CPX-351 (vyxeos) in AML

For decades, the standard induction for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been the combination of cytarabine with anthracycline (7 + 3 regimen). In August 2017 the US FDA approved CPX-351 (vyxeos), a liposomal formulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin at a fixed 5:1 molar ratio, for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) and therapy-related AML (t-AML). This is the first approved treatment specifically for patients with this subgroup of AML. The approval was based on findings from a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III study of CPX-351 Versus 7 + 3 in patients 60-75 years old with newly diagnosed AML-MRC or t-AML. In this study CPX-351 had a higher median OS than 7 + 3 (9.56 vs 5.95 months, HR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.90, p = 0.005). In this profile, we review preclinical and clinical data, and discuss limitations and future directions with CPX-351 use in AML.

Daunorubicin and Cytarabine Liposome in Newly Diagnosed Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or AML With Myelodysplasia-Related Changes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome in older adults with newly diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC).

DATA SOURCE

A literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE (January 2017 to January 2018) was performed using the terms CPX-351, Vyxeos, daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome, and acute myeloid leukemia.

STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION

Phase I, II, and III clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome were reviewed with a specific focus on its use in older patients with newly diagnosed AML. All peer-reviewed articles with clinically relevant information were evaluated for inclusion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The phase II trial demonstrated that daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improved response rates (RR), but there was no difference in event-free survival and overall survival in the overall patient population. However, clinical benefit was most pronounced in secondary AML with an increased RR and survival. The phase III trial illustrated that daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improved survival and RR with tolerable toxicity compared with standard 7 plus 3 (daunorubicin and cytarabine) in patients 60 to 75 years of age with t-AML or AML-MRC. More patients proceeded to a stem cell transplant, and 30-day and 60-day mortality was lower with daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome. Grade 3 to 5 toxicities were similar between the 2 groups, except daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome had prolonged cytopenia and a higher risk of hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improves RR and survival, with tolerable toxicity in older patients with t-AML or AML-MRC.