CLINICAL NEWS
Literature Scan
Continued from page 44
who had levels <1 percent, regardless of their
initial risk classification.
Measuring MRD levels in the middle
of remission induction can give clinicians
valuable information about how to structure future treatment efforts, first author
Ching-Hon Pui, MD, a professor in the department of oncology at St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee,
told ASH Clinical News. “MRD monitoring is the most powerful way to identify
GAZYVA® (obinutuzumab)
Injection, for intravenous infusion
Initial U.S. Approval: 2013
This is a brief summary of information about
GAZYVA. Before prescribing, please see full
Prescribing Information.
WARNING: HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and
PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases
resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and
death, can occur in patients receiving CD20-directed
cytolytic antibodies, including GAZYVA. Screen
all patients for HBV infection before treatment
initiation. Monitor HBV-positive patients during and
after treatment with GAZYVA. Discontinue GAZYVA
and concomitant medications in the event of HBV
reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving
GAZYVA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
GAZYVA, in combination with chlorambucil, is indicated for
the treatment of patients with previously untreated chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
None.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting
in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur
in patients treated with anti-CD20 antibodies such as
GAZYVA. HBV reactivation has been reported in patients
who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and
also in patients who are HBsAg negative but are hepatitis
B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive. Reactivation has also
occurred in patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis
B infection (i.e., HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive, and
hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] positive).
HBV reactivation is defined as an abrupt increase in
HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum
HBV DNA level or detection of HBsAg in a person who
was previously HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive.
Reactivation of HBV replication is often followed by
hepatitis, i.e., increase in transaminase levels and, in severe
cases, increase in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death.
Screen all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg
and anti-HBc before initiating treatment with GAZYVA.
For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection
(HBsAg positive [regardless of antibody status] or HBsAg
negative but anti-HBc positive), consult physicians with
expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and
consideration for HBV antiviral therapy.
Monit