Regorafenib

Myocardial ischemia and infarction were observed at a higher incidence than placebo in a clinical trial. Interrupt therapy in patients who develop new or acute onset ischemia or infarction; resume only if the benefit of therapy outweighs the cardiovascular risk.

Skin reactions occurred commonly, including hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES), and severe rash requiring dose reduction. Grade 3 or 4 HFSR was observed more frequently in regorafenib-treated patients (compared to placebo), and although rare, erythema multiforme and Stevens Johnson syndrome were also observed more frequently in regorafenib-treated patients. Toxic epidermal necrolysis has also been reported (rare). Onset of HFSR typically occurs in the first cycle of treatment. Therapy interruptions, dosage reductions, and/or discontinuation may be necessary depending on the severity and persistence. Supportive treatment may be of benefit for symptomatic relief. Pooled data from several clinical trials showed a higher incidence of HFSR in Asian patients compared to Caucasians. In addition to recommended dosage modifications, the following treatments may be used for management of HFSR (McLellan 2015): A manicure/pedicure to remove hyperkeratotic areas/calluses which may predispose to HFSR and mechanical support/correction for abnormal weight bearing prior to treatment are recommended. During treatment, patients should use alcohol-free moisturizers liberally, reduce exposure to hot water (may exacerbate hand-foot symptoms), avoid constrictive footwear and excessive skin friction, and avoid vigorous exercise/activities that may stress hands or feet. Patients should wear thick cotton gloves/socks and wear shoes with padd

Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula has occurred in a small number of patients treated with regorafenib; some cases were fatal. Monitor for signs/symptoms of perforation (fever, abdominal pain with constipation, and/or nausea/vomiting); permanently discontinue if perforation or fistula develop.

The incidence of hemorrhage was increased with regorafenib. Hemorrhage of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary tracts was observed in trials; some cases were fatal. Permanently discontinue in patients who experience severe or life-threatening bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant warfarin, monitor INR frequently.

Severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity has been observed in clinical trials. Monitor hepatic function at baseline and during treatment. Interrupt therapy for hepatotoxicity; dose reductions or discontinuation are necessary depending on the severity and persistence. Hepatic dysfunction, characterized by a hepatocellular injury pattern, typically occurred with the first 2 months of treatment in clinical trials. Closely monitor in patients with mild or moderate impairment for adverse events; use is not recommended in severe impairment. A higher incidence of hepatotoxicity has been observed in Asian patients (particularly Japanese), compared to Caucasians (Li 2015).

Hypersensitivity reactions have been observed with regorafenib.

Elevated blood pressure was observed in clinical trials (onset typically in the first cycle of therapy); ensure blood pressure is adequately controlled prior to initiation. Monitor blood pressure weekly for the first 6 weeks and monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated; if hypertension develops, interrupt therapy or permanently discontinue for severe or uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertensive crisis has occurred in some patients. Patients 65 years and older had an increased incidence of grade 3 or higher hypertension (compared to younger patients).

An increased rate of infection (including fatal events) was observed in regorafenib-treated patients in clinical trials. The most commonly reported infections were urinary tract infections, nasopharyngitis, mucocutaneous and systemic fungal infections, and pneumonia. Respiratory infections were the most commonly reported fatal infections. Interrupt therapy for grade 3 or 4 infections (or worsening infection of any grade).

RPLS occurred very rarely in regorafenib-treated patients; evaluate promptly if symptoms (eg, seizures, severe headache, visual disturbances, confusion or altered mental function) occur. Discontinue if diagnosis is confirmed.

Regorafenib inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor, which may lead to impaired wound healing. Discontinue regorafenib at least 2 weeks prior to scheduled surgery; resume regorafenib postsurgery based on clinical judgment of wound healing; discontinue if wound dehiscence occurs. Concurrent drug therapy issues:

Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information. Special populations:

A higher incidence of hepatotoxicity and hand-foot skin reactions were observed in Asian patients, particularly in Japanese patients, compared to non-Asian patients (Li 2015).

Consider a reduced initial dose in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. In a dose escalation study comparing an initial dose of 80 mg/day (escalated gradually to 160 mg/day on days 1 to 21 every 28 days) to the standard dose (160 mg/day on days 1 to 21 every 28 days), more patients receiving the lower initial dose were able to initiate a third treatment cycle. The lower initial dose demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile as well as improved median overall survival compared to the standard dose (Bekaii-Saab 2018).