Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Posaconazole in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Aml) Patients Receiving Posaconazole Prophylaxis during Induction: Experience from a Center with High Invasive Fungal Infection (IFI)Burden

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4005-4005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manju Sengar ◽  
Sanyo Dsouza ◽  
Raviraj Deshpande ◽  
Hasmukh Jain ◽  
Murari Gurjar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Posaconazole has been recommended as an antifungal of choice for IFI prophylaxis in AML during induction therapy. Very high incidence of possible and probable IFI (70%) during induction at our centre led to adoption of posaconazole prophylaxis. However, approximately 50% of patients still require change of antifungal due to suspected breakthrough IFI raising the possibility of inadequate plasma levels due to various factors (variable absorption, metabolism and drug interactions). To address this concern, we evaluated the role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in AML patients receiving posaconazole prophylaxis to identify whether suboptimal plasma levels (<700 ng/mL) are associated with breakthrough IFI. Method: This prospective observational study included all patients, 18 years or more, undergoing induction chemotherapy for de novo AML with no evidence of IFI (normal CT chest, and galactomannan assay) and on posaconazole prophylaxis between May2015 to February 2016 at our centre. Posaconazole oral suspension 200 mg three times daily was given for antifungal prophylaxis from day 1 of induction until neutrophil recovery to more than 500 cells/μL, occurrence of a confirmed or suspected IFI or development of drug related toxicity or intolerance. The details regarding demography, weight, BMI at diagnosis were recorded. During therapy all adverse events including vomiting and diarrhea were recorded as per CTCAE version 4.03. Concomitant drug history and use of proton pump inhibitors, antacids, metoclopramide and domperidone during treatment period were noted. Blood samples (7 am) for detecting posaconazole trough levels were collected daily from day 4 till day 12 of induction. If patient developed symptoms and signs suggestive of IFI during induction after day 12, then blood sample was drawn for posaconazole trough levels. Plasma posaconazole levels were estimated at by HPLC method. The diagnosis of IFI was in accordance with the revised European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer /Mycoses Study Group definitions published in 2008. Breakthrough invasive fungal infection was also diagnosed if there was failure to respond to intravenous antibiotics along with negative cultures and fever defervescence with change in antifungal therapy. The primary objective of the study was to assess the percentage of patients achieving target posaconazole plasma levels. The secondary objectives included i) impact of achieving target drug concentration in preventing breakthrough fungal infections. ii) identification of factors associated with subtoptimal posaconazole levels. iii) Time to achieve steady state concentration or target trough concentrations of posaconazole. Results: A total of 366 samples were collected from 45 patients with median number of 8 samples (range 1-9) per patient. Median age of patients was 36 years (range 18-45 years). Thirty two were males. Thirty-nine patients received 3+7 regimen and 6 were treated with cladribine along with daunomycin and cytarabine. Eleven patients (24%) did not achieve target plasma levels (≥700 ng/mL) even once till day 12. Median time to achieve steady state concentration was 5 days (range 4-10). At steady state 20 (44% ) patients had suboptimal plasma levels. On serial monitoring, a declining trend in plasma levels was observed after day 8 in 31 patients. Twenty three patients (51%) developed possible/ probable IFI on posaconazole prophylaxis. The median time to develop IFI was 13 days (range 4-24 days). Twenty out of 23 patients (87%) who developed IFI had suboptimal plasma levels as compared to 13 out of 22 patients (60%) who did not develop IFI (p-0.04). In all but 3 patients, the plasma levels declined before breakthrough IFI. On logistic regression analysis, both the steady state concentration and plasma posaconazole levels before breakthrough were strong predictors of occurrence of breakthrough IFI. Presence of mucositis, vomiting, diarrhea, use of antacid was associated with low plasma levels on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis presence of mucositis and antacids remained significantly associated with low plasma levels. Conclusion: TDM has a role in patients receiving posaconazole prophylaxis, however it still needs to be seen if dose adjustments based on plasma levels can reduce the risk of breakthrough IFI. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. e2.55-e2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Donald ◽  
Ruth Edwards ◽  
Alison Thomson

Posaconazole is a broad spectrum triazole antifungal with activity against a range of invasive fungal pathogens including Candida and Aspergillus species.1 Due to its range of activity it has been shown, by randomised controlled trials, to be superior to fluconazole and itraconazole for prevention of fungal infection in neutropenic patients,2 as well as being cost saving.1 Fungal prophylaxis with posaconazole has become the drug of choice within a paediatric cancer unit due to its broad spectrum of activity however there are significant differences in bioavailability of the suspension and tablet preparations and there is limited data relating to its use in the paediatric population.ObjectiveTo determine if the paediatric cancer unit is undertaking effective dosing and appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of posaconazole in paediatric haematology and oncology patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical data from 38 paediatric patients treated with posaconazole was undertaken. Patients received either 18–24-mg/kg/day posaconazole suspension in divided doses (maximum 800-mg/day,3 or 6–8-mg/kg/day posaconazole tablets (maximum 300-mg/day). Compliance with this guidance, initial and subsequent levels, efficacy and tolerability were analysed.SettingThe study was undertaken within the XXXX cancer unit; data for patients treated with posaconazole between January 2016 and August 2017 was reviewed.Key findingsThere was good compliance with the dosing advice for liquid and tablet posaconazole with 82% of patients dosed correctly. Due to this, the initial trough level of ≥0.7 mg/L was achieved in 82% of patients within 14 days of treatment initiation; there were no significant differences between formulations. Trough levels were monitored on a monthly basis for 71% of patients but dose adjustments were necessary in 34% of patients. Posaconazole had a good tolerability profile during the study with most side effects resolving on continuation of treatment however one patient had to discontinue the drug due to widespread rash. No patients developed a fungal infection whilst on posaconazole.ConclusionSafe and effective dosing and monitoring of posaconazole suspension and tablet formulations has been undertaken at the XXXX. Trough levels attained the desired target concentration of ≥0.7 mg/L in the majority of patients but dose adjustments were required with both formulations emphasising the need for regular TDM. Posaconazole was well tolerated and clinically effective in preventing fungal infection indicating its appropriateness in this patient group. From this review, a guideline for initiation and appropriate TDM of posaconazole can be developed.ReferencesDranitsaris G, Khoury H. Posaconazole versus fluconazole or itraconazole for prevention of invasive fungal infections in patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy for acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplasia: a cost effectiveness analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2011; 19(11): 1807–1813.Cornely O, Maertens J, Winston D, et al. Posaconazole vs. Fluconazole or Itraconazole in Patients with Neutropenia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007; 356(4): 348–359.Bernardo V, Cross S, Crews K, et al. Posaconazole Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Paediatric Patients and Young Adults with Cancer. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2013; 47: 976–983.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Ruben A. G. van Eerden ◽  
Esther Oomen-de Hoop ◽  
Aad Noordam ◽  
Ron H. J. Mathijssen ◽  
Stijn L. W. Koolen

Small molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) are widely used in oncology. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for SMKIs could reduce underexposure or overexposure. However, logistical issues such as timing of blood withdrawals hamper its implementation into clinical practice. Extrapolating a random concentration to a trough concentration using the elimination half-life could be a simple and easy way to overcome this problem. In our study plasma concentrations observed during 24 h blood sampling were used for extrapolation to trough levels. The objective was to demonstrate that extrapolation of randomly taken blood samples will lead to equivalent estimated trough samples compared to measured Cmin values. In total 2241 blood samples were analyzed. The estimated Ctrough levels of afatinib and sunitinib fulfilled the equivalence criteria if the samples were drawn after Tmax. The calculated Ctrough levels of erlotinib, imatinib and sorafenib met the equivalence criteria if they were taken, respectively, 12 h, 3 h and 10 h after drug intake. For regorafenib extrapolation was not feasible. In conclusion, extrapolation of randomly taken drug concentrations to a trough concentration using the mean elimination half-life is feasible for multiple SMKIs. Therefore, this simple method could positively contribute to the implementation of TDM in oncology.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Gottlieb ◽  
Alexander Reuss ◽  
Konstantin Mayer ◽  
Karin Weide ◽  
Carmen Schade-Brittinger ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:Immunosuppression including high dose calcineurin-inhibitors (CNI) is essential after lung transplantation. Dosing is usually guided by therapeutic drug monitoring adjusted to target trough levels of CNIs to keep the balance between over-dose causing severe toxicity and increased risk of infections or under-dose with risk of graft-injury.Adaptation of CNI-based immunosuppression by monitoring of Torque-Teno-Virus (TTV) – a latent nonpathogenic DNA virus, measured in whole blood in addition to conventional therapeutic drug monitoring may reduce toxicity of immunosuppression with similar efficacy.Methods/Design:An open-label, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial in lung transplant recipients will be conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of immunosuppression guided by TTV monitoring as add-on to conventional therapeutic drug monitoring. Adult lung transplant recipients 21 - 42 days after transplantation are eligible to participate. Patients (N = 144) will be randomized 1:1 to the experimental intervention (Arm 1: Immunosuppression guided by TTV monitoring in addition to conventional therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus trough levels) and control intervention (Arm 2: conventional therapeutic drug monitoring). Outcomes will be assessed 12 months after randomization with the change in glomerular filtration rate as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints will be additional measurements on renal function, allograft function, incidence of acute rejections, incidence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, graft loss and infections.Discussion:The results of this randomized controlled trial may reduce toxicity of immunosuppression after lung transplantation while maintaining efficacy of immunosuppression. Study results are transferable to all other solid organ transplantations.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04198506. Registered 12 December 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04198506


2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (05) ◽  
pp. 237-244
Author(s):  
Masataka Shinozaki ◽  
Jason Pierce ◽  
Yuki Hayashi ◽  
Takashi Watanabe ◽  
Taro Sasaki ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction  To investigate the metabolism of mirtazapine (MIR) in Japanese psychiatric patients, we determined the plasma levels of MIR, N-desmethylmirtazapine (DMIR), 8-hydroxy-mirtazapine (8-OH-MIR), mirtazapine glucuronide (MIR-G), and 8-hydroxy-mirtazapine glucuronide (8-OH-MIR-G). Methods  Seventy-nine Japanese psychiatric patients were treated with MIR for 1–8 weeks to achieve a steady-state concentration. Plasma levels of MIR, DMIR, and 8-OH-MIR were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma concentrations of MIR-G and 8-OH-MIR-G were determined by total MIR and total 8-OH-MIR (i. e., concentrations after hydrolysis) minus unconjugated MIR and unconjugated 8-OH-MIR, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine CYP2D6 genotypes. Results  Plasma levels of 8-OH-MIR were lower than those of MIR and DMIR (median 1.42 nmol/L vs. 92.71 nmol/L and 44.96 nmol/L, respectively). The plasma levels (median) of MIR-G and 8-OH-MIR-G were 75.00 nmol/L and 111.60 nmol/L, giving MIR-G/MIR and 8-OH-MIR-G/8-OH-MIR ratios of 0.92 and 59.50, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that smoking was correlated with the plasma MIR concentration (dose- and body weight–corrected, p=0.040) and that age (years) was significantly correlated with the plasma DMIR concentration (dose- and body weight–corrected, p=0.018). The steady-state plasma concentrations of MIR and its metabolites were unaffected by the number of CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6*10 alleles. Discussion  The plasma concentration of 8-OH-MIR was as low as 1.42 nmol/L, whereas 8-OH-MIR-G had an approximate 59.50 times higher concentration than 8-OH-MIR, suggesting a significant role for hydroxylation of MIR and its glucuronidation in the Japanese population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S331-S333
Author(s):  
C Liefferinckx ◽  
M Fassin ◽  
D Thomas ◽  
C Minsart ◽  
A Cremer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a diagnostic tool in the monitoring of anti-TNF therapies. Yet, the benefit for TDM of new biologics such as ustekinumab (USK) is still controversial in real-world experiences. Methods This monocentric retrospective study aims to correlate USK trough levels (TLs) with clinical and endoscopic data. All patients have given written consent to the Biobank (B2011/005). Endoscopic disease was defined as quiescent in absence of endoscopic lesions, mild disease in presence of few superficial ulcerations, moderate in presence of several ulcers and severe in presence of numerous deep ulcers and/or inflammatory stenosis. 313 serum USK samples from 67 Crohn’s disease patients were used to measure USK TL (USK ELISA, apDia) while 88 samples (at week 16, and before and after optimisation) were used to measure anti-drug antibody (ADA), using a drug-tolerant affinity capture elution anti-ustekinumab assay Results Demographic and baseline data of our population are presented in Table 1. The median follow-up was 73 weeks (IQR 39–92). An optimisation due to loss of response was required in 44.8% of patients (n = 30) after a median time of 38 weeks (IQR 24–55). To evaluate the drug efficacy, an endoscopy was performed in 61% of cases at a median time of 35 weeks (IQR 27–47). TLs were 5.2 µg/ml (IQR 2.1–8.8), 1.7 µg/ml (IQR 0.3–4.3) and 2.6 µg/ml (IQR 0.6–4.1) at week 8, 16 and 24, respectively. TLs at week 8 were correlated to the induction IV dose administrated (r = 0.3, p = 0.03). At week 16, low TLs were associated with higher endoscopic activity in the follow-up (p = 0.02), although this was not the case at week 8 (p = 0.5) (Figure 1). Patients not requiring an optimisation had higher TLs in maintenance than patients requiring optimisation (2.45 µg/ml (IQR 1.3–4.4) vs. 1.15 µg/ml (IQR 0.1–2.24), p = 0.008). Obviously, optimisation significantly increased TLs (1.15 µg/ml (IQR 0.1–2.24) vs. 6.6 µg/ml (IQR 2.3–11.3), p &lt; 0.001). ADA were undetectable in all the measured samples in maintenance. Conclusion This real-world experience confirms a drug exposure-endoscopic response relationship. Week 16 seems to be an appropriate time point to monitor drug exposure. Earlier USK TLs, at week 8, appear less valuable to be monitored due to the influence of initial IV dose. The absence of immunogenicity suggests that it is not a key driver in the loss of response.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S667-S668
Author(s):  
S Gleeson ◽  
K Sugrue ◽  
M Buckley ◽  
J McCarthy

Abstract Background Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring serum drug concentrations to guide clinical decision making. Achieving therapeutic drug concentrations has been associated with clinical, endoscopic and histological outcomes in IBD. The use of TDM offers a more personalised treatment approach and is associated with sustained clinical remission. Proactive TDM was introduced to the Mercy University Hospital in 2014 for all patients on biologics. Methods One hundred patients receiving biologic infusion (Infliximab) were evaluated post induction (week 12) for therapeutic drug trough concentration and for clinical response. Serum samples were taken from all IBD patients at week 12. Biologic response assessment forms were complete for all patients to assess symptom improvement. Results Thirty-five per cent of patients had sub therapeutic trough levels at week 12. They subsequently received 3 increased doses of 10mgs/kg and levels were rechecked. Of these 90% achieved therapeutic levels after the dose escalation. 65% of patients had therapeutic levels at week 12. There was a correlation between therapeutic trough levels and patient reported improvement of clinical symptoms in 85% of respondents. Conclusion TDM in our unit facilitates appropriate dose 100 patients receiving biologic infusion (Infliximab) were evaluated post induction (week 12) for therapeutic drug trough concentration and for clinical response. Serum samples were taken from all IBD patients at week 12. Biologic response assessment forms were complete for all patients to assess symptom improvement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 667-673
Author(s):  
Leonardo Vallesi ◽  
Tiziana Fragasso ◽  
Simona Benegni ◽  
Giulia Insom ◽  
Luca Di Chiara ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVES Therapeutic drug monitoring during vancomycin administration is recommended. However, little information is available in case of paediatric vancomycin prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to analyse vancomycin trough levels on postoperative day (POD) 2 and 3 after paediatric cardio-surgery to assess the clinical predictors and outcomes associated with vancomycin concentrations and to evaluate whether adjustments are effective to target optimal levels. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted in paediatric patients receiving vancomycin prophylaxis after elective cardio-surgery. Adjustments were made if levels between 20 and 30 (halving subsequent dose) or ˃30 mg/l (dose withheld) were found. RESULTS Vancomycin doses of the 100 examined children (3.7–6.4 years) were 12.8 (2.5), 9.4 (5.4) and 9.7 (4.5) mg/kg, on POD1, 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.0001). The 200 vancomycin trough levels decreased from 16.9 (11.4) on POD2 to 14.6 (8.5) on POD3 (P = 0.003). Overall, 66 troughs were sub-target, 68 reached the optimal target and 66 were supra-target. On POD2 and 3, 32 and 27 dose adjustments were required, leading to a reduced number of patients with supra-target troughs. Neonates showed a higher number of supra-target levels with respect to non-neonatal patients on both POD2 (P = 0.003) and 3 (P = 0.0001). At multivariable regression analysis, vancomycin levels showed independent association with weight and creatinine levels on both POD2 and 3. Vancomycin levels correlated with ventilation days (P = 0.31, P = 0.039), but not with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positivity (P = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS Vancomycin prophylaxis in paediatric cardio-surgery requires strict therapeutic drug monitoring and several dosage adjustments. Supra-target troughs are frequent and neonatal age, weight and creatinine levels significantly affect vancomycin concentrations.


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