Sunitinib Malate

SUTENT is a kinase inhibitor indicated for:

• treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate. ( 1.1 )
• treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ( 1.2 )
• adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent RCC following nephrectomy. ( 1.3 )
• treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. ( 1.4 )

1.1 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate.

1.2 Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

1.3 Adjuvant Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma SUTENT is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent RCC following nephrectomy.

1.4 Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease.

Capsules, hard gelatin:

• 12.5 mg sunitinib: orange cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 12.5 mg” on the body.
• 25 mg sunitinib: caramel cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 25 mg” on the body.
• 37.5 mg sunitinib: yellow cap and yellow body, printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 37.5 mg” on the body.
• 50 mg sunitinib: caramel top and caramel body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 50 mg” on the body. Capsules: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg sunitinib ( 3 )

None. None ( 4 )

• Hepatotoxicity : Fatal liver failure has been observed. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline and resume SUTENT at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. Discontinue SUTENT in patients with Grade 4 hepatoxicity, in patients who have subsequent severe changes in liver function tests or other signs and symptoms of liver failure. ( 2.4 , 5.1 )
• Cardiovascular Events : Myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to below the lower limit of normal including death have occurred. Monitor for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically during treatment. Discontinue SUTENT for clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure. Interrupt and/or dose reduce for decreased LVEF. ( 5.2 )
• QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes : Monitor patients at higher risk for developing QT interval prolongation. Consider monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes. ( 5.3 )
• Hypertension : Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hypertension until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume SUTENT at a reduced dose. Discontinue SUTENT in patients who develop Grade 4 hypertension. ( 5.4 )
• Hemorrhagic Events : Tumor-related hemorrhage and viscus perforation (both with fatal events) have occurred. Perform serial complete blood counts and physical examinations. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhagic events until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. ( 5.5 )
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) : TLS (some fatal) has been reported primarily in patients with RCC and GIST. Monitor these patients and treat as clinically indicated. ( 5.6 )
• Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) : TMA, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome, sometimes leading to renal failure or a fatal outcome, has been reported. Discontinue SUTENT for TMA. ( 5.7 )
• Proteinuria : Renal failure or a fatal outcome has occurred. Monitor urine protein. Interrupt treatment for 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams. Discontinue for repeat episodes of 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams despite dose reductions or nephrotic syndrome. ( 5.8 )
• Dermatologic Toxicities : Necrotizing fasciitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (some fatal) have occurred. Discontinue SUTENT for these events. ( 5.9 )
• Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) : RPLS (some fatal) has been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of RPLS. Withhold SUTENT until resolution. ( 5.10 )
• Thyroid Dysfunction : Monitor thyroid function at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust therapy for thyroid dysfunction as appropriate. ( 5.11 )
• Hypoglycemia : Check blood glucose levels regularly and assess if antidiabetic drug dose modifications are required. ( 5.12 )
• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) : Withhold SUTENT for at least 3 weeks prior to invasive dental procedure and for development of ONJ until complete resolution. ( 5.13 )
• Impaired Wound Healing : Withhold SUTENT for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of SUTENT after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.14 )
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.15 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

5.1 Hepatotoxicity SUTENT can cause severe hepatotoxicity, resulting in liver failure or death. In the pooled safety population, liver failure occurred in <1% of patients in clinical trials. Liver failure include jaundiced, elevated transaminases and/or hyperbilirubinemia in conjunction with encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and/or renal failure. Monitor liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and bilirubin) at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume SUTENT at a reduced dose. Discontinue SUTENT in patients with Grade 4 hepatotoxicity, in patients without resolution of Grade 3 hepatotoxicity, in patients who subsequently experience severe changes in liver function tests and in patients who have other signs and symptoms of liver failure. Safety in patients with ALT or AST >2.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN) or with >5 × ULN and liver metastases has not been established.

5.2 Cardiovascular Events Cardiovascular events, including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction, some of which were fatal, have been reported. In pooled safety population, 3% of patients experienced heart failure; 71% of the patients with heart failure were reported as recovered. Fatal cardiac failure was reported in <1% of patients. In the adjuvant treatment of RCC study, 11 patients experienced Grade 2 decreased ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 40% to 50% and a 10% to 19% decrease from baseline). In 3 of these 11 patients, the ejection fractions arm did not return to ≥50% or baseline by the time of last measurement. No patients who received SUTENT were diagnosed with CHF. Patients who presented with cardiac events within 12 months prior to SUTENT administration, such as myocardial infarction (including severe/unstable angina), coronary/peripheral artery bypass graft, symptomatic CHF, cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, or pulmonary embolism were excluded from SUTENT clinical studies. Patients with prior anthracycline use or cardiac radiation were also excluded from some studies. It is unknown whether patients with these concomitant conditions may be at a higher risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically as clinically indicated. Carefully monitor patients for clinical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Discontinue SUTENT in patients who experience clinical manifestations of CHF. Interrupt SUTENT and/or reduce the dose in patients without clinical evidence of CHF who have an ejection fraction of greater than 20% but less than 50% below baseline or below the lower limit of normal if baseline ejection fraction was not obtained. 5.3 QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes SUTENT can cause QT interval prolongation in a dose-dependent manner, which may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes. Torsade de Pointes was observed in <0.1% of patients. Monitor patients who are at higher risk of developing QT interval prolongation, including patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, patients who are taking antiarrhythmics, or patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease, bradycardia, or electrolyte disturbances. Consider periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes (i.e., magnesium, potassium) during treatment with SUTENT. Monitor QT interval more frequently when SUTENT is concomitantly administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or drugs known to prolong QT interval. Consider dose reducing SUTENT [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .

5.4 Hypertension In the pooled safety population, 29% of patients experienced hypertension. Grade 3 hypertension was reported in 7% of patients, and Grade 4 hypertension was reported in 0.2%. Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. […]

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling.

• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
• Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
• QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
• Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
• Hemorrhagic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
• Thrombotic Microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]
• Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]
• Dermatologic Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]
• Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]
• Thyroid Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]
• Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]
• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ]
• Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ]
• The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) are fatigue/asthenia, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis, nausea, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, bleeding events, dysgeusia/altered taste, dyspepsia, and thrombocytopenia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 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 practice. The pooled safety population described in the Warnings and Precautions reflect exposure to SUTENT in 7527 patients with GIST, RCC (advanced and adjuvant), or pNET. In this pooled safety population, the most common adverse reactions (≥25%) were fatigue/asthenia, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis, nausea, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, bleeding events, dysgeusia/altered taste, dyspepsia, and thrombocytopenia. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor The safety of SUTENT was evaluated in Study 1, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which previously treated patients with GIST received SUTENT 50 mg daily on Schedule 4/2 (n=202) or placebo (n=102). Median duration of blinded study treatment was 2 cycles for patients on SUTENT (mean: 3.0; range: 1–9) and 1 cycle (mean; 1.8; range: 1–6) for patients on placebo at the time of the interim analysis. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 7% of patients in the SUTENT arm. Dose reductions occurred in 11% and dose interruptions occurred in 29% of patients who received SUTENT. Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions for Study 1. Table 3. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥10% of GIST Patients Who Received SUTENT in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase and More Commonly Than in Patients Given Placebo Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. in Study 1 Adverse Reaction GIST SUTENT (N=202) Placebo (N=102) All Grades % Grade 3–4 % All Grades % Grade 3–4 % Abbreviations: GIST=gastrointestinal stromal tumor; N=number of patients. Any Adverse Reaction 94 56 97 51 Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 40 4 27 0 Mucositis/stomatitis 29 1 18 2 Constipation 20 0 14 2 Metabolism/Nutrition Anorexia Includes decreased appetite. 33 1 29 5 Asthenia 22 5 11 3 Dermatology Skin discoloration 30 0 23 0 Rash 14 1 9 0 Hand-foot syndrome 14 4 10 3 Neurology Altered taste 21 0 12 0 Cardiac Hypertension 15 4 11 0 Musculoskeletal Myalgia/limb pain 14 1 9 1 Other clinically relevant adverse reactions included oral pain other than mucositis/stomatitis in 6%; hair color changes in 7%; alopecia in 5% of patients who received SUTENT. Table 4 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in Study 1. Table 4. Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in ≥10% of GIST Patients Who Received SUTENT or Placebo in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. in Study 1 Laboratory Abnormality GIST SUTENT (N=202) Placebo (N=102) All Grades % Grade 3–4 , Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in patients on SUTENT included alkaline phosphatase (1%), lipase (2%), creatinine (1%), potassium decreased (1%), neutrophils (2%), hemoglobin (2%), and platelets (1%). % All Grades % Grade 3–4 , Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in patients on placebo included amylase (1%), lipase (1%), and hemoglobin (2%). % Abbreviations: ALT=alanine aminotransferase; AST=aspartate aminotransferase; GIST=gastrointestinal stromal tumor; LVEF=left ventricular ejection fraction; N=number of patients. Any Laboratory Abnormality 34 22 Hematology Neutrophils decreased 53 10 4 0 Lymphocytes decreased 38 0 16 0 Platelets decreased 38 5 4 0 Hemoglobin decreased 26 3 22 2 Gastrointestinal AST/ALT increased 39 2 23 1 Lipase increased 25 10 17 7 Alkaline phosphatase increased 24 4 21 4 Amylase increased 17 5 12 3 Total bilirubin increased 16 1 8 0 Indirect bilirubin increased 10 0 4 0 Renal/Metabolic Creatinine increased 12 1 7 0 Potassium decreased 12 1 4 0 Sodium increased 10 0 4 1 Cardiac Decreased LVEF 11 1 3 0 After an interim analysis , the study was unblinded and patients on the placebo arm were given the opportunity to receive open-label SUTENT [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . For 241 patients randomized to the SUTENT arm, including 139 who received SUTENT in both the double-blind and open-label phases, the median duration of SUTENT treatment was 6 cycles (mean: 8.5; range: 1–44). For the 255 patients who ultimately received open-label SUTENT treatment, median duration of treatment was 6 cycles (mean: 7.8; range: 1–37) from the time of the unblinding. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 20% of patients who received SUTENT. Dosage interruption occurred in 46% and dose reduction occurred in 28% of patients who received SUTENT. The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in patients who received SUTENT in the open-label phase were fatigue (10%), hypertension (8%), asthenia (5%), diarrhea (5%), hand-foot syndrome (5%), nausea (4%), abdominal pain (3%), anorexia (3%), mucositis (2%), vomiting (2%), and hypothyroidism (2%). Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma The safety of SUTENT was evaluated in Study 3, a double-blind, active-controlled trial in which previously untreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic RCC received SUTENT 50 mg daily on Schedule 4/2 (n=375) or interferon alfa 9 million International Units (MIU) (n=360). The median duration of treatment was 11.1 months (range: 0.4 to 46.1) for SUTENT treatment and 4.1 months (range: 0.1 to 45.6) for interferon alfa treatment. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 20% of patients in the SUTENT arm. Dose interruptions occurred in 54% and dose reductions occurred in 52% of patients who received SUTENT. Table 5 summarizes the adverse reactions for Study 3. Table 5. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥10% of Patients With RCC Who Received SUTENT or Interferon Alfa Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. in Study 3 Adverse Reaction Treatment-Naïve RCC SUTENT (N=375) Interferon Alfa (N=360) All Grades % Grade 3–4 Grade 4 ARs in patients on SUTENT included back pain (1%), arthralgia (<1%), dyspnea (<1%), asthenia (<1%), fatigue (<1%), limb pain (<1%), and rash (<1%). % All Grades % Grade 3–4 Grade 4 ARs in patients on interferon alfa included dyspnea (1%), fatigue (1%), abdominal pain (<1%), and depression (<1%). % Abbreviations: ARs=adverse reactions; N=number of patients; RCC=renal cell carcinoma. Any Adverse Reaction 99 77 99 55 Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 66 10 21 <1 Nausea 58 6 41 2 Mucositis/stomatitis 47 3 5 <1 Vomiting 39 5 17 1 Dyspepsia 34 2 4 0 Abdominal pain Includes flank pain. […]

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors : Consider dose reduction of SUTENT when administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. ( 7.1 )
• CYP3A4 Inducers : Consider dose increase of SUTENT when administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers. ( 7.1 )

7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on SUTENT Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential. Consider a dose reduction for SUTENT when it is co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme induction potential. Consider a dose increase for SUTENT when it must be co-administered with CYP3A4 inducers [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] .

7.2 Drugs that Prolong QT Interval SUTENT is associated with QTc interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Monitor the QT interval with ECGs more frequently in patients who require treatment with concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval.

• Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, SUTENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available data in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, oral administration of sunitinib to pregnant rats and rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity (embryolethality, craniofacial and skeletal malformations) at 5.5 and 0.3 times the combined AUC (the combined systemic exposure of sunitinib plus its active metabolite) in patients administered the recommended daily doses (RDD) of 50 mg, respectively (see Data ). Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In a female fertility and early embryonic development study, female rats were administered oral sunitinib (0.5, 1.5, 5 mg/kg/day) for 21 days prior to mating and for 7 days after mating. Embryolethality was observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). In embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies, oral sunitinib was administered to pregnant rats (0.3, 1.5, 3, 5 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (0.5, 1, 5, 20 mg/kg/day) during the period of organogenesis. In rats, embryolethality and skeletal malformations of the ribs and vertebrae were observed at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 5.5 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). No adverse fetal effects were observed in rats at doses ≤3 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). In rabbits, embryolethality was observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg), and craniofacial malformations (cleft lip and cleft palate) were observed at ≥1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). Sunitinib (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg/day) was evaluated in a pre- and postnatal development study in pregnant rats. Maternal body weight gains were reduced during gestation and lactation at doses ≥1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.5 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). At 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg), reduced neonate body weights were observed at birth and persisted in the offspring of both sexes during the preweaning period and in males during postweaning period. No adverse developmental effects were observed at doses ≤1 mg/kg/day.

8.2 Lactation There is no information regarding the presence of sunitinib and its metabolites in human milk. Sunitinib and its metabolites were excreted in rat milk at concentrations up to 12-fold higher than in plasma (see Data ) . Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with SUTENT and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Data Animal Data In lactating female rats administered 15 mg/kg, sunitinib and its metabolites were excreted in milk at concentrations up to 12-fold higher than in plasma.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential SUTENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with SUTENT. Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with SUTENT and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Males Based on findings in animal reproduction studies, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with SUTENT and for 7 weeks after the last dose. Infertility Based on findings in animals, SUTENT may impair male and female fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of SUTENT in pediatric patients have not been established. Safety and pharmacokinetics of sunitinib were assessed in an open-label study (NCT00387920) in pediatric patients 2 years to <17 years of age (n=29) with refractory solid tumors. In addition, efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of sunitinib was assessed in another open-label study (NCT01462695) in pediatric patients 2 years to <17 years of age (n=27) with high-grade glioma or ependymoma. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) normalized for body surface area (BSA) was lower in pediatric patients compared to adults. Sunitinib was poorly tolerated in pediatric patients. The occurrence of dose-limiting cardiotoxicity prompted an amendment of the NCT00387920 study to exclude patients with previous exposure to anthracyclines or cardiac radiation. No responses were reported in patients in either of the trials. Apparent clearance and volume of distribution normalized for BSA for sunitinib and its active major metabolite were lower in pediatrics as compared to adults. The effect on open tibial growth plates in pediatric patients who received SUTENT has not been adequately studied. See Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data below. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Physeal dysplasia was present in cynomolgus monkeys with open growth plates treated with sunitinib for ≥3 months (3 month dosing 2, 6, 12 mg/kg/day; 8 cycles of dosing 0.3, 1.5, 6.0 mg/kg/day) at doses that were >0.4 times the combined AUC (the combined systemic exposure of sunitinib plus its active metabolite) in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg. The no-effect level (NOEL) was 1.5 mg/kg/day in monkeys treated intermittently for 8 cycles, but was not identified in monkeys treated continuously for 3 months. In developing rats treated continuously for 3 months (1.5, 5.0, and 15.0 mg/kg) or 5 cycles (0.3, 1.5, and 6.0 mg/kg/day), bone abnormalities consisted of thickening of the epiphyseal cartilage of the femur and an increase of fracture of the tibia at doses ≥5 mg/kg (approximately 10 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). Additionally, tooth caries were present in rats at >5 mg/kg. The incidence and severity of physeal dysplasia were dose related and reversible upon cessation of treatment; however, findings in the teeth were not. In rats, the NOEL in bones was ≤2 mg/kg/day.

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 7527 patients with GIST, RCC (advanced and adjuvant), or pNET who received SUTENT, 32% were 65 years and older, and 7% were 75 years and older. Patients aged 65 years of age and older had a higher incidence of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (67%) than younger patients (60%). In the GIST study, 73 (30%) of the patients who received SUTENT were 65 years and older. In the mRCC study, 152 (41%) of patients who received SUTENT were 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. In the pNET study, 22 (27%) of the patients who received SUTENT were 65 years and older. Clinical studies of SUTENT did not include sufficient numbers of patients with pNET to determine if patients 65 years of age and older respond differently than younger patients.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate (Child-Pugh Class A or B) hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . SUTENT was not studied in patients with severe (Child-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment. […]

Sunitinib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), some of which are implicated in tumor growth, pathologic angiogenesis, and metastatic progression of cancer. Sunitinib was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against a variety of kinases (>80 kinases) and was identified as an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ), vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3), stem cell factor receptor (KIT), Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3), colony stimulating factor receptor Type 1 (CSF-1R), and the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor receptor (RET). Sunitinib inhibition of the activity of these RTKs has been demonstrated in biochemical and cellular assays, and inhibition of function has been demonstrated in cell proliferation assays. The primary metabolite exhibits similar potency compared to sunitinib in biochemical and cellular assays. Sunitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of multiple RTKs (PDGFRβ, VEGFR2, KIT) in tumor xenografts expressing RTK targets in vivo and demonstrated inhibition of tumor growth or tumor regression and/or inhibited metastases in some experimental models of cancer. Sunitinib demonstrated the ability to inhibit growth of tumor cells expressing dysregulated target RTKs (PDGFR, RET, or KIT) in vitro and to inhibit PDGFRβ- and VEGFR2-dependent tumor angiogenesis in vivo.