Absorption profile, safety, and tolerability of a 200 μg dose of fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) in opioid-tolerant cancer patients with or without oral mucositis
9053 Background: Fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) is an effervescent formulation of fentanyl indicated for the management of breakthough pain in opioid-tolerant cancer patients. This open-label study investigated the absorption profile, safety, and tolerability of FBT in cancer patients with or without oral mucositis. Methods: Patients self-administered a single 200 μg dose of FBT. Pharmacokinetic assessments, oral mucosal examinations, and measurements of vital signs were performed at intervals of up to 8 hours following FBT placement. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the study. Results: 16 patients (8 with, 8 without mucositis) received FBT and completed the study. Mucositis was mild (functional/symptomatic grade 1 for 7 patients, grade 2 for 1 patient; clinical grade 1 for all patients). The absorption profile of FBT was similar in patients with and without mucositis. Mean±SD Cmax values were 1.25±0.78 ng/mL and 1.24±0.77 ng/mL in patients with or without mucositis, respectively. Maximum plasma concentrations of fentanyl were achieved rapidly, and were not significantly different in the two groups: median (range) tmax 25.0 (15.0–45.0) min in patients with mucositis, 22.5 (10.0–121.0) min in patients without (p=0.79). FBT was well tolerated; 4 patients experienced =1 treatment-emergent AE. Dizziness (mild) was reported by 1 patient in each group, and resolved. One patient in each group experienced a treatment-related AE (dizziness). There were no deaths, serious AEs, or withdrawals due to AEs. No application site AEs or changes in oral mucosal assessments were reported. Conclusions: The absorption profile of FBT was similar in patients with or without oral mucositis, which suggests that dose adjustment of FBT is not required when mild oral mucositis is present. FBT was generally safe and well tolerated, and not associated with adverse changes in the oral mucosa. Further studies in patients with grade 3–4 mucositis are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.