Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

FDA approved Vanflyta (quizartinib) for Newly Diagnosed FLT3-ITD-Positive AML in AdultsFDA approved new drug called Vanflyta for a specific type of blood cancer in adults

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Consider Vanflyta for newly diagnosed FLT3-ITD-positive AML with chemotherapy, not post-trans

The FDA has approved Vanflyta (quizartinib) for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive, as detected by an FDA-approved test. This approval provides a new kinase inhibitor option for a subset of AML patients with this specific mutation, which is associated with poorer prognosis. Vanflyta is indicated in combination with standard cytarabine and anthracycline induction and cytarabine consolidation, and as maintenance monotherapy following consolidation chemotherapy, but not as maintenance after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, where improvement in overall survival has not been demonstrated. The approval is based on clinical trial data showing efficacy in this population, offering a targeted approach that may address an unmet need in AML management. Clinicians should note the requirement for FLT3-ITD testing to select appropriate patients and be aware of dosing schedules and monitoring for adverse reactions such as QT prolongation.

Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
Mechanism of Action

Not reported in label.

Indication & Patient Population

Vanflyta is indicated in combination with standard cytarabine and anthracycline induction and cytarabine consolidation, and as maintenance monotherapy following consolidation chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. Limitations of Use: VANFLYTA is not indicated as maintenance monotherapy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); improvement in overall survival with VANFLYTA in this setting has not been demonstrated.

Dosing & Administration

Take VANFLYTA tablets orally once daily with or without food at approximately the same time each day. A treatment course consists of up to 2 cycles of VANFLYTA in combination with induction cytarabine and anthracycline, up to 4 cycles of VANFLYTA in combination with high-dose cytarabine consolidation, and up to 36 cycles of VANFLYTA as maintenance therapy or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. VANFLYTA maintenance therapy should be initiated following consolidation chemotherapy upon blood count recovery of absolute neutrophil count >500/mm3 and platelet count >50,000/mm3. Recommended dosage: Induction: 35.4 mg orally once daily for two weeks in each cycle (Days 8 to 21). Consolidation: 35.4 mg orally once daily for two weeks in each cycle (Days 6 to 19). Maintenance: Administer 26.5 mg orally once daily Days 1 through 14 of the first cycle if QTcF is less than or equal to 450 ms. Increase the dose to 53 mg once daily on Day 15 of the first cycle if QTcF is less than or equal to 450 ms. Maintain the 26.5 mg once daily dose if QTcF greater than 500 ms was observed during induction or consolidation. Duration: Once daily with no break between cycles for up to 36 cycles. For patients who proceed to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), VANFLYTA should be stopped 7 days before the start of a conditioning regimen. If a dose is vomited, do not administer a replacement dose; wait until the next scheduled dose. If a dose is missed, administer as soon as possible on the same day and return to the usual schedule the next day; do not take two doses on the same day.

Key Clinical Trial Data

Trial data not available in label.

Warnings & Contraindications

Initiate VANFLYTA only if QTcF is less than or equal to 450 ms. During induction and consolidation, perform ECGs prior to initiation and then once weekly during VANFLYTA treatment or more frequently as clinically indicated. During maintenance, perform ECGs prior to initiation, once weekly for at least the first month following dose initiation and escalation, and thereafter as clinically indicated. Escalate the dose only if QTcF is less than or equal to 450 ms. Correct electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia), and if possible, avoid concomitant administration of drugs that prolong the QT interval. Dosage modifications for adverse reactions: QTcF between 450 ms and 480 ms (Grade 1): Continue VANFLYTA dose. QTcF between 481 ms and 500 ms (Grade 2): Reduce the dose of VANFLYTA without interruption. Resume VANFLYTA at the previous dose in the next cycle if QTcF has decreased to less than 450 ms. Monitor the patient closely for QT prolongation during the first cycle at the increased dose. QTcF greater than 500 ms (Grade 3): Interrupt VANFLYTA. Resume VANFLYTA at a reduced dose when QTcF returns to less than 450 ms.

Place in Therapy

Vanflyta is used in combination with standard cytarabine and anthracycline induction and cytarabine consolidation, and as maintenance monotherapy following consolidation chemotherapy, for adult patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-ITD-positive AML. It is not indicated as maintenance monotherapy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication called Vanflyta for treating a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia in adults. This cancer affects the bone marrow and blood. Vanflyta is specifically for patients whose cancer has a particular genetic change known as FLT3-ITD, which can make the cancer harder to treat. Doctors need to test for this genetic change before prescribing the drug.

Vanflyta is used along with standard chemotherapy treatments during the initial phase of treatment and as a single drug afterward to help keep the cancer from returning. It is not used as maintenance treatment after a bone marrow transplant. The approval is based on clinical trial results showing it can help patients with this specific type of cancer, offering a more targeted approach that addresses a need in cancer care.

This approval means there is now another treatment option available for adults with this specific form of acute myeloid leukemia. It represents progress in developing drugs that target specific features of cancer cells. However, it is important to remember that all medications have potential side effects, and Vanflyta is no exception.

If you or someone you know has acute myeloid leukemia, the most important step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can provide information about testing for the genetic change and whether this new treatment might be an option. Only a doctor who knows your full medical history can determine if Vanflyta is appropriate for your situation.

What this means for you:
New FDA-approved drug offers targeted treatment option for specific type of blood cancer in adults.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedJul 2023
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VANFLYTA is indicated in combination with standard cytarabine and anthracycline induction and cytarabine consolidation, and as maintenance monotherapy following consolidation chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . VANFLYTA is a kinase inhibitor indicated in combination with standard cytarabine and anthracycline induction and cytarabine consolidation, and as maintenance monotherapy following consolidation chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: VANFLYTA is not indicated as maintenance monotherapy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); improvement in overall survival with VANFLYTA in this setting has not been demonstrated. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use VANFLYTA is not indicated as maintenance monotherapy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); improvement in overall survival with VANFLYTA in this setting has not been demonstrated [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.