efficacy endpoints for the docetaxel arms versus the control arm are summarized in the following table:

’Stratified log-rank test

Threshold for statistical significance=0.0175

PSA: Prostate-Specific Antigen

Given the fact that docetaxel every week presented a slightly better safety profile than docetaxel every 3 weeks, it is possible that certain patients may benefit from docetaxel every week.

No statistical differences were observed between treatment groups for Global Quality of Life.

Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

STAMPEDE study

The safety and efficacy of docetaxel administered concomitantly with standard of care (ADT) in patients with high-risk locally advanced or metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer were evaluated in a randomised multi-centre, multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) study with a seamless phase II/III design (STAMPEDE – MRC PR08). A total of 1776 male patients were allocated to the treatment arms of interest:

• • Standard of care + docetaxel 75 mg/m2, administered every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
• • Standard of care alone

Docetaxel regimen was administered in combination with prednisone or prednisolone 5 mg twice daily continuously.

Among the 1776 randomised patients 1086 (61%) had metastatic disease, 362 were randomised to docetaxel in combination with standard of care, 724 received standard of care alone.

In these metastatic prostate cancer patients, the median overall survival was signific docetaxel treatment groups than in the standard of care alone group, with a median o months longer with the addition of docetaxel to standard of care (HR = 0.76, 95% C p=0.005).

Efficacy results in metastatic prostate cancer patients for docetaxel arm versus control arm are summarized in the following table:

Efficacy of docetaxel in combination with prednisone or prednisolone and standard of care in the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (STAMPEDE)

20.4

16.8–25.2 0.66 (0.57–0.76) < 0.001

a p-value calculated from the likelihood ratio test and adjusted for all stratification factors (except center and planned hormone therapy) and stratified by trial period

b Failure-free survival: time from randomization to first evidence of at least one of: biochemical failure (defined as a rise in PSA of 50% above the within-24-week nadir and above 4 ng/mL and confirmed by retest or treatment); progression either locally, in lymph nodes, or in distant metastases; skeletal-related event; or death from prostate cancer.

CHAARTED study

The safety and efficacy of docetaxel administered at the beginning of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer were evaluated in a randomised Phase III multi-centre study (CHAARTED). A total of 790 male patients were allocated to the 2 treatment groups.

• • ADT + docetaxel 75 mg/m2 given at the beginning of ADT, administered every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
• • ADT alone

The median overall survival was significantly longer in docetaxel treatment group than in the ADT alone group, with a median overall survival 13.6 months longer with the addition of docetaxel to ADT (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.47–0.80, p=0.0003).

Efficacy results or the docetaxel arm versus the control arm are summarized in the following

Efficacy of docetaxel and ADT in the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (CHAARTED)

a Time to event variables: Stratified log-rank test.

Response rate variables: Fisher's Exact test

• * p-value for descriptive purpose.

• * * PSA response: Prostate-Specific Antigen response: PSA level <0.2 ng/mL measured for two consecutive measurements at least 4 weeks apart.

b Time to castration-resistant prostate cancer = time from randomization to PSA progression or clinical progression (i.e., increasing symptomatic bone metastases, progression per Response

Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) criteria, or clinical deterioration due to cancer per the Investigator’s o­pinion), whichever occurred first.

c The time to clinical progression = the time from randomization until clinical progression increased symptoms of bone metastases; progression according to RECIST; or clinica due to cancer according to the investigator’s o­pinion).

Gastric adenocarcinoma

A multi-centre, open-label, randomised study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of docetaxel for the treatment of patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who had not received prior chemotherapy for ther docetaxel (T)

1) and 5-fluorouracil (F) 5-fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m2 per CF arm and 4 weeks for the CF

The median number of cycles administered per patient was 6 (with a range of 1–16) for the TCF arm compared to 4 (with a range of 1–12) for the CF arm. Time to progression (TTP) was the primary endpoint. The risk reduction of progression was 32.1% and was associated with a significantly longer TTP (p=0.0004) in favour of the TCF arm. Overall survival was also significantly longer (p=0.0201) in favour of the TCF arm with a risk reduction of mortality of 22.7%. Efficacy results are summarized in the following table:

reatment of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma

Unstratified log rank test

Subgroup analyses across age, gender and race consistently favoured the TCF arm compared to the CF arm.

A survival update analysis conducted with a median follow-up time of 41.6 months no longer showed a statistically significant difference although always in favour of the TCF regimen and showed that the benefit of TCF over CF is clearly observed between 18 and 30 months of follow up.

Overall, quality of life (QoL) and clinical benefit results consistently indicated improvement in favour of the TCF arm. Patients treated with TCF had a longer time to 5% definitive deterioration of global health status on the QLQ-C30 questionnaire (p=0.0121) and a longer time to definitive worsening of Karnofsky performance status (p=0.0088) compared to patients treated with CF.

Head and neck cancer

• • Induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (TAX323)

The safety and efficacy of docetaxel in the induction treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) was evaluated in a phase III, multi-centre, open-lab randomised study (TAX323). In this study, 358 patients with inoperable locally advanced SCCHN, and WHO performance status 0 or 1, were randomised to one of two treatment arms. Patients on the docetaxel arm received docetaxel (T) 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin (P) 75 mg/m2 followed by 5-fluorouracil (F) 750 mg/m2 per day as a continuous infusion for 5 days. This regimen was administered every three weeks for 4 cycles in case at least a minor response (> 25% reduction in bidimensionally measured tumour size) was observed after 2 cycles. At the end of chemotherapy, with a minimal interval of 4 weeks and a maximal interval of 7 weeks, patients whose disease did not progress received radiotherapy (RT) according to institutional guidelines for 7 weeks (TPF/RT). Patients on the comparator arm received cisplatin (P) 100 mg/m2 followed by 5-fluorouracil (F) 1000 mg/m2 per day for 5 days. This regimen was administered every three weeks for 4 cycles in case at least a minor response (> 25% reduction in bidimensionally measured tumour size) was observed after 2 cycles. At the end of chemotherapy, with a minimal interval of 4 weeks and a maximal interval of 7 weeks, patients whose disease did not progress received radiotherapy (RT) according to institutional guidelines for 7 weeks (PF/RT). Locoregional therapy with radiation was delivered either with a conventional fraction (1.8 Gy – 2.0 Gy once a day, 5 days per week for a total dose of 66 to 70 Gy), or accelerated/hy­perfractionated regimens of radiation therapy (twice a day, with a minimum interfraction interval of 6 hours, 5 days per week). A total of 70 Gy was recommended for accelerated regimens and 74 Gy for hyperfractionated schemes. Surgical resection was allowed following chemotherapy, before or after radiotherapy. Patients on the TPF arm received antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice daily for 10 days starting on day 5 of each cycle, or equivalent. The primary endpoint in this study, progression-free survival (PFS), was significantly longer in the TPF arm compared to the PF arm, p = 0.0042 (median PFS: 11.4 vs. 8.3 months

all median follow up time of 33.7 months. Median overall survival was also our of the TPF arm compared to the PF arm (median OS: 18.6 vs.

with a 28% risk reduction of mortality, p = 0.0128. Efficacy results are presented in the table below:

Efficacy ofdocetaxel in the induction treatment of patients with inoperable locally advanced SCCHN A                                (­Intent-to-Treat Analysis)

A hazard ratio of less than 1 favours docetaxel + cisplatin + 5-FU

• Cox model (adjustment for Primary tumour site, T and N clinical stages and PSWHO) Log rank test

• ** Chi-square test

Quality of life parameters

Patients treated with TPF experienced significantly less deterioration of their Global health score compared to those treated with PF (p=0.01, using the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale).

Clinical benefit parameters

The performance status scale, for head and neck (PSS-HN) subscales designed to measure understandability of speech, ability to eat in public, and normalcy of diet, was significantly in favour of TPF as compared to PF.

Median time to first deterioration of WHO performance status was significantly longer in the TPF arm compared to PF. Pain intensity score improved during treatment in both groups indicating adequate pain management

• • Induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy (TAX324)

The safety and efficacy of docetaxel in the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) was evaluated in a randomised, multi-centre open-label, phase III study (TAX324). In this study, 501 patients, with locally advanced SCCHN, and a WHO performance status of 0 or 1, were randomised to one of two arms. The study population comprised patients with technically unresectable disease, patients with low probability of surgical cure and patients aiming at organ preservation. The efficacy and safety evaluation solely addressed survival endpoints and the success of organ preservation was not formally addressed. Patients on the docetaxel arm received docetaxel (T) 75 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion on day 1 followed by cisplatin (P) 100 mg/m2 administered as a 30-minute to three-hour intravenous infUsion, followed by the continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (F) 1,000 mg/m2/day from day 1 to day 4. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. All patients who did not have progressive disease were to receive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as per protocol (TPF/CRT). Patients on the comparator arm received cisplatin (P) 100 mg/m2 as a 30-minute to three-hour intravenous infusion on day 1 followed by the continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (F) 1,000 mg/m2/day from day 1 to day 5. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. All patients who did not have progressive disease were to receive CRT as per protocol (PF/CRT).

Patients in both treatment arms were to receive 7 weeks of CRT following induction chemotherapy with a minimum interval of 3 weeks and no later than 8 weeks after start of the last cycle (day 22 to day 56 of last cycle). During radiotherapy, carboplatin (AUC 1.5) was given weekly as a one-hour intravenous infusion for a maximum of 7 doses. Radiation was delivered with megavoltage equipment using once daily fractionation (2 Gy per day, 5 days per week for 7 weeks, for a total dose of 70–72 Gy). Surgery on the primary site of disease and/or neck could be considered at anytime following completion of CRT. All patients on the docetaxel-containing arm of the study received prophylactic antibiotics. The primary efficacy endpoint in this study, overall survival (OS) was significantly longer (log-rank test, p = 0.0058) with the docetaxel-containing regimen compared to PF (median OS: 70.6 versus 30.1 months respectively), with a 30% risk reduction in mortality compared to PF (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.90) with an overall median follow up time of 41.9 months. The secondary endpoint, PFS, demonstrated a 29% risk reduction of progression or death and a 22 month improvement in median PFS (35.5 months for TPF and 13.1 for PF). This was also statistically significant with an HR of 0.71; 95% CI 0.56–0.90; log-rank test p = 0.004. Efficacy results are presented in the table below:

Efficacy of docetaxel in the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced SCCHN (Intent-to-Treat Analysis)

Absorption

The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel have been evaluated in cancer patients after administration of 20–115 mg/m2 in phase I studies. The kinetic profile of docetaxel is dose independent and consistent with a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model with half lives for the a, P and y phases of 4 min, 36 min and 11.1 h, respectively. The late phase is due, in part, to a relatively slow efflux of docetaxel from the peripheral compartment.

Distribution

Following the administration of a 100 mg/m2 dose given as a one hour infusion a mean peak plasma level of 3.7 ^g/ml was obtained with a corresponding AUC of 4.6 h.^g/ml. Mean values for total body clearance and steady-state volume of distribution were 21 l/h/m2 and 113 l, respectively. Inter individual variation in total body clearance was approximately 50%. Docetaxel is more than 95% bound to plasma proteins.

Elimination

A study of 14C-docetaxel has been conducted in three cancer patients. Docetaxel was eliminated in both the urine and faeces following cytochrome P450-mediated oxidative metabolism of the tert-butyl ester group, within seven days, the urinary and faecal excretion accounted for about 6% and 75% of the administered radioactivity, respectively. About 80% of the radioactivity recovered in faeces is excreted during the first 48 hours as one major inactive metabolite and 3 minor inactive metabolites and very low amounts of unchanged medicinal product.

Special populations

Age and gender

A population pharmacokinetic analysis has been performed with docetaxel in atients.

Pharmacokinetic parameters estimated by the model were very close to those     ated from phase I

studies. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel were not altered by the age or sex of the patient.

Hepatic impairment

In a small number of patients (n=23) with clinical chemistry dat

function impairment (ALT, AST >1.5 times the ULN associ the ULN), total clearance was lowered by 27% on average (

Fluid retention

Docetaxel clearance was not modified in patients with mild to moderate fluid retention and there are

no data available in patients with severe flui

es not influence the clearance of doxorubicin and the plasma icin metabolite). The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel, doxorubicin influenced by their coadministration.

Capecitabine

Phase I study evaluating the effect of capecitabine on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel and vice versa showed no effect by capecitabine on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel (Cmax and AUC) and no effect by docetaxel on the pharmacokinetics of a relevant capecitabine metabolite 5’-DFUR.

Clearance of docetaxel in combination therapy with cisplatin was similar to that observed following monotherapy. The pharmacokinetic profile of cisplatin administered shortly after docetaxel infusion is similar to that observed with cisplatin alone.

Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil

The combined administration of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in 12 patients with solid tumours had no influence on the pharmacokinetics of each individual medicinal product.

Prednisone and dexamethasone

The effect of prednisone on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel administered with standard dexamethasone premedication has been studied in 42 patients.

Prednisone

No effect of prednisone on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel was observed.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The carcinogenic potential of docetaxel has not been studied.

Docetaxel has been shown to be mutagenic in the in vitro micronucleus and chromosome aberration test in CHO-K1 cells and in the in vivo micronucleus test in the mouse. However, it did not induce mutagenicity in the Ames test or the CHO/HGPRT gene mutation assay. These results are consistent with the pharmacological activity of docetaxel.

Undesirable effects on the testis observed in rodent toxicity studies suggest that docetaxel may impair male fertility.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

6.2 Incompatibilities

6.3 Shelf life

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not freeze.

Store in the original package in order to protect from light.

For storage conditions of the diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Each carton contains:

• • One vial of concentrate and,

One vial of solvent

Docetaxel Teva 20 mg/0.72 ml concentrate for solution for infusion vial

6 ml clear glass Type I vial with a bromobutyl rubber stopper and a flip-off cap.

This vial contains 0.72 ml of a 27.73 mg/ml solution of docetaxel in polysorbate 80 (fill volume: 24.4 mg/0.88 ml). This fill volume has been established during the development of docetaxel to compensate for liquid loss during preparation of the premix due to foaming, adhesion to the walls of the vial and „dead-volume“. This overfill ensures that after dilution with the entire contents of the accompanying solvent for docetaxel vial, there is a minimal extractable premix volume of 2 ml containing 10 mg/ml docetaxel which corresponds to the labelled amount of 20 mg/0.72 ml per vial.

Solvent vial

6 ml clear glass Type I vial with a bromobutyl rubber stopper and a flip-off cap.

Solvent vial contains 1.28 ml of water for injections (fill volume: 1.71 ml). entire contents of the solvent vial to the contents of the Docetaxel Teva 20 concentrate for solution for infusion vial ensures a premix concentration of

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Docetaxel Teva is an antineoplastic agent and, as with other potentially toxic compounds, caution should be exercised when handling it and preparing Docetaxel solutions. The use of gloves is recommended.

If Docetaxel Teva concentrate, premix solution or infusion solution should come into contact with skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If Docetaxel concentrate, premix solution or infusion solution should come into contact with mucous membranes, wash immediately and thoroughly with water.

Preparation for the intravenous administration

22 Preparation of the Docetaxel Teva premix solution (10 mg docetaxel/ml)

If the vials are stored under refrigeration, allow the required number of Docetaxel Teva boxes to stand at room temperature (below 25°C) for 5 minutes.

Using a syringe fitted with a needle, aseptically withdraw the entire contents of the solvent for Docetaxel Teva vial by partially inverting the vial.

Inject the entire contents of the syringe into the corresponding Docetaxel Teva vial.

Remove the syringe and needle and mix manually by repeated inversions for at least 45 seconds. Do not shake.

Allow the premix vial to stand for 5 minutes at room temperature (below 25°C) and then check that the solution is homogenous and clear (foaming is normal even after 5 minutes due to the presence of polysorbate 80 in the formulation).

The premix solution contains 10 mg/ml docetaxel and should be used immediately after preparation. However the chemical and physical stability of the premix solution has been demonstrated for 8 hours when stored either between 2°C and 8°C or at room temperature (below 25°C).

b) Preparation of the infusion solution

More than one premix vial may be necessary to obtain the required dose for the patient. Based on the required dose for the patient expressed in mg, aseptically withdraw the corresponding premix volume containing 10 mg/ml docetaxel from the appropriate number of premix vials using graduated syringes fitted with a needle. For example, a dose of 140 mg docetaxel would require 14 ml docetaxel premix solution.

Inject the required premix volume into a non-PVC 250 ml infusion bag or bottle containing either 5% glucose solution or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for infusion.

If a dose greater than 200 mg of docetaxel is required, use a larger volume of the infusion vehicle so that a concentration of 0.74 mg/ml docetaxel is not exceeded.

Mix the infusion bag or bottle manually using a rocking motion.

The Docetaxel Teva infusion solution should be used within 4 hours and should be asepticall administered as a 1-hour infusion under room temperature (below 25°C) and normal lighting conditions.

As with all parenteral products, Docetaxel Teva premix solution and infusion so visually inspected prior to use, solutions containing a precipitate should be disc

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in a requirements.