Lutathera

     Important Safety Instructions

LUTATHERA is a radiopharmaceutical; handle with appropriate safety measures to minimize radiation exposure [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Use waterproof gloves and effective radiation shielding when handling LUTATHERA. Radiopharmaceuticals, including LUTATHERA, should be used by or under the control of healthcare providers who are qualified by specific training and experience in the safe use and handling of radiopharmaceuticals, and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate governmental agency authorized to license the use of radiopharmaceuticals.

Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LUTATHERA [see Use in Specific Populations ].

Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions during and following the LUTATHERA administration for a minimum of 2 hours in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available [see Warnings and Precautions ].

     Recommended Dosage

The recommended LUTATHERA dosage for adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older is 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) every 8 weeks (± 1 week) for a total of 4 doses. Administer premedications and concomitant medications as recommended [see Dosage and Administration ].

     Premedications and Concomitant Medications

Somatostatin Analogs

• Before initiating LUTATHERA treatment: Discontinue long-acting somatostatin analogs (e.g., long-acting octreotide) at least 4 weeks prior to initiating LUTATHERA. Administer short-acting octreotide as needed; discontinue at least 24 hours prior to initiating LUTATHERA [see Drug Interactions ].
• During LUTATHERA treatment: Administer long-acting octreotide 30 mg intramuscularly between 4 to 24 hours after each LUTATHERA dose. Do not administer long-acting octreotide within 4 weeks prior to each subsequent LUTATHERA dose. Short-acting octreotide may be given for symptomatic management during LUTATHERA treatment but must be withheld at least 24 hours before each LUTATHERA dose.
• Following LUTATHERA treatment: Continue long-acting octreotide 30 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks after completing LUTATHERA until disease progression or for 18 months following treatment initiation at the discretion of the physician.

Antiemetics

Administer antiemetics before the recommended amino acid solution.

Amino Acid Solution

Initiate an intravenous infusion of a sterile amino acid solution containing L-lysine and L-arginine (Table 1) 30 minutes before the start of the LUTATHERA infusion. Use a three-way valve to administer the amino acid solution using the same venous access as LUTATHERA or administer the amino acid solution through a separate venous access in the patient’s other arm. Continue the amino acid solution infusion during and for at least 3 hours after completion of the LUTATHERA infusion. Do not decrease the dose of the amino acid solution if a reduced dose of LUTATHERA is administered [see Warnings and Precautions ].

Hypersensitivity Prophylaxis

Premedicate patients who have had prior Grade 1 or 2 hypersensitivity reactions to LUTATHERA. Do not re-challenge patients who experience Grade 3 or 4 hypersensitivity reactions to LUTATHERA [see Warnings and Precautions ].

     Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions

Recommended dose modifications of LUTATHERA for adverse reactions are provided in Table 2.

     Preparation and Administration

Preparation Instructions

• Use aseptic technique and radiation shielding when handling or administering the LUTATHERA solution. Use tongs when handling the vial to minimize radiation exposure.
• Inspect the product visually under a shielded screen for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Discard the vial if particulates and/or discoloration are present.
• Do not inject the LUTATHERA solution directly into any other intravenous solution.
• Confirm the amount of radioactivity of LUTATHERA delivered to the patient with an appropriate dose calibrator prior to and after each LUTATHERA administration.         
• Dispose of any unused medicinal product or waste material in accordance with local and federal laws.

Administration Instructions

• Prior to administration, flush the intravenous catheter used for LUTATHERA administration with ≥ 10 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to ensure patency and to minimize the risk of extravasation. Manage cases of extravasation as per institutional guidelines.
• The gravity method, peristaltic pump method, or the syringe pump method may be used for the administration of the recommended dosage. Do not administer LUTATHERA as an intravenous bolus.
• When using the gravity or peristaltic pump method, infuse LUTATHERA directly from its original container.
• Use the peristaltic pump or syringe pump method when administering a reduced dose of LUTATHERA following a dosage modification for an adverse reaction. When using the gravity method for a reduced dose, adjust the LUTATHERA dose before the administration to avoid the delivery of an incorrect volume of LUTATHERA.

Intravenous Methods of Administration

Instructions for the Gravity Method

• Insert a 2.5 cm, 20-gauge needle (short needle) into the LUTATHERA vial and connect via a catheter to 500 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (used to transport the LUTATHERA solution during the infusion). Ensure that the short needle does not touch the LUTATHERA solution in the vial and do not connect this short needle directly to the patient. Do not allow the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to flow into the LUTATHERA vial prior to the initiation of the LUTATHERA infusion and do not inject the LUTATHERA solution directly into the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP.
• Insert a second needle that is 9 cm, 18-gauge (long needle) into the LUTATHERA vial ensuring that this long needle touches and is secured to the bottom of the LUTATHERA vial during the entire infusion. Connect the long needle to the patient by an intravenous catheter that is pre-filled with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and that is used for the LUTATHERA infusion into the patient.
• Use a clamp or an infusion pump to regulate the flow of the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP via the short needle into the LUTATHERA vial at a rate of 50 mL/hour to 100 mL/hour for 5 to 10 minutes and then 200 mL/hour to 300 mL/hour for an additional 25 to 30 minutes (the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP entering the vial through the short needle will carry the LUTATHERA solution from the vial to the patient via the intravenous catheter connected to the long needle over a total duration of 30 to 40 minutes).
• During the infusion, ensure that the level of solution in the LUTATHERA vial remains constant.
• Disconnect the vial from the long needle line and clamp the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP line once the level of radioactivity is stable for at least five minutes.
• Follow the infusion with an intravenous flush of 25 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP through the intravenous catheter to the patient.

Instructions for the Peristaltic Pump Method

• Insert a filtered 2.5 cm, 20-gauge needle (short venting needle) into the LUTATHERA vial. Ensure that the short needle does not touch the LUTATHERA solution in the vial and do not connect this short needle directly to the patient or to the peristaltic pump.
• Insert a second needle that is 9 cm, 18 gauge (long needle) into the LUTATHERA vial ensuring that the long needle touches and is secured to the bottom of the LUTATHERA vial during the entire infusion. Connect the long needle and a 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to a 3-way stopcock valve via appropriate tubing.
• Connect the output of the 3-way stopcock valve to tubing installed on the input side of the peristaltic pump according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Prime the line by opening the 3-way stopcock valve and pumping the LUTATHERA solution through the tubing until it reaches the exit of the valve.         
• Prime the intravenous catheter that will be connected to the patient by opening the 3-way stopcock valve to the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and pumping the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP until it exits the end of the catheter tubing.
• Connect the primed intravenous catheter to the patient and set the 3-way stopcock valve such that the LUTATHERA solution is in line with the peristaltic pump.         
• Infuse an appropriate volume of LUTATHERA solution over a 30-40 min period to deliver the desired radioactivity.
• When the desired LUTATHERA radioactivity has been delivered, stop the peristaltic pump and then change the position of the 3-way stopcock valve so that the peristaltic pump is in line with the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Restart the peristaltic pump and infuse an intravenous flush of 25 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP through the intravenous catheter to the patient.

Instructions for the Syringe Pump Method

• Withdraw an appropriate volume of LUTATHERA solution to deliver the desired radioactivity by using a disposable syringe fitted with a syringe shield and a disposable sterile needle that is 9 cm, 18 gauge (long needle). To aid the withdrawal of the solution, a filtered 2.5 cm, 20-gauge needle (short venting needle) can be used to reduce the resistance from the pressurized vial. Ensure that the short needle does not touch the LUTATHERA solution in the vial.
• Fit the syringe into the shielded pump and include a 3-way stopcock valve between the syringe and an intravenous catheter pre-filled with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and used for LUTATHERA administration to the patient.
• Infuse an appropriate volume of LUTATHERA solution over a 30-40 min period to deliver the desired radioactivity.
• When the desired LUTATHERA radioactivity has been delivered, stop the syringe pump and then change the position of the 3-way stopcock valve to flush the syringe with 25 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Restart the syringe pump.
• After the flush of the syringe has been completed, perform an intravenous flush with 25 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP through the intravenous catheter to the patient.

     Radiation Dosimetry

The maximum penetration of lutetium-177 in tissue is 2.2 mm and the mean penetration is 0.67 mm.
The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the estimated radiation absorbed doses for adults receiving LUTATHERA are shown in Table 3. The mean and SD of the estimated radiation absorbed doses for pediatric patients 12 years and older receiving LUTATHERA are shown in Table 4.

     Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Based on its mechanism of action, LUTATHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ]. There are no available data on LUTATHERA use in pregnant women. No animal studies using lutetium Lu 177 dotatate have been conducted to evaluate its effect on female reproduction and embryo-fetal development; however, radioactive emissions, including those from LUTATHERA, can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

     Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate in human milk, or its effects on the breastfed child or milk production. No lactation studies in animals were conducted. Because of the potential risk for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LUTATHERA and for 2.5 months after the last dose.        

     Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Based on mechanism of action, LUTATHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ].

Pregnancy Testing

Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LUTATHERA [see Use in Specific Populations ].

Contraception

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LUTATHERA and for 7 months after the last dose.

Males

Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LUTATHERA and for 4 months after the last dose [see Clinical Pharmacology , Nonclinical Toxicology ].

Infertility

The recommended cumulative dose of 29.6 GBq of LUTATHERA results in a radiation absorbed dose to the testes and ovaries within the range where temporary or permanent infertility can be expected following external beam radiotherapy [see Dosage and Administration ].

     Pediatric Use

Somatostatin Receptor-Positive Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

The safety and effectiveness of LUTATHERA have been established in pediatric patients 12 years and older with somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Use of LUTATHERA for this indication is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study of LUTATHERA in adults with additional safety, pharmacokinetic, and dosimetry data in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with somatostatin receptor-positive tumors, including 4 pediatric patients with GEP-NETs [see Adverse Reactions , Clinical Pharmacology , Clinical Studies ].

The risks of radiation exposure associated with LUTATHERA are greater in pediatric patients than in adult patients due to longer life expectancy. Continued follow-up is recommended for evaluation of long-term effects.

There was no clinically relevant difference in lutetium Lu 177 dotatate exposure in pediatric patients aged 13 to 16 years versus adult patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ].

The pharmacokinetic profile and safety of LUTATHERA in pediatric patients 12 years and older with baseline renal impairment have not been studied.

The safety and effectiveness of LUTATHERA have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years old with somatostatin receptor-positive GEP-NETs.

     Geriatric Use

Of the 1325 patients treated with LUTATHERA in clinical trials, 438 patients (33%) were 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between older and younger patients.

     Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with baseline mild to moderate (creatinine clearance 30 to 89 mL/min by Cockcroft-Gault formula) renal impairment. However, patients with baseline mild or moderate renal impairment may be at greater risk of toxicity, including renal toxicity, due to increased radiation exposure. Perform more frequent assessments of renal function in patients with baseline mild to moderate impairment. The pharmacokinetic profile and safety of LUTATHERA in patients with baseline severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min by Cockcroft-Gault formula) or end-stage renal disease have not been studied [see Warnings and Precautions ].

     Hepatic Impairment

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with baseline mild or moderate hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetic profile and safety of LUTATHERA in patients with baseline severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 3 times upper limit of normal, regardless of AST level) have not been studied.

     Risk From Radiation Exposure

LUTATHERA contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk for cancer. These risks of radiation associated with the use of LUTATHERA are greater in pediatric patients than in adults [see Use in Specific Populations ].

Radiation can be detected in the urine for up to 30 days following LUTATHERA administration. Minimize radiation exposure to patients, medical personnel, and household contacts during and after treatment with LUTATHERA consistent with institutional good radiation safety practices, patient management procedures, Nuclear Regulatory Commission patient-release guidance, and instructions to the patient for follow-up radiation protection at home [see Dosage and Administration , Clinical Pharmacology ].

     Myelosuppression

In NETTER-1, myelosuppression occurred more frequently in patients receiving LUTATHERA with long-acting octreotide compared to patients receiving high-dose long-acting octreotide (all Grades/Grade 3 or 4): anemia (81%/0) versus (54%/1%); thrombocytopenia (53%/1%) versus (17%/0); and neutropenia (26%/3%) versus (11%/0). In NETTER-1, platelet nadir occurred at a median of 5.1 months following the first dose. Of the 59 patients who developed thrombocytopenia, 68% had platelet recovery to baseline or normal levels. The median time to platelet recovery was 2 months. Fifteen of the nineteen patients in whom platelet recovery was not documented had post-nadir platelet counts. Among these 15 patients, 5 improved to Grade 1, 9 to Grade 2, and 1 to Grade 3.

Monitor blood cell counts. Withhold dose, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue LUTATHERA based on the severity of myelosuppression [see Dosage and Administration ].

     Secondary Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Leukemia

In NETTER-1, with a median follow-up time of 76 months in the main study, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was reported in 2.3% of patients receiving LUTATHERA with long-acting octreotide compared to no patients receiving high-dose long-acting octreotide.

In ERASMUS, 16 patients (2.0%) developed MDS and 4 (0.5%) developed acute leukemia. The median time to onset was 29 months (9 to 45 months) for MDS and 55 months (32 to 125 months) for acute leukemia.

     Renal Toxicity

In ERASMUS, 8 patients (< 1%) developed renal failure 3 to 36 months following LUTATHERA. Two of these patients had underlying renal impairment or risk factors for renal failure (e.g., diabetes or hypertension) and required dialysis.

Administer the recommended amino acid solution before, during and after LUTATHERA [see Dosage and Administration ] to decrease the reabsorption of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate through the proximal tubules and decrease the radiation dose to the kidneys. Advise patients to hydrate and to urinate frequently before, on the day of, and the day after administration of LUTATHERA.

Monitor serum creatinine and calculated creatinine clearance. Withhold dose, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue LUTATHERA based on the severity of renal toxicity [see Dosage and Administration ].

Patients with baseline renal impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity due to increased radiation exposure [see Use in Specific Populations ].

     Hepatotoxicity

In ERASMUS, 2 patients (< 1%) were reported to have hepatic tumor hemorrhage, edema, or necrosis, with one patient experiencing intrahepatic congestion and cholestasis. Patients with hepatic metastasis may be at increased risk of hepatotoxicity due to radiation exposure.

Monitor transaminases, bilirubin, serum albumin, and international normalized ratio (INR) during treatment. Withhold dose, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue LUTATHERA based on the severity of hepatotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration ].

     Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, occurred in patients treated with LUTATHERA [see Adverse Reactions ]. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, during and following LUTATHERA administration for a minimum of 2 hours in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Discontinue the infusion upon the first observation of any signs or symptoms consistent with a severe hypersensitivity reaction and initiate appropriate therapy.

Premedicate patients with a history of Grade 1 or 2 hypersensitivity reactions to LUTATHERA before subsequent doses [see Dosage and Administration ]. Permanently discontinue LUTATHERA in patients who experience Grade 3 or 4 hypersensitivity reactions [see Dosage and Administration ].

     Neuroendocrine Hormonal Crisis

Neuroendocrine hormonal crises, manifesting with flushing, diarrhea, bronchospasm and hypotension, occurred in < 1% of patients in ERASMUS and typically occurred during or within 24 hours following the initial LUTATHERA dose. Two (< 1%) patients were reported to have hypercalcemia.

Monitor patients for flushing, diarrhea, hypotension, bronchoconstriction or other signs and symptoms of tumor-related hormonal release. Administer intravenous somatostatin analogs, fluids, corticosteroids, and electrolytes as indicated.

     Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, LUTATHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ]. There are no available data on LUTATHERA use in pregnant women. No animal studies using lutetium Lu 177 dotatate have been conducted to evaluate its effect on female reproduction and embryo-fetal development; however, radioactive emissions, including those from LUTATHERA, can cause fetal harm.

Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LUTATHERA [see Dosage and Administration ].

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LUTATHERA and for 7 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LUTATHERA and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ].

     Risk of Infertility

LUTATHERA may cause infertility in males and females. The recommended cumulative dose of 29.6 GBq of LUTATHERA results in a radiation absorbed dose to the testes and ovaries within the range where temporary or permanent infertility can be expected following external beam radiotherapy [see Dosage and Administration , Use in Specific Populations ].