Perjeta

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 12/5/2022

Drug Summary

What Is Perjeta?

Perjeta (pertuzumab) Injection is a monoclonal antibody used in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have not received prior anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic disease.

What Are Side Effects of Perjeta?

Common side effects of Perjeta include:

Perjeta may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • weakness,
  • tiredness,
  • nausea,
  • fast or slow heartbeat,
  • headache,
  • fever,
  • chills,
  • muscle pain,
  • unusual taste in your mouth,
  • dizziness,
  • pounding heartbeats,
  • fluttering in your chest,
  • new or worsening cough,
  • shortness of breath,
  • swelling in your lower legs,
  • mouth sores,
  • skin sores,
  • easy bruising,
  • unusual bleeding,
  • pale skin,
  • cold hands and feet,
  • lightheadedness,
  • confusion,
  • muscle cramps,
  • vomiting,
  • decreased urination, and
  • tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

  • heart problems,
  • diarrhea,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • tiredness,
  • loss of appetite,
  • dry skin,
  • rash or itching,
  • numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment with Perjeta has ended.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Perjeta

The initial dose of Perjeta is 840 mg administered as a 60-minute intravenous infusion, followed every 3 weeks thereafter by a dose of 420 mg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 to 60 minutes.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Perjeta?

Perjeta may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Perjeta During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Perjeta can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to a fetus if used during pregnancy. Use 2 forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 month after treatment has stopped. Consult your doctor to discuss birth control. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Perjeta (pertuzumab) Injection Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

WARNING

LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

  • Left Ventricular Dysfunction: PERJETA can result in subclinical and clinical cardiac failure manifesting as decreased LVEF and CHF. Evaluate cardiac function prior to and during treatment. Discontinue PERJETA treatment for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
  • Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Exposure to PERJETA can result in embryo-fetal death and birth defects. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

Description for Perjeta

Pertuzumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the extracellular dimerization domain (Subdomain II) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein (HER2). Pertuzumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary) culture that may contain the antibiotic, gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product. Pertuzumab has an approximate molecular weight of 148 kDa.

PERJETA injection is a sterile, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale brown liquid for intravenous infusion. Each single use vial contains 420 mg of pertuzumab at a concentration of 30 mg/mL in 20 mM L-histidine acetate (pH 6.0), 120 mM sucrose and 0.02% polysorbate 20.

Uses for Perjeta

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)

PERJETA is indicated for use in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have not received prior anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic disease [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].

Early Breast Cancer (EBC)

PERJETA is indicated for use in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for

  • the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage breast cancer (either greater than 2 cm in diameter or node positive) as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].
  • the adjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].

Dosage for Perjeta

Patient Selection

Select patients based on HER2 protein overexpression or HER2 gene amplification in tumor specimens [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE and Clinical Studies]. Assessment of HER2 protein overexpression and HER2 gene amplification should be performed using FDA-approved tests specific for breast cancer by laboratories with demonstrated proficiency. Information on the FDA-approved 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 suboptimally 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

The initial dose of PERJETA is 840 mg administered as a 60-minute intravenous infusion, followed every 3 weeks by a dose of 420 mg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 to 60 minutes.

When administered with PERJETA, the recommended initial dose of trastuzumab is 8 mg/kg administered as a 90-minute intravenous infusion, followed every 3 weeks by a dose of 6 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 to 90 minutes.

When administered with PERJETA, the recommended initial dose of trastuzumab hyaluronidaseoysk is 600 mg/10,000 units (600 mg trastuzumab and 10,000 units hyaluronidase) administered subcutaneously over approximately 2 to 5 minutes once every three weeks irrespective of the patient’s body weight.

PERJETA, trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk, and taxane should be administered sequentially. PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk can be given in any order. Taxane should be administered after PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk. An observation period of 30 to 60 minutes is recommended after each PERJETA infusion and before commencement of any subsequent administration of trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk, or taxane [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

In patients receiving an anthracycline-based regimen, PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk should be administered following completion of the anthracycline.

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)

When administered with PERJETA, the recommended initial dose of docetaxel is 75 mg/m² administered as an intravenous infusion. The dose may be escalated to 100 mg/m² administered every 3 weeks if the initial dose is well tolerated.

Neoadjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer

PERJETA should be administered every 3 weeks for 3 to 6 cycles as part of one of the following treatment regimens for early breast cancer [see Clinical Studies]:

  • Four preoperative cycles of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk and docetaxel followed by 3 postoperative cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) as given in NeoSphere
  • Three or four preoperative cycles of FEC alone followed by 3 or 4 preoperative cycles of PERJETA in combination with docetaxel and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk as given in TRYPHAENA and BERENICE, respectively
  • Six preoperative cycles of PERJETA in combination with docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (TCH) or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk (escalation of docetaxel above 75 mg/m² is not recommended) as given in TRYPHAENA
  • Four preoperative cycles of dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (ddAC) alone followed by 4 preoperative cycles of PERJETA in combination with paclitaxel and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk as given in BERENICE

Following surgery, patients should continue to receive PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk to complete 1 year of treatment (up to 18 cycles).

Adjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer

PERJETA should be administered in combination with trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk every 3 weeks for a total of 1 year (up to 18 cycles) or until disease recurrence or unmanageable toxicity, whichever occurs first, as part of a complete regimen for early breast cancer, including standard anthracycline- and/or taxane-based chemotherapy as given in APHINITY. PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk should start on Day 1 of the first taxane-containing cycle [see Clinical Studies].

Dose Modification

For recommendations on delayed or missed doses, please refer to Table 1.

Table 1 : Recommendations regarding delayed or missed doses

Time between two sequential doses PERJETA Trastuzumab (intravenous) Trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk
< 6 weeks Administer PERJETA 420 mg intravenously as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next planned dose. Administer trastuzumab 6 mg/kg intravenously as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next planned dose. Administer trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk 600 mg/10,000 units subcutaneously as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next planned dose.
≥ 6 weeks Readminister PERJETA loading dose of 840 mg intravenously as a 60 minute infusion, followed by a maintenance dose of 420 mg administered intravenously over a period of 30 to 60 minutes every 3 weeks thereafter. Readminister trastuzumab loading dose of 8 mg/kg intravenously over approximately 90 minutes, followed by a maintenance dose of 6 mg/kg administered intraveno usly over a period of 30 or 90 minutes every 3 weeks thereafter.

PERJETA should be discontinued if trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk treatment is discontinued.

Dose reductions are not recommended for PERJETA.

For chemotherapy dose modifications, see relevant prescribing information.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)

Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) prior to initiation of PERJETA and at regular intervals during treatment as indicated in Table 2. The recommendations on dose modifications in the event of LVEF dysfunction are also indicated in Table 2 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Table 2 : Dose Modifications for Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Pre- treatment LVEF: Monitor LVEF every: Withhold PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk for at least 3 weeks for an LVEF decrease to: Resume PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk after 3 weeks if LVEF has recovered to:
Metastatic ≥ 50% ~12 weeks Either Either
Breast Cancer <40% 40%-45% with a fall of ≥10%-points below pretreatment value >45% 40%-45% with a fall of <10%-points below pretreatment value
Early Breast Cancer ≥55%* ~12 weeks (once during neoadjuvant therapy) <50% with a fall of ≥10%-points below pretreatment value Either
≥50% <10% points below pretreatment value
*For patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy, a LVEF of ≥ 50% is required after completion of anthracyclines, before starting PERJETA and trastuzumab or trastuzumab hyaluronidase-oysk.

Infusion-Related Reactions

The infusion rate of PERJETA may be slowed or interrupted if the patient develops an infusion-related reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hypersensitivity Reactions/Anaphylaxis

The infusion should be discontinued immediately if the patient experiences a serious hypersensitivity reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Preparation For Administration

Administer as an intravenous infusion only. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus.

Do not mix PERJETA with other drugs.

Preparation

Prepare the solution for infusion, using aseptic technique, as follows:

  • Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulates and discoloration prior to administration.
  • Withdraw the appropriate volume of PERJETA solution from the vial(s) using a sterile needle and syringe.
  • Dilute into a 250 mL 0.9% sodium chloride PVC or non-PVC polyolefin infusion bag.
  • Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion. Do not shake.
  • Administer immediately once prepared.
  • If the diluted infusion solution is not used immediately, it can be stored at 2°C to 8°C for up to 24 hours.
  • Dilute with 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection only. Do not use dextrose (5%) solution.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Injection: 420 mg/14 mL (30 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial

Storage And Handling

PERJETA injection is supplied as a 420 mg/14 mL (30 mg/mL) single-dose vial containing preservative-free solution. NDC 50242-145-01.

Store vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until time of use.

Keep vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

DO NOT FREEZE. DO NOT SHAKE.

Manufactured by: Genentech, Inc., A Member of the Roche Group, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990. Revised: Feb 2021

Side Effects for Perjeta

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

  • Left Ventricular Dysfunction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Infusion-Related Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Hypersensitivity Reactions/Anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

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 clinical practice.

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)

The adverse reactions described in Table 3 were identified in 804 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treated in CLEOPATRA. Patients were randomized to receive either PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel or placebo in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel. The median duration of study treatment was 18.1 months for patients in the PERJETA-treated group and 11.8 months for patients in the placebo-treated group. No dose adjustment was permitted for PERJETA or trastuzumab. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of all study therapy were 6% in the PERJETA-treated group and 5% for patients in the placebo-treated group. The most common adverse reactions ( >1%) that led to discontinuation of all study therapy was left ventricular dysfunction (1% for patients in the PERJETA-treated group and 2% for patients in the placebo-treated group). The most common adverse reactions that led to discontinuation of docetaxel alone were edema, fatigue, edema peripheral, neuropathy peripheral, neutropenia, nail disorder and pleural effusion. Table 3 reports the adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of patients in the PERJETAtreated group. The safety profile of PERJETA remained unchanged with an additional 2.75 years of follow-up (median total follow-up of 50 months) in CLEOPATRA.

The most common adverse reactions (> 30%) seen with PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel were diarrhea, alopecia, neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, rash, and peripheral neuropathy. The most common NCI - CTCAE v3.0 Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions (> 2%) were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, leukopenia, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, asthenia, and fatigue. An increased incidence of febrile neutropenia was observed for Asian patients in both treatment arms compared with patients of other races and from other geographic regions. Among Asian patients, the incidence of febrile neutropenia was higher in the pertuzumab-treated group (26%) compared with the placebo-treated group (12%).

Table 3 : Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients on the PERJETA Treatment Arm in CLEOPATRA

Body System/ Adverse Reactions PERJETA + trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=407 Frequency rate %
Placebo + trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=397 Frequency rate %
All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 %
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue 37 2 37 3
Mucosal inflammation 28 1 20 1
Asthenia 26 2 30 2
Edema peripheral 23 0.5 30 0.8
Pyrexia 19 1 18 0.5
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia 61 0 60 0.3
Rash 34 0.7 24 0.8
Nail disorder 23 1 23 0.3
Pruritus 14 0 10 0
Dry skin 11 0 4 0
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea 67 8 46 5
Nausea 42 1 42 0.5
Vomiting 24 1 24 2
Stomatitis 19 0.5 15 0.3
Constipation 15 0 25 1
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Neutropenia 53 49 50 46
Anemia 23 2 19 4
Leukopenia 18 12 20 15
Febrile neutropenia* 14 13 8 7
Nervous system disorders
Neuropathy peripheral 32 3 34 2
Headache 21 1 17 0.5
Dysgeusia 18 0 16 0
Dizziness 13 0.5 12 0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia 23 1 24 0.8
Arthralgia 15 0.2 16 0.8
Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory tract infection 17 0.7 13 0
Nasopharyngitis 12 0 13 0.3
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnea 14 1 16 2
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 29 2 26 2
Eye disorders
Lacrimation increased 14 0 14 0
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia 13 0 13 0
* In this table this denotes an adverse reaction that has been reported in association with a fatal outcome

The following clinically relevant adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients in the PERJETA-treated group in CLEOPATRA:

Infections and infestations: Paronychia (7% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 4% in the placebo-treated group)

Adverse Reactions Reported In Patients Receiving PERJETA And Trastuzumab After Discontinuation Of Docetaxel

In CLEOPATRA, adverse reactions were reported less frequently after discontinuation of docetaxel treatment. All adverse reactions in the PERJETA and trastuzumab treatment group occurred in < 10% of patients with the exception of diarrhea (19%), upper respiratory tract infection (13%), rash (12%), headache (11%), and fatigue (11%).

Neoadjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer (NeoSphere)

In NeoSphere, the most common adverse reactions seen with PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel administered for 4 cycles were similar to those seen in the PERJETAtreated group in CLEOPATRA. The most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) were alopecia, neutropenia, diarrhea, and nausea. The most common NCI - CTCAE v3.0 Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions ( > 2%) were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, leukopenia, and diarrhea. In this group, one patient permanently discontinued neoadjuvant treatment due to an adverse event. Table 4 reports the adverse reactions that occurred in patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with PERJETA for breast cancer in NeoSphere.

Table 4 : Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% in the Neoadjuvant Setting for Patients Receiving PERJETA in NeoSphere

Body System/ Adverse Reactions Trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=107 Frequency rate %
PERJETA + trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=107 Frequency rate %
PERJETA + trastuzumab
n=108 Frequency rate %
PERJETA + docetaxel
n=108 Frequency rate %
All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 %
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue 27 0 26 0.9 12 0 26 1
Mucosal inflammation 21 0 26 2 3 0 26 0
Asthenia 18 0 21 2 3 0 16 2
Pyrexia 10 0 17 0 8 0 9 0
Edema peripheral 10 0 3 0 0.9 0 5 0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia 66 0 65 0 3 0 67 0
Rash 21 2 26 0.9 11 0 29 1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea 34 4 46 6 28 0 54 4
Nausea 36 0 39 0 14 0 36 1
Stomatitis 7 0 18 0 5 0 10 0
Vomiting 12 0 13 0 5 0 16 2
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Neutropenia 64 59 50 45 0.9 0.9 65 57
Leukopenia 21 11 9 5 0 0 14 9
Nervous system disorders
Dysgeusia 10 0 15 0 5 0 7 0
Headache 11 0 11 0 14 0 13 0
Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy 12 0.9 8 0.9 2 0 11 0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia 22 0 22 0 9 0 21 0
Arthralgia 8 0 10 0 5 0 10 0
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 7 0 14 0 2 0 15 0
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia 11 0 8 0 4 0 9 0

The following adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment and occurred more frequently in PERJETA-treated groups in NeoSphere: (Ptz=pertuzumab; H=trastuzumab; D=docetaxel)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Anemia (7% in the H+D arm, 3% in the Ptz+H+D arm, 5% in the Ptz+H arm and 9% in the Ptz+D arm), Febrile neutropenia (7% in the H+D arm, 8% in the Ptz+H+D arm, 0% in the Ptz+H arm and 7% in the Ptz+D arm)

Nervous system disorders: Dizziness (4% in the H+D arm, 3% in the Ptz+H+D arm, 6% in the Ptz+H arm and 3% in the Ptz+D arm)

Infections and infestations: Upper respiratory tract infection (3% in the H+D arm, 5% in the Ptz+H+D arm, 2% in the Ptz+H arm and 7% in the Ptz+D arm)

Eye disorders: Lacrimation increased (2% in the H+D arm, 4% in the Ptz+H+D arm, 0.9% in the Ptz+H arm, and 4% in the Ptz+D arm)

Neoadjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer (TRYPHAENA)

In TRYPHAENA, when PERJETA was administered in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for 3 cycles following 3 cycles of FEC, the most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) were diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, neutropenia, vomiting, and fatigue. The most common NCICTCAE (version 3) Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions ( > 2%) were neutropenia, leukopenia, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, left ventricular dysfunction, anemia, dyspnea, nausea, and vomiting.

Similarly, when PERJETA was administered in combination with docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (TCH) for 6 cycles, the most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) were diarrhea, alopecia, neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The most common NCI-CTCAE (version 3) Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions ( > 2%) were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, fatigue, ALT increased, hypokalemia, and hypersensitivity.

Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of any component of neoadjuvant treatment occurred in 7% of patients receiving PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC, and 8% for patients receiving PERJETA in combination with TCH. The most common adverse reactions ( >2%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of PERJETA were left ventricular dysfunction, drug hypersensitivity, and neutropenia. Table 5 reports the adverse reactions that occurred in patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with PERJETA for breast cancer in TRYPHAENA.

Table 5 : Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Treatment with PERJETA in TRYPHAENA

Body System/Adverse Reactions PERJETA + trastuzumab + FEC followed by PERJETA + trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=72
Frequency rate %
PERJETA + trastuzumab + docetaxel following FEC
n=75
Frequency rate %
PERJETA + TCH
n=76
Frequency rate %
All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 %
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue 36 0 36 0 42 4
Mucosal inflammation 24 0 20 0 17 1
Pyrexia 17 0 9 0 16 0
Asthenia 10 0 15 1 13 1
Edema peripheral 11 0 4 0 9 0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia 49 0 52 0 55 0
Rash 19 0 11 0 21 1
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysaesthesia Syndrome 7 0 11 0 8 0
Dry skin 6 0 9 0 11 0
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea 61 4 61 5 72 12
Nausea 53 0 53 3 45 0
Vomiting 40 0 36 3 39 5
Dyspepsia 25 1 8 0 22 0
Constipation 18 0 23 0 16 0
Stomatitis 14 0 17 0 12 0
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Neutropenia 51 47 47 43 49 46
Leukopenia 22 19 16 12 17 12
Anemia 19 1 9 4 38 17
Febrile neutropenia 18 18 9 9 17 17
Thrombocytopenia 7 0 1 0 30 12
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity 10 3 1 0 12 3
Nervous system disorders
Headache 22 0 15 0 17 0
Dysgeusia 11 0 13 0 21 0
Dizziness 8 0 8 1 16 0
Neuropathy peripheral 6 0 1 0 11 0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia 17 0 11 1 11 0
Arthralgia 11 0 12 0 7 0
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnea 13 0 8 3 11 1
Epistaxis 11 0 11 0 16 1
Cough 10 0 5 0 12 0
Oropharyngeal pain 8 0 7 0 12 0
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 21 0 11 0 21 0
Eye disorders
Lacrimation increased 13 0 5 0 8 0
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia 11 0 13 0 21 0
Investigations
ALT increased 7 0 3 0 11 4
FEC=5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, TCH=docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab

The following selected adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment in TRYPHAENA: (Ptz=pertuzumab; H=trastuzumab; D=docetaxel; FEC= fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide; TCH=docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Nail disorder (10% in the Ptz+H+FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, 7% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, and 9% in the Ptz+TCH arm), Paronychia (0% in the Ptz+H+FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, and 1% in both the FEC/Ptz+H+D and Ptz+TCH arms), Pruritus (3% in the Ptz+H+FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, 4% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, and 4% in the Ptz+TCH arm)

Infections and infestations: Upper respiratory tract infection (8.3% in the Ptz+H+FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, 4.0% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, and 2.6% in the Ptz+TCH arm), Nasopharyngitis (6.9% in the Ptz+H+FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, 6.7% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm, and 7.9% in the Ptz+TCH arm)

Neoadjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer (BERENICE)

In BERENICE, when PERJETA was administered in combination with trastuzumab and paclitaxel for 4 cycles following 4 cycles of ddAC, the most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) were nausea, diarrhea, alopecia, fatigue, constipation, peripheral neuropathy and headache. The most common Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions ( > 2%) were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell count decreased, anemia, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, alanine aminotransferase increased and nausea.

When PERJETA was administered in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for 4 cycles following 4 cycles of FEC, the most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) were diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, asthenia, constipation, fatigue, mucosal inflammation, vomiting, myalgia, and anemia. The most common Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions ( > 2%) were febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, neutropenia, neutrophil count decreased, stomatitis, fatigue, vomiting, mucosal inflammation, neutropenic sepsis and anemia.

Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of any component of neoadjuvant treatment were 14% for patients receiving PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and paclitaxel following ddAC and 8% for patients receiving PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC. The most common adverse reactions ( >1%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of any component of neoadjuvant treatment were neuropathy peripheral, ejection fraction decreased, diarrhea, neutropenia and infusion related reaction. Table 6 reports the adverse reactions that occurred in patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with PERJETA for breast cancer in BERENICE.

Table 6 : Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Treatment with PERJETA in BERENICE

Body System/Adverse Reactions PERJETA + trastuzumab + paclitaxel following ddAC
n=199
Frequency rate %
PERJETA + trastuzumab + docetaxel following FEC
n=198
Frequency rate %
All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 %
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue 58 1 38 5
Asthenia 19 2 41 0
Mucosal inflammation 22 1 37 4
Pyrexia 15 0 18 0
Edema peripheral 9 0 12 1
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia 62 0 59 0
Rash 14 0 11 0
Dry skin 14 0 10 0
Nail discoloration 15 0 2 0
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysaesthesia Syndrome 6 0 10 0.5
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea 71 3 69 2
Diarrhea 67 3 69 10
Constipation 35 0.5 38 0.5
Vomiting 23 1 35 4
Stomatitis 25 0 27 5
Dyspepsia 19 0 16 0
Abdominal pain upper 6 0 13 0
Abdominal pain 5 0 10 0
Gastroesophageal reflux disease 12 0 2 0
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anemia 27 3 30 3
Neutropenia 22 12 16 9
Febrile neutropenia 7 7 17 17
Nervous system disorders
Headache 30 0.5 14 0.5
Dysgeusia 20 0 19 0.5
Neuropathy peripheral 42 3 26 0.5
Paresthesia 15 0 9 0
Dizziness 12 0 8 0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia 20 0 33 1
Arthralgia 20 0 21 1
Back pain 10 0 9 0
Pain in extremity 10 0 8 0
Bone pain 12 0.5 5 0
Infections and infestations
Urinary tract infection 11 1 2 0
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Epistaxis 25 0 19 0
Dyspnea 15 0.5 15 0.5
Cough 20 0.5 9 0
Oropharyngeal pain 10 0 8 0.5
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 20 0 23 0
Eye disorders
Lacrimation increased 9 0 18 0
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia 19 0 13 0
Vascular disorders
Hot flush 19 0 13 0
Investigations
White blood cell count decreased 11 4 3 2
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Infusion related reaction 16 1 13 1
ddAC = dose-dense doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, FEC=5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide

The following selected adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment in BERENICE: (Ptz=pertuzumab; H=trastuzumab; P=paclitaxel; ddAC=dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide; D=docetaxel; FEC= fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide)

Skin and Subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus (9% in the ddAC/Ptz+H+P arm, and 8% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm), Nail disorder (7% in the ddAC/Ptz+H+P arm, and 10% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm)

Infections and infestations: Upper respiratory tract infection (7% in the ddAC/Ptz+H+P arm, and 2% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm), nasopharyngitis (7% in the ddAC/Ptz+H+P arm, and 9% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm), paronychia (0.5% in the ddAC/Ptz+H+P arm, and 1% in the FEC/Ptz+H+D arm)

Adjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer (APHINITY)

The adverse reactions described in Table 7 were identified in 4769 patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer treated in APHINITY. Patients were randomized to receive either PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy or placebo in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy.

Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of any study therapy were 13% for patients in the PERJETA-treated group and 12% for patients in the placebo-treated group. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of PERJETA or placebo was 7% and 6%, respectively. The most common adverse reactions ( >0.5%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of any study treatment were ejection fraction decreased, neuropathy peripheral, diarrhea, and cardiac failure. Table 7 reports the adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of patients in the PERJETA-treated group.

When PERJETA was administered in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy, the most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) were diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and vomiting. The most common Grade 3 - 4 adverse reactions ( > 2%) were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, neutrophil count decreased, anemia, white blood cell count decreased, leukopenia, fatigue, nausea, and stomatitis.

The incidence of diarrhea, all Grades, was higher when chemotherapy was administered with targeted therapy (61% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 34% in the placebo-treated group), and was higher when administered with non-anthracycline based therapy (85% in the PERJETAtreated group vs. 62% in the placebo-treated group) than with anthracycline based therapy (67% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 41% in the placebo-treated group). The incidence of diarrhea during the period that targeted therapy was administered without chemotherapy was 18% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 9% in the placebo-treated group. The median duration of all Grades diarrhea was 8 days for the PERJETA-treated group vs. 6 days for the placebo-treated group. The median duration of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 20 days for the PERJETA-treated group vs. 8 days for the placebo-treated group. More patients required hospitalization for diarrhea as a serious adverse event in the PERJETA-treated group (2.4%) than in the placebo-treated group (0.7%).

Table 7 : Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients Receiving Adjuvant Treatment with PERJETA in APHINITY

Body System/ Adverse Reactions PERJETA + trastuzumab + chemotherapy
n=2364
Frequency rate %
Placebo + trastuzumab + chemotherapy
n=2405
Frequency rate %
All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 - 4 %
General disorders and administration site conditions
F atigue 49 4 44 3
Mucosal inflammation 23 2 19 0.7
Asthenia 21 1 21 2
Pyrexia 20 0.6 20 0.7
Edema peripheral 17 0 20 0.2
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia 67 <0.1 67 <0.1
Rash 26 0.4 20 0.2
Pruritus 14 0.1 9 <0.1
Dry skin 13 0.1 11 <0.1
Nail disorder 12 0.2 12 0.1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea 71 10 45 4
Nausea 69 2 65 2
Vomiting 32 2 30 2
Constipation 29 0.5 32 0.3
Stomatitis 28 2 24 1
Dyspepsia 14 0 14 0
Abdominal pain 12 0.5 11 0.6
Abdominal pain upper 10 0.3 9 0.2
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anemia 28 7 23 5
Neutropenia 25 16 23 16
Febrile neutropenia* 12 12 11 11
Nervous system disorders
Dysgeusia 26 0.1 22 <0.1
Neuropathy peripheral 33 1 32 1
Headache 22 0.3 23 0.4
Paresthesia 12 0.5 10 0.2
Dizziness 11 0 11 0.2
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia 29 0.9 33 1
Myalgia 26 0.9 30 1
Pain in extremity 10 0.2 10 0.2
Infections and infestations
Nasopharyngitis 13 <0.1 12 0.1
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Epistaxis 18 <0.1 14 0
Cough 16 <0.1 15 <0.1
Dyspnea 12 0.4 12 0.5
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 24 0.8 20 0.4
Vascular disorders
Hot flush 20 0.2 21 0.4
Eye disorders
Lacrimation increased 13 0 13 <0.1
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia 17 0.3 17 <0.1
Investigations
Neutrophil count decreased 14 10 14 10
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Radiation skin injury 13 0.3 11 0.3
* In this table this denotes an adverse reaction that has been reported in association with a fatal outcome

For the adverse reactions that were reported in ≥10% of patients with at least 5% difference between the PERJETA-treated group and the placebo-treated group in APHINITY, the breakdown per chemotherapy regimen is provided: (Ptz=pertuzumab; H=trastuzumab; AC=anthracyclines; TCH=docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab)

Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhea (67% in the Ptz+H+AC chemo arm, 85% in the Ptz+TCH arm, 41% in the Pla+H+AC chemo arm, 62% in the Pla+TCH arm)

Skin and subcutaneous disorders: Rash (26% in the Ptz+H+AC chemo arm, 25% in the Ptz+TCH arm, 21% in the Pla+H+AC chemo arm, 19% in the Pla+TCH arm), Pruritus (14% in the Ptz+H+AC chemo arm, 15% in the Ptz+TCH arm, 9% in the Pla+H+AC chemo arm, 9% in the Pla+TCH arm)

The following clinically relevant adverse reactions were reported in < 10% of patients in the PERJETA-treated group in APHINITY:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Leukopenia (9% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 9% in the placebo-treated group)

Infections and infestations: Upper respiratory tract infection (8% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 7% in the placebo-treated group), paronychia (4% in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 2% in the placebo-treated group)

Adverse Reactions Reported In Patients Receiving PERJETA And Trastuzumab After Discontinuation Of Chemotherapy

In the APHINITY study, during the targeted treatment alone phase, all adverse reactions in the PERJETA treatment group occurred in < 10% of patients with the exception of diarrhea (18%), arthralgia (15%), radiation skin injury (12%), and hot flush (12%).

Immunogenicity

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is the potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to pertuzumab in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.

Patients in CLEOPATRA were tested at multiple time-points for antibodies to PERJETA. 3% (13/389) of patients in the PERJETA-treated group and 7% (25/372) of patients in the placebotreated group tested positive for anti-PERJETA antibodies. Of these 38 patients, none experienced anaphylactic/hypersensitivity reactions that were clearly related to the anti-drug antibodies (ADA). The presence of pertuzumab in patient serum at the levels expected at the time of ADA sampling can interfere with the ability of this assay to detect anti-pertuzumab antibodies. In addition, the assay may be detecting antibodies to trastuzumab. As a result, data may not accurately reflect the true incidence of anti-pertuzumab antibody development.

In the neoadjuvant period of BERENICE, 0.3% (1/383) of patients treated with PERJETA tested positive for anti-PERJETA antibodies. This patient did not experience any anaphylactic/hypersensitivity reactions.

Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of PERJETA. 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.

  • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): Cases of possible TLS have been reported in patients treated with PERJETA. Patients with significant tumor burden (e.g., bulky metastases) may be at a higher risk. Patients could present with hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acute renal failure which may represent possible TLS. Providers should consider additional monitoring and/or treatment as clinically indicated.

Drug Interactions for Perjeta

No drug-drug interactions were observed between pertuzumab and trastuzumab, or between pertuzumab and docetaxel, paclitaxel, or carboplatin.

Warnings for Perjeta

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions for Perjeta

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Decreases in LVEF have been reported with drugs that block HER2 activity, including PERJETA. Assess LVEF prior to initiation of PERJETA and at regular intervals during treatment to ensure that LVEF is within normal limits. If the LVEF declines and has not improved, or has declined further at the subsequent assessment, discontinuation of PERJETA and trastuzumab should be strongly considered [DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

In CLEOPATRA, for patients with MBC, PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel was not associated with increases in the incidence of symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) or decreases in LVEF compared with placebo in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel [see Clinical Studies]. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 4% of patients in the PERJETA-treated group and 8% of patients in the placebo-treated group. Symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (congestive heart failure) occurred in 1% of patients in the PERJETA-treated group and 2% of patients in the placebo-treated group [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines or prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF.

In patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment in NeoSphere, the incidence of LVSD was higher in the PERJETA-treated groups compared to the trastuzumab- and docetaxel-treated group. An increased incidence of LVEF declines was observed in patients treated with PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel. In the overall treatment period, LVEF decline > 10% and a drop to less than 50% occurred in 2% of patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab and docetaxel as compared to 8% of patients treated with neoadjuvant PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 0.9% of patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab and docetaxel as compared to 3% of patients treated with neoadjuvant PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel. Symptomatic LVSD occurred in 0.9% of patients treated with neoadjuvant PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and no patients in the other 3 arms. LVEF recovered to ≥ 50% in all patients.

In patients receiving neoadjuvant PERJETA in TRYPHAENA, in the overall treatment period, LVEF decline > 10% and a drop to less than 50% occurred in 7% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and FEC followed by PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel, 16% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC, and 11% of patients treated with PERJETA in combination with TCH. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 6% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and FEC followed by PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel, 4% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC, and 3% of patients treated with PERJETA in combination with TCH. Symptomatic LVSD occurred in 4% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC, 1% of patients treated with PERJETA in combination with TCH, and none of the patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and FEC followed by PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel. LVEF recovered to ≥ 50% in all but one patient.

In patients receiving neoadjuvant PERJETA in BERENICE, in the neoadjuvant period, LVEF decline ≥ 10% and a drop to less than 50% as measured by ECHO/MUGA assessment occurred in 7% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and paclitaxel following ddAC, and 2% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC. Ejection fraction decreased (asymptomatic LVD) occurred in 7% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and paclitaxel following ddAC and 4% of the patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC in the neoadjuvant period. Symptomatic LVSD (NYHA Class III/IV Congestive Heart Failure) occurred in 2% of patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and paclitaxel following ddAC and none of the patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC in the neoadjuvant period.

In patients receiving adjuvant PERJETA in APHINITY, the incidence of symptomatic heart failure (NYHA Class III/IV) with a LVEF decline ≥ 10% and a drop to less than 50% was <1% (0.6% of PERJETA-treated patients vs. 0.2% of placebo-treated patients). Of the patients who experienced symptomatic heart failure, 47% of PERJETA-treated patients and 67% of placebotreated patients had recovered (defined as 2 consecutive LVEF measurements above 50%) at the data cutoff. The majority of the events (86%) were reported in anthracycline-treated patients. Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (NYHA Class II) declines in LVEF ≥ 10% and a drop to less than 50% were reported in 3% of PERJETA-treated patients and 3% of placebo-treated patients, of whom 80% of PERJETA-treated patients and 81% of placebo-treated patients recovered at the data cutoff.

PERJETA has not been studied in patients with a pretreatment LVEF value of < 50%, a prior history of CHF, decreases in LVEF to < 50% during prior trastuzumab therapy, or conditions that could impair left ventricular function such as uncontrolled hypertension, recent myocardial infarction, serious cardiac arrhythmia requiring treatment or a cumulative prior anthracycline exposure to > 360 mg/m² of doxorubicin or its equivalent.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, PERJETA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. PERJETA is a HER2/neu receptor antagonist. Cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death have been reported with use of another HER2/neu receptor antagonist (trastuzumab) during pregnancy. In an animal reproduction study, administration of pertuzumab to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in oligohydramnios, delayed fetal kidney development, and embryo-fetal death at exposures 2.5 to 20 times the exposure in humans at the recommended dose, based on Cmax.

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of PERJETA. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab during pregnancy or within 7 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm, including embryo-fetal death or birth defects. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab [see Use In Specific Populations].

Infusion-Related Reactions

PERJETA has been associated with infusion reactions, including fatal events. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. An infusion reaction was defined in CLEOPATRA as any event described as hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction, acute infusion reaction, or cytokine release syndrome occurring during an infusion or on the same day as the infusion. The initial dose of PERJETA was given the day before trastuzumab and docetaxel to allow for the examination of PERJETAassociated reactions. On the first day, when only PERJETA was administered, the overall frequency of infusion reactions was 13% in the PERJETA-treated group and 10% in the placebotreated group. Less than 1% were Grade 3 or 4. The most common infusion reactions (≥ 1.0%) were pyrexia, chills, fatigue, headache, asthenia, hypersensitivity, and vomiting.

During the second cycle when all drugs were administered on the same day, the most common infusion reactions in the PERJETA-treated group (≥ 1.0%) were fatigue, dysgeusia, hypersensitivity, myalgia, and vomiting.

In NeoSphere, TRYPHAENA, and APHINITY, PERJETA was administered on the same day as the other study treatment drugs. For APHINITY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 21% of patients on the first day of PERJETA administration (in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy) and in 18% of patients in the placebo arm. The incidence of Grade 3-4 National Cancer Institute - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI - CTCAE v4.0) reactions was 1% for the PERJETA arm and 0.7% for the placebo arm.

Observe patients closely for 60 minutes after the first infusion and for 30 minutes after subsequent infusions of PERJETA. If a significant infusion-related reaction occurs, slow or interrupt the infusion, and administer appropriate medical therapies. Monitor patients carefully until complete resolution of signs and symptoms. Consider permanent discontinuation in patients with severe infusion reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Hypersensitivity Reactions/Anaphylaxis

In CLEOPATRA, the overall frequency of hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis reactions was 11% in the PERJETA-treated group and 9% in the placebo-treated group. The incidence of Grade 3 – 4 hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis reactions was 2% in the PERJETA-treated group and 3% in the placebo-treated group according to NCI - CTCAE v3.0. Overall, 4 patients in the PERJETAtreated group and 2 patients in the placebo-treated group experienced anaphylaxis.

In NeoSphere, TRYPHAENA, BERENICE, and APHINITY, hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis events were consistent with those observed in CLEOPATRA. In NeoSphere, two patients in the PERJETA- and docetaxel-treated group experienced anaphylaxis. In APHINITY, the overall frequency of hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis was 5% in the PERJETA treated group vs. 4% in the placebo-treated group. The incidence was highest in the PERJETA plus TCH treated group (8%) of which 1% were NCI-CTCAE (v4.0) Grade 3 – 4.

Patients should be observed closely for hypersensitivity reactions. Severe hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis and fatal events, have been observed in patients treated with PERJETA [see Clinical Trials Experience]. Angioedema has been described in post-marketing reports. Medications to treat such reactions, as well as emergency equipment, should be available for immediate use. PERJETA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to pertuzumab or to any of its excipients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of pertuzumab.

Studies have not been performed to evaluate the mutagenic potential of pertuzumab.

No specific fertility studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the effect of pertuzumab. No adverse effects on male and female reproductive organs were observed in repeat-dose toxicity studies of up to six months duration in cynomolgus monkeys.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Pharmacovigilance Program

There is a pregnancy pharmacovigilance program for PERJETA. If PERJETA is administered during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving PERJETA or within 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab, health care providers and patients should immediately report PERJETA exposure to Genentech at 1-888- 835-2555.

Risk Summary

Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, PERJETA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of PERJETA in pregnant women. However, in post-marketing reports, use of another HER2/neu receptor antagonist (trastuzumab) during pregnancy resulted in cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death. In an animal reproduction study, administration of pertuzumab to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in oligohydramnios, delayed fetal kidney development, and embryo-fetal deaths at clinically relevant exposures that were 2.5 to 20-fold greater than exposures in humans receiving the recommended dose, based on Cmax [see Data]. Apprise the patient of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab is used during pregnancy or within 7 months prior to conception [see Clinical Considerations].

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 PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab 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

Animal Data

Pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were treated on Gestational Day (GD)19 with loading doses of 30 to 150 mg/kg pertuzumab, followed by bi-weekly doses of 10 to 100 mg/kg. These dose levels resulted in clinically relevant exposures of 2.5 to 20-fold greater than exposures in humans receiving the recommended dose, based on Cmax. Intravenous administration of pertuzumab from GD19 through GD50 (period of organogenesis) was embryotoxic, with dose-dependent increases in embryo-fetal death between GD25 to GD70. The incidences of embryo-fetal loss were 33, 50, and 85% for dams treated with bi-weekly pertuzumab doses of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, respectively (2.5 to 20-fold greater than the recommended human dose, based on Cmax). At Caesarean section on GD100, oligohydramnios, decreased relative lung and kidney weights, and microscopic evidence of renal hypoplasia consistent with delayed renal development were identified in all pertuzumab dose groups. Pertuzumab exposure was reported in offspring from all treated groups, at levels of 29% to 40% of maternal serum levels at GD100.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of pertuzumab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. Published data suggest that human IgG is present in human milk but does not enter the neonatal and infant circulation in substantial amounts. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast feeding along with the mother’s clinical need for PERJETA treatment and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PERJETA or from the underlying maternal condition. This consideration should also take into account the elimination half-life of pertuzumab and the trastuzumab wash out period of 7 months.

Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of PERJETA.

Contraception

Females

Based on the mechanism of action and animal data, PERJETA can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab [see Use In Specific Populations].

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of PERJETA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

In studies in the indicated populations, CLEOPATRA, NeoSphere, TRYPHAENA, BERENICE, and APHINITY, 464 patients who received PERJETA were ≥ 65 years of age and 47 were ≥ 75 years of age. The most common (≥ 10%) Grade 3-4 adverse reactions in both age groups were neutropenia (22% ≥ 65 years, 23% ≥ 75 years), febrile neutropenia (12% ≥ 65 years, 13% ≥ 75 years), diarrhea (15% ≥ 65 years, 17% ≥ 75 years) and anemia (15% ≥ 75 years). The incidence of the following all grade adverse events was at least 5% higher in patients aged ≥ 65 years of age, compared to patients aged < 65 years of age: decreased appetite (13% higher), anemia (7% higher), weight decreased (7% higher), asthenia (7% higher), dysgeusia (7% higher), neuropathy peripheral and hypomagnesemia (both 5% higher).

No overall differences in efficacy of PERJETA were observed in patients aged ≥ 65 and <65 years of age. There are too few patients aged ≥ 75 years to draw conclusions on efficacy in this age group.

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, no significant difference was observed in the pharmacokinetics of pertuzumab between patients < 65 years (n=306) and patients ≥ 65 years (n=175).

Renal Impairment

Dose adjustments of PERJETA are not needed in patients with mild (creatinine clearance [CLcr] 60 to 90 mL/min) or moderate (CLcr 30 to 60 mL/min) renal impairment. No dose adjustment can be recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr less than 30 mL/min) because of the limited pharmacokinetic data available [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Hepatic Impairment

No clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of pertuzumab.

Overdose Information for Perjeta

No Information provided

Contraindications for Perjeta

PERJETA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to pertuzumab or to any of its excipients.

Clinical Pharmacology for Perjeta

Mechanism Of Action

Pertuzumab targets the extracellular dimerization domain (Subdomain II) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein (HER2) and, thereby, blocks ligand-dependent heterodimerization of HER2 with other HER family members, including EGFR, HER3, and HER4. As a result, pertuzumab inhibits ligand-initiated intracellular signaling through two major signal pathways, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Inhibition of these signaling pathways can result in cell growth arrest and apoptosis, respectively. In addition, pertuzumab mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).

While pertuzumab alone inhibited the proliferation of human tumor cells, the combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab augmented anti-tumor activity in HER2-overexpressing xenograft models.

Pharmacokinetics

Pertuzumab demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics at a dose range of 2 – 25 mg/kg. Based on a population PK analysis that included 481 patients, the median clearance (CL) of pertuzumab was 0.24 L/day and the median half-life was 18 days. With an initial dose of 840 mg followed by a maintenance dose of 420 mg every three weeks thereafter, the steady-state concentration of pertuzumab was reached after the first maintenance dose.

The population PK analysis suggested no PK differences based on age, gender, ethnicity (Japanese vs. non-Japanese), or disease status (neoadjuvant or adjuvant vs. metastatic setting). Baseline serum albumin level and lean body weight as covariates only exerted a minor influence on PK parameters. Therefore, no dose adjustments based on body weight or baseline albumin level are needed.

No dedicated renal impairment trial for PERJETA has been conducted. Based on the results of the population pharmacokinetic analysis, pertuzumab exposure in patients with mild (CLcr 60 to 90 mL/min, n=200) and moderate renal impairment (CLcr 30 to 60 mL/min, n=71) were similar to those in patients with normal renal function (CLcr greater than 90 mL/min, n=200). No relationship between CLcr and pertuzumab exposure was observed over the range of observed CLcr (27 to 244 mL/min).

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of pertuzumab with an initial dose of 840 mg followed by a maintenance dose of 420 mg every three weeks on QTc interval was evaluated in a subgroup of 20 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in CLEOPATRA. No large changes in the mean QT interval (i.e., greater than 20 ms) from placebo based on Fridericia correction method were detected in the trial. A small increase in the mean QTc interval (i.e., less than 10 ms) cannot be excluded because of the limitations of the trial design.

Clinical Studies

Metastatic Breast Cancer

CLEOPATRA (NCT00567190) was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 808 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. HER2 overexpression was defined as a score of 3+ IHC or FISH amplification ratio of 2.0 or greater as determined by a central laboratory. Patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive placebo plus trastuzumab and docetaxel or PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel. Randomization was stratified by prior treatment (prior or no prior adjuvant/neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy) and geographic region (Europe, North America, South America, and Asia). Patients with prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy were required to have a disease-free interval of greater than 12 months before trial enrollment.

PERJETA was given intravenously at an initial dose of 840 mg, followed by 420 mg every 3 weeks thereafter. Trastuzumab was given intravenously at an initial dose of 8 mg/kg, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks thereafter. Patients were treated with PERJETA and trastuzumab until progression of disease, withdrawal of consent, or unacceptable toxicity. Docetaxel was given as an initial dose of 75 mg/m² by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for at least 6 cycles.  The docetaxel dose could be escalated to 100 mg/m² at the investigator’s discretion if the initial dose was well tolerated. At the time of the primary analysis, the mean number of cycles of study treatment administered was 16.2 in the placebo-treated group and 19.9 in the PERJETA-treated group.

The primary endpoint of CLEOPATRA was progression-free survival (PFS) as assessed by an independent review facility (IRF). PFS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of disease progression or death (from any cause) if the death occurred within 18 weeks of the last tumor assessment. Additional endpoints included overall survival (OS), PFS (investigator-assessed), objective response rate (ORR), and duration of response.

Patient demographic and baseline characteristics were balanced between the treatment arms. The median age was 54 (range 22 to 89 years), 59% were White, 32% were Asian, and 4% were Black. All were women with the exception of 2 patients. Seventeen percent of patients were enrolled in North America, 14% in South America, 38% in Europe, and 31% in Asia. Tumor prognostic characteristics, including hormone receptor status (positive 48%, negative 50%), presence of visceral disease (78%) and non-visceral disease only (22%) were similar in the study arms. Approximately half of the patients received prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy (placebo 47%, PERJETA 46%). Among patients with hormone receptor positive tumors, 45% received prior adjuvant hormonal therapy and 11% received hormonal therapy for metastatic disease. Eleven percent of patients received prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant trastuzumab.

CLEOPATRA demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in IRF-assessed PFS in the PERJETA-treated group compared with the placebo-treated group [hazard ratio (HR)=0.62 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.75), p < 0.0001] and an increase in median PFS of 6.1 months (median PFS of 18.5 months in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 12.4 months in the placebo-treated group) (see Figure 1). The results for investigator-assessed PFS were comparable to those observed for IRF assessed PFS.

Consistent results were observed across several patient subgroups including age (< 65 or ≥ 65 years), race, geographic region, prior adjuvant/neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy (yes or no), and prior adjuvant/neoadjuvant trastuzumab (yes or no). In the subgroup of patients with hormone receptor-negative disease (n=408), the hazard ratio was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.72). In the subgroup of patients with hormone receptor-positive disease (n=388), the hazard ratio was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.95). In the subgroup of patients with disease limited to non-visceral metastasis (n=178), the hazard ratio was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.52). At the time of the final PFS analysis, 165 patients had died, and more deaths had occurred in the placebo-treated group (23.6%) compared with the PERJETA-treated group (17.2%); OS was not mature and interim OS analysis results did not meet the pre-specified stopping boundary for statistical significance. The final analysis of OS (Table 8, Figure 2) was performed when 389 patients had died (221 in the placebo-treated group and 168 in the PERJETA-treated group). A statistically significant OS improvement in favor of the PERJETA-treated group was demonstrated [HR=0.68 (95% CI; 0.56, 0.84), p=0.0002] with an increase in median OS of 15.7 months (median OS of 56.5 months in the PERJETA-treated group vs. 40.8 months in the placebo-treated group). OS results in patient subgroups were consistent with those observed for IRF-assessed PFS with the exception of the subgroup of patients with disease limited to nonvisceral metastasis [HR=1.11 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.85)].

Table 8 : Summary of Efficacy from CLEOPATRA

Parameter PERJETA + trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=402
Placebo + trastuzumab + docetaxel
n=406
HR (95% CI) p-value
Progression-Free Survival (independent review)
No. of patients with an event Median months 191 (47.5%) 18.5 242 (59.6%) 12.4 0.62 (0.51, 0.75) < 0.0001
Overall Survival* (final analysis)
No. of patients who died Median months 168 (41.8%) 56.5 221 (54.4%) 40.8 0.68 (0.56, 0.84) 0.0002
Objective Response Rate (ORR, independent review) No. of patients analyzed 343 336
Objective response (CR + PR) 275 (80.2%) 233 (69.3%)
Complete response (CR) 19 (5.5%) 14 (4.2%)
Partial Response (PR) 256 (74.6%) 219 (65.2%)
Median Duration of Response (months) 20.2 12.5
Difference in ORR 95% CI 10.8% (4.2%, 17.5%) 0.0011
* Final analysis of overall survival, cutoff date Feb 2014
CI=Confidence Interval

Figure 1 : Kaplan-Meier Curve of IRF-Assessed Progression-Free Survival for CLEOPATRA

 Kaplan-Meier Curve of IRF-Assessed
Progression-Free Survival for CLEOPATRA - Illustration

Figure 2 : Kaplan-Meier Curve of Overall Survival for CLEOPATRA (Final Analysis)

Kaplan-Meier Curve of Overall Survival for
CLEOPATRA (Final Analysis) - Illustration

Neoadjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer

NeoSphere

NeoSphere (NCT00545688) was a multicenter, randomized trial conducted in 417 patients with operable, locally advanced, or inflammatory HER2-positive breast cancer (T2-4d) who were scheduled for neoadjuvant therapy. HER2 overexpression was defined as a score of 3+ IHC or FISH amplification ratio of 2.0 or greater as determined by a central laboratory. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 1 of 4 neoadjuvant regimens prior to surgery as follows: trastuzumab plus docetaxel, PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel, PERJETA plus trastuzumab, or PERJETA plus docetaxel. Randomization was stratified by breast cancer type (operable, locally advanced, or inflammatory) and estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PgR) positivity.

PERJETA was given intravenously at an initial dose of 840 mg, followed by 420 mg every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Trastuzumab was given intravenously at an initial dose of 8 mg/kg, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Docetaxel was given as an initial dose of 75 mg/m² by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. The docetaxel dose could be escalated to 100 mg/m² at the investigator’s discretion if the initial dose was well tolerated. Following surgery all patients received 3 cycles of 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m²), epirubicin (90 mg/m²), and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m²) (FEC) given intravenously every 3 weeks and trastuzumab administered intravenously every 3 weeks to complete 1 year of therapy. After surgery, patients in the PERJETA plus trastuzumab arm received docetaxel every 3 weeks for 4 cycles prior to FEC.

The primary endpoint of the study was pathological complete response (pCR) rate in the breast (ypT0/is). The FDA-preferred definition of pCR is the absence of invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes (ypT0/is ypN0).

Demographics were well balanced (median age was 49 – 50 years old, the majority were Caucasian (71%) and all were female. Overall, 7% of patients had inflammatory cancer, 32% had locally advanced cancer, and 61% had operable cancer. Approximately half the patients in each treatment group had hormone receptor-positive disease (defined as ER-positive and/or PgRpositive).

The efficacy results are summarized in Table 9. Statistically significant improvements in Pcr rates by both the study and FDA-preferred definitions were observed in patients receiving PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel compared to patients receiving trastuzumab plus docetaxel. The pCR rates and magnitude of improvement with PERJETA were lower in the subgroup of patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors compared to patients with hormone receptor-negative tumors.

Table 9 : Summary of Efficacy from NeoSphere

Endpoint/Study Population H+T Ptz+H+T Ptz+H Ptz+T
Overall ITT N=107 N=107 N=107 N=96
pCR1, n 23 42 12 17
(%) (21.5%) (39.3%) (11.2%) (17.7%)
[95% CI]2 [14.1, 30.5] [30.0, 49.2] [5.9, 18.8] [10.7, 26.8]
p-value (with Simes correction for CMH test)3 0.0063
(vs. H+T)
0.0223
(vs. H+T)
0.0018
(vs. Ptz+H+T)
Hormone receptor-positive subgroup N=50 N=50 N=514 N=46
pCR1, n 6 11 1 4
(%) (12.0%) (22.0%) (2.0%) (8.7%)
[95% CI]2 [4.5, 24.3] [11.5, 36.0] [0.1, 10.5] [2.4, 20.8]
Hormone receptor-negative subgroup N=57 N=57 N=554 N=50
pCR1, n 17 31 11 13
(%) (29.8%) (54.4%) (20.0%) (26.0%)
[95% CI]2 [18.4, 43.4] [40.7, 67.6] [10.4, 33.0] [14.6, 40.3]
T=docetaxel, Ptz=PERJETA, H=trastuzumab
CI=Confidence Interval
1 ypT0/is ypN0 (absence of invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes)
2 95% CI for one sample binomial using Pearson-Clopper method.
3 p-value from Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test, with Simes multiplicity adjustment
4 One patient had unknown hormone receptor status. The patient did not achieve a pCR.

TRYPHAENA

An additional neoadjuvant study (TRYPHAENA, NCT00976989) was conducted in 225 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced, operable, or inflammatory (T2-4d) breast cancer designed primarily to assess cardiac safety in which all arms included PERJETA. HER2 overexpression was defined as a score of 3+ IHC or FISH amplification ratio of 2.0 or greater as determined by a central laboratory.

Patients were randomly allocated to receive 1 of 3 neoadjuvant regimens prior to surgery as follows: 3 cycles of FEC followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel all in combination with PERJETA and trastuzumab, 3 cycles of FEC alone followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel and trastuzumab in combination with PERJETA, or 6 cycles of docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (TCH) in combination with PERJETA. Randomization was stratified by breast cancer type (operable, locally advanced, or inflammatory) and ER and/or PgR positivity.

PERJETA was given by intravenous infusion at an initial dose of 840 mg, followed by 420 mg every 3 weeks. Trastuzumab was given by intravenous infusion at an initial dose of 8 mg/kg, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks. 5-Fluorouracil (500 mg/m²), epirubicin (100 mg/m²), and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m²) were given intravenously every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. In the PERJETA plus trastuzumab, docetaxel, and FEC arms, docetaxel was given as an initial dose of 75 mg/m² by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for 3 cycles with the option to escalate to 100 mg/m² at the investigator’s discretion if the initial dose was well tolerated. However, in the PERJETA plus TCH arm, docetaxel was given intravenously at 75 mg/m² (no escalation was permitted) and carboplatin (AUC 6) was given intravenously every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. Following surgery all patients received trastuzumab to complete 1 year of therapy, which was administered intravenously every 3 weeks.

Demographics were well balanced (median age was 49-50 years old, the majority were Caucasian [76%]) and all were female. Overall 6% of patients had inflammatory cancer, 25% had locally advanced cancer and 69% had operable cancer, with approximately half the patients in each treatment group having ER-positive and/or PgR-positive disease.

The pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) rates were 56.2% (95% CI: 44.1%, 67.8%), 54.7% (95% CI: 42.7%, 66.2%), and 63.6% (95% CI: 51.9%, 74.3%) for patients treated with PERJETA plus trastuzumab and FEC followed by PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel, PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel following FEC, or PERJETA plus TCH, respectively. The pCR rates were lower in the subgroups of patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors: 41.0% (95% CI: 25.6%, 57.9%), 45.7% (95% CI: 28.8%, 63.4%), and 47.5% (95% CI: 31.5%, 63.9%) than with hormone receptor-negative tumors: 73.5% (95% CI: 55.6%, 87.1%), 62.5% (95% CI: 45.8%, 77.3%), and 81.1% (95% CI: 64.8%, 92.0%), respectively.

BERENICE

A two-arm non-randomized study (BERENICE, NCT02132949) was conducted in 401 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced, inflammatory, or early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2 overexpression was defined as a score of 3+ IHC or ISH amplification ratio of 2.0 or greater as determined by a central laboratory.

Patients received 1 of 2 neoadjuvant regimens prior to surgery as follows: 4 cycles of dose dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (ddAC) followed by 4 cycles of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks or 4 cycles of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) followed by 4 cycles of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel. The choice of neoadjuvant treatment regimen was made by the Investigator on a site-specific basis. Dosing for the regimens was as follows:

  • PERJETA was given by intravenous infusion at an initial dose of 840 mg, followed by 420 mg every 3 weeks. Trastuzumab was given by intravenous infusion at an initial dose of 8 mg/kg, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks.
  • In the ddAC cohort, (doxorubicin 60 mg/m² and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m²) were given intravenously every 2 weeks (ddAC) for 4 cycles with G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) support at investigator discretion, followed by paclitaxel 80 mg/m² given intravenously weekly for 12 weeks, with PERJETA and trastuzumab every 3 weeks from the start of paclitaxel for 4 cycles.
  • In the FEC cohort, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) (500 mg/m²), epirubicin (100 mg/m²), and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m²) were given intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 cycles, followed by docetaxel given as an initial dose of 75 mg/m² by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for 4 cycles with PERJETA and trastuzumab, and with the option to escalate to 100 mg/m² at the investigator’s discretion if the initial dose was well tolerated.

Following surgery, all patients received PERJETA and trastuzumab administered intravenously every 3 weeks to complete 1 year of therapy.

The median age of the overall study population was 49 years old (range 21-78), 12% of patients were 65 or older, 83% were Caucasian, and all but one patient was female. Overall 3% of patients had inflammatory cancer, 23% had locally advanced cancer (Stage 3A or greater), 5% were not classified per TNM staging, with approximately two thirds of the patients in each treatment group having ER-positive and/or PgR-positive disease. All patients had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.

The pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) rates were 61.8% (95% CI: 54.7, 68.6) and 60.7% (95% CI: 53.6, 67.5) for patients treated with ddAC followed by PERJETA plus trastuzumab and paclitaxel, or FEC followed by PERJETA plus trastuzumab and docetaxel, respectively. The pCR rates were lower in the subgroups of patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors: 51.6% (95% CI: 42.6, 60.5%) and 57.3% (95% CI: 48.1, 66.1%) than with hormone receptor-negative tumors: 81.5% (95% CI: 70.0, 90.1%) and 68.0% (95% CI: 56.2, 78.3%), respectively.

Adjuvant Treatment Of Breast Cancer

APHINITY (NCT01358877) was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 4804 patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who had their primary tumor excised prior to randomization. Patients were then randomized to receive PERJETA or placebo, in combination with adjuvant trastuzumab and chemotherapy. Randomization was stratified by the following factors: region, nodal status, protocol version, central hormone receptor status, and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen.

Investigators selected one of the following anthracycline-based or non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens for individual patients:

  • 3 or 4 cycles of FEC (5-FU 500-600 mg/m², epirubicin 90-120 mg/m², cyclophosphamide 500-600 mg/m²) or FAC (5-FU 500-600 mg/m², doxorubicin 50 mg/m², cyclophosphamide 500-600 mg/m²), followed by 3 or 4 cycles of docetaxel (75 mg/m² which could be escalated to 100 mg/m² every 3 weeks) or 12 cycles of weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m²).
  • 4 cycles of AC (doxorubicin 60 mg/m² and cyclophosphamide 500-600 mg/m²) or EC (epirubicin 90-120 mg/m² and cyclophosphamide 500-600 mg/m²) either every 3 weeks or every 2 weeks with GCSF support, followed by docetaxel (100 mg/m² for 3 cycles or 75 mg/m² for first cycle and 100 mg/m² for subsequent three cycles, or 75 mg/m² for four cycles) or 12 cycles of weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m²).
  • 6 cycles of docetaxel (75 mg/m²) in combination with carboplatin (AUC 6) PERJETA and trastuzumab were administered intravenously every 3 weeks starting on Day 1 of the first taxane-containing cycle, for a total of 52 weeks (up to 18 cycles) or until recurrence, withdrawal of consent, or unmanageable toxicity.

After completion of chemotherapy, patients received radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy as per investigator’s discretion.

The major efficacy outcome of the study was invasive disease-free survival (IDFS), defined as the time from randomization to first occurrence of ipsilateral local or regional invasive breast cancer recurrence, distant recurrence, contralateral invasive breast cancer, or death from any cause. Additional efficacy endpoints were IDFS including second primary non-breast cancer, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

Demographics were generally balanced between the two treatment arms. The median age was 51 years (range 18-86), 13% of patients were 65 or older, and over 99% of patients were female. Sixty-three percent of patients had node-positive disease, 64% had hormone receptor-positive disease, and 71% were Caucasian. All patients had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.  Seventy-eight percent received an anthracycline containing regimen.

PERJETA-treated patients and placebo-treated patients both received a median number of 18 cycles of anti-HER2 therapy. After a median follow-up of 45.4 months, a statistically significant improvement in IDFS was demonstrated in patients randomized to receive PERJETA compared with patients randomized to receive placebo. The efficacy results from APHINITY are summarized in Tables 10 and 11 and in Figure 3.

Table 10 : Efficacy Results from APHINITY

PERJETA + trastuzumab + chemotherapy
N=2400
Placebo + trastuzumab + chemotherapy
N=2404
Invasive Disease Free Survival (IDFS)
Number (%) of patients with event 171 (7.1%) 210 (8.7%)
HR [95% CI] 1 0.82 [0.67, 1.00]
p-value (Log-Rank test, stratified1) 0.047
3 year event-free rate2, % [95% CI] 94.1 [93.1, 95.0] 93.2 [92.2, 94.3]
IDFS including second primary non-breast cancer
Number (%) of patients with event 189 (7.9%) 230 (9.6%)
HR [95% CI] 1 0.83 [0.68, 1.00]
3 year event-free rate2, % [95% CI] 93.5 [92.5, 94.5] 92.5 [91.4, 93.6]
Disease Free Survival (DFS)
Number (%) of patients with event 192 (8.0%) 236 (9.8%)
HR [95% CI] 1 0.82 [0.68, 0.99]
3 year event-free rate2, % [95% CI] 93.4 [92.4, 94.4] 92.3 [91.2, 93.4]
Overall Survival (OS)3
Number (%) of patients with event 80 (3.3%) 89 (3.7%)
HR [95% CI] 1 0.89 [0.66, 1.21]
3 year event-free rate2, % [95% CI] 97.7 [97.0, 98.3] 97.7 [97.1, 98.3]
HR=Hazard Ratio, CI=Confidence Interval
1 All analyses stratified by nodal status, protocol version, central hormone receptor status, and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Stratification factors are defined according to the randomization data for IDFS.
2 3-year event-free rate derived from Kaplan-Meier estimates
3 Data from first interim analysis

Figure 3 : Kaplan-Meier Curve of Invasive Disease Free Survival from APHINITY (ITT Population)

 Kaplan-Meier Curve of Invasive Disease Free
Survival from APHINITY (ITT Population) - Illustration

Table 11 : Efficacy Results by Baseline Disease Characteristics and Adjuvant Chemotherapy from APHINITY1

Population Number of events/Total N (%) IDFS at 3 year (%, 95% CI) Unstratified HR (95% CI)
PERJETA + trastuzumab + chemotherapy Placebo + trastuzumab + chemotherapy PERJETA + trastuzumab + chemotherapy Placebo + trastuzumab + chemotherapy
Hormone Receptor Status
Negative 71/864
(8.2%)
91/858
(10.6%)
92.8
(90.8, 94.3)
91.2
(89.0, 92.9)
0.76
(0.56, 1.04)
Positive 100/1536
(6.5%)
119/1546
(7.7%)
94.8
(93.5, 95.8)
94.4
(93.1, 95.4)
0.86
(0.66, 1.13)
Nodal Status
Negative 32/897
(3.6%)
29/902
(3.2%)
97.5
(96.3, 98.4)
98.4
(97.3, 99.0)
1.13
(0.68, 1.86)
Positive 139/1503
(9.2%)
181/1502
(12.1%)
92.0
(90.5, 93.3)
90.2
(88.5, 91.6)
0.77
(0.62, 0.96)
Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimen
Anthracycline 139/1865
(7.4%)
171/1877
(9.1%)
93.8
(92.6, 94.8)
93.0
(91.8, 94.1)
0.82
(0.66, 1.03)
Non-Anthracycline 32/535
(6.0%)
39/527
(7.4%)
94.9
(92.6, 96.6)
94.0
(91.5, 95.8)
0.82
(0.51, 1.31)
1Exploratory analyses without adjusting multiple comparisons, therefore, results are considered descriptive.

Patient Information for Perjeta

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Advise patients to contact a health care professional immediately for any of the following: new onset or worsening shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the ankles/legs, swelling of the face, palpitations, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab during pregnancy or within 7 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm. Advise female patients to contact their healthcare provider with a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].

Advise women who are exposed to PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab during pregnancy or within 7 months prior to conception that there is a pregnancy pharmacovigilance program that monitors pregnancy outcomes. Encourage these patients to report their pregnancy to Genentech [see Use In Specific Populations].

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab [see Use In Specific Populations].

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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