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POLARIX Trial Results

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POLARIX PFS Results
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POLARIX PFS Results: POLIVY® + R-CHP—Superior PFS vs R-CHOP in the ITT population1,15

Improved PFS: HR=0.73 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.95), p=0.0177

*No statistical hypothesis testing was performed for 2-year PFS data. No formal inferences may be drawn from landmark analyses.

  • In a prespecified descriptive analysis of the largest lymphoma subgroup, DLBCL, NOS, the PFS HR was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.99), and for the HGBL subgroup it was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.21, 1.08). No formal inferences may be drawn from these analyses
  • There were insufficient data to evaluate efficacy in other large B-cell lymphomas

PFS was calculated in a time-to-event analysis, in which investigator-assessed disease progression or disease relapse or death from any cause were counted as events. Estimated median follow-up of 24.7 months in both arms combined.

PFS at 2 years†

76.7% with POLIVY + R-CHP vs 70.2% with R-CHOP15
Estimated median follow-up of 24.7 months in both arms combined.

PFS at 2 years†

76.7% with POLIVY + R-CHP
 vs
70.2% with R-CHOP15
Estimated median follow-up of 24.7 months in both arms combined.

†No statistical hypothesis testing was performed for 2-year PFS data. No formal inferences may be drawn from these landmark analyses.

PFS: A clinically meaningful endpoint in DLBCL

  • Phase 3 trials in 1L DLBCL have been commonly designed with PFS as the primary efficacy endpoint13,17
    • In the POLARIX trial, PFS was defined as the time from randomization until the first occurrence of disease progression/relapse or death from any cause, whichever occurs earlier15
  • In oncology, PFS is a common disease-related primary endpoint18
    • It can be assessed earlier than OS with fewer patients and is not confounded by subsequent therapies
    • PFS can represent direct clinical benefit‡
  • PFS is recognized by the US FDA as an important endpoint for drug approval in oncology18
    • PFS can be used as an endpoint to support accelerated or traditional approval‡
  • PFS assessment may be subject to limitations18
    • Definition of PFS may vary among studies and it may be subject to assessment bias and not always correlate with survival

‡Based on specific disease, context of use, magnitude of the effect, the disease setting, location of metastatic sites, available therapy, the risk-benefit relationship, and the clinical consequences of delaying or preventing progression in key disease sites (eg, delay of new lesions in the brain or spine) or delaying administration of more toxic therapies.

See primary analysis and NEW 5-year follow-up data

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Compare safety results:
See how safety for POLIVY + R-CHP compares to R-CHOP

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Select Secondary Endpoints

Superior EFS vs R-CHOP1,15,§

  POLIVY + R-CHP
(n=440)		 R-CHOP
(n=439)
Patients with event, n (%) 112 (26) 138 (31)
HR (95% CI) 0.75 (0.58, 0.96)
p-value‖ 0.0244

§Modified EFS is defined as the time from randomization to the earliest occurrence of disease progression/relapse or death, an efficacy finding that led to non-protocol specified lymphoma treatment, or biopsy positive for residual disease.
‖Stratified log-rank test, with a two-sided significance boundary of 0.05. The hierarchical testing order was PFS, modified EFS, and then CR rate and overall survival.

Objective response at EOT in patients receiving POLIVY + R-CHP vs R-CHOP1,¶

  POLIVY + R-CHP
(n=440)		 R-CHOP
(n=439)
Objective response rate, % (95% CI) 86 (82, 89) 84 (80, 87)
CR rate, % 78 (74, 82) 74 (70, 78)

Difference in CR rate, % (95% CI)

 3.9 (-1.9, 9.7)
p-value# 0.1557

By blinded independent central review, per 2014 Lugano response criteria.
#Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test, with a two-sided significance boundary of 0.01.

Overall survival data1

  • With an estimated median follow-up of 3.3 years, the prespecified final analysis of OS showed no statistically significant difference, with a HR of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.33)
  • In a descriptive analysis, the OS HR in patients with DLBCL, NOS was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.49), and in patients with HGBL it was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.15, 1.19)
    • No formal inferences may be drawn from this analysis

Patients receiving subsequent lymphoma therapy (ITT Population)15

Limitations: No formal inferences may be drawn from this observational information. Information on subsequent treatment was collected per protocol, but no formal analyses were conducted. POLARIX was a global trial: availability of subsequent therapy options and local practice patterns varied. New anti-lymphoma therapy (NALT) is dependent on the preferences of the prescribers and patients.

Date cut-off: June 28, 2021.

**Subsequent lymphoma treatment was defined as NALT and does not include R-CHOP or POLIVY + R-CHP.
††Including preplanned and unplanned.
‡‡Includes any monotherapy, multidrug, or cell-based regimen.

NCCN

CATEGORY 1
TREATMENT OPTION

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) recommends polatuzumab vedotin-piiq (POLIVY) + R-CHP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) as an NCCN Category 1 treatment option across all stages of DLBCL for certain§§ patients.2

  • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq (POLIVY) + R-CHP is the only Category 1 recommended treatment option across all stages of previously untreated DLBCL for certain§§ patients2

NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use, or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.

POLIVY + R-CHP is approved for 1L DLBCL, NOS or HGBL and IPI ≥2.1
 

§§Category 1 treatment option for patients with previously untreated stage I-II (without extensive mesenteric disease) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and smIPI score >1; Category 1 preferred treatment option for patients with previously untreated stage II (with extensive mesenteric disease) or stage III-IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and IPI score ≥2.

CAR-T = chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy; CI = confidence interval; CR = complete response; DLBCL = diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; EFS = event-free survival; EOT = end of treatment; FDA = US Food and Drug Administration; HGBL = high-grade B-cell lymphoma; HR = hazard ratio; IPI = International Prognostic Index; ITT = intention-to-treat; NE = not estimable; NOS = not otherwise specified; OS = overall survival; PFS = progression-free survival; R-CHOP = rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone; R-CHP = rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone; smIPI = stage-modified International Prognostic Index; US = United States.

NEXT: POLIVY Safety
Important Safety Information and Indication

Indication

POLIVY in combination with a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients who have previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) and who have an International Prognostic Index score of 2 or greater.

POLIVY in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product (BR) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, NOS, after at least two prior therapies.

Important Safety Information

Peripheral Neuropathy

POLIVY can cause severe peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy occurs as early as the first cycle of treatment and is cumulative. POLIVY may exacerbate preexisting peripheral neuropathy.

In POLARIX, of 435 patients treated with POLIVY plus R-CHP, 53% reported new or worsening peripheral neuropathy, with a median time to onset of 2.3 months. Peripheral neuropathy was Grade 1 in 39% of patients, Grade 2 in 12%, and Grade 3 in 1.6%. Peripheral neuropathy resulted in dose reduction in 4% of treated patients and treatment discontinuation in 0.7%. Among patients with peripheral neuropathy after POLIVY, 58% reported resolution after a median of 4 months.

In Study GO29365, of 173 patients treated with POLIVY, 40% reported new or worsening peripheral neuropathy, with a median time to onset of 2.1 months. Peripheral neuropathy was Grade 1 in 26% of patients, Grade 2 in 12%, and Grade 3 in 2.3%. Peripheral neuropathy resulted in POLIVY dose reduction in 2.9% of treated patients, dose delay in 1.2%, and permanent discontinuation in 2.9%. Sixty-five percent of patients reported improvement or resolution of peripheral neuropathy after a median of 1 month, and 48% reported complete resolution.

The peripheral neuropathy is predominantly sensory; however, motor and sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy also occur. Monitor for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, dysesthesia, neuropathic pain, burning sensation, weakness, or gait disturbance. Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy may require a delay, dose reduction, or discontinuation of POLIVY.

Infusion-Related Reactions

POLIVY can cause severe infusion reactions. Delayed infusion-related reactions as late as 24 hours after receiving POLIVY have occurred.

With premedication, 13% of patients (58/435) in POLARIX reported infusion-related reactions after the administration of POLIVY plus R-CHP. The reactions were Grade 1 in 4.4% of patients, Grade 2 in 8%, and Grade 3 in 1.1%.

With premedication, 7% of patients (12/173) in Study GO29365 reported infusion-related reactions after the administration of POLIVY. The reactions were Grade 1 in 4.6% of patients, Grade 2 in 1.7%, and Grade 3 in 0.6%.

Symptoms occurring in ≥1% of patients included chills, dyspnea, pyrexia, pruritus, rash, and chest discomfort. Administer an antihistamine and antipyretic prior to the administration of POLIVY, and monitor patients closely throughout the infusion. If an infusion-related reaction occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management.

Myelosuppression

Treatment with POLIVY can cause serious or severe myelosuppression, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

In POLARIX, 90% of patients treated with POLIVY plus R-CHP had primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Grade 3–4 hematologic adverse reactions included lymphopenia (44%), neutropenia (39%), febrile neutropenia (15%), anemia (14%), and thrombocytopenia (8%).

In Study GO29365, in patients treated with POLIVY plus BR (n = 45), 42% received primary prophylaxis with G-CSF. Grade 3 or higher hematologic adverse reactions included neutropenia (42%), thrombocytopenia (40%), anemia (24%), lymphopenia (13%), and febrile neutropenia (11%). Grade 4 hematologic adverse reactions included neutropenia (24%), thrombocytopenia (16%), lymphopenia (9%), and febrile neutropenia (4.4%). Cytopenias were the most common reason for treatment discontinuation (18% of all patients).

Monitor complete blood counts throughout treatment. Cytopenias may require a delay, dose reduction, or discontinuation of POLIVY. Administer prophylactic G-CSF for neutropenia in patients receiving POLIVY plus R-CHP. Consider prophylactic G-CSF administration in patients receiving POLIVY plus bendamustine and a rituximab product.

Serious and Opportunistic Infections

Fatal and/or serious infections, including opportunistic infections such as sepsis, pneumonia (including Pneumocystis jiroveci and other fungal pneumonia), herpesvirus infection, and cytomegalovirus infection have occurred in patients treated with POLIVY.

In POLARIX, Grade 3–4 infections occurred in 14% (61/435) of patients treated with POLIVY plus R-CHP, and infection-related deaths were reported in 1.1% of patients.

In Study GO29365, Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 32% (55/173) of patients treated with POLIVY, and infection-related deaths were reported in 2.9% of patients within 90 days of last treatment.

Closely monitor patients during treatment for signs of infection. Administer prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and herpesvirus. Administer prophylactic G-CSF for neutropenia as recommended.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

PML has been reported after treatment with POLIVY plus bendamustine and obinutuzumab in Study GO29365 (0.6%, 1/173). Monitor for new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral changes. Hold POLIVY and any concomitant chemotherapy if PML is suspected, and permanently discontinue if the diagnosis is confirmed.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

POLIVY may cause tumor lysis syndrome. Patients with high tumor burden and rapidly proliferative tumor may be at increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome. Monitor closely and take appropriate measures, including tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis.

Hepatotoxicity

Serious cases of hepatotoxicity that were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, have occurred in patients treated with POLIVY.

In recipients of POLIVY plus R-CHP, Grade 3–4 elevation of ALT and AST developed in 1.4% and 0.7% of patients, respectively.

In Study GO29365, Grade 3 and Grade 4 transaminase elevations each developed in 1.9% of patients.

Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin level.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on the mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, POLIVY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The small molecule component of POLIVY, monomethyl auristatin E, administered to rats caused adverse developmental outcomes, including embryo-fetal mortality and structural abnormalities, at exposures below those occurring clinically at the recommended dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for 3 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for 5 months after the last dose.

The Most Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%), excluding laboratory abnormalities, in patients with previously untreated DLBCL treated with POLIVY in combination with R-CHP are peripheral neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, alopecia, and mucositis. The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥10%) are lymphopenia, neutropenia, hyperuricemia, and anemia.

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL treated with POLIVY in combination with BR are neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia, decreased appetite, and pneumonia.

Lactation

Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with POLIVY and for 2 months after the last dose.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

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