Letrozole by Natco Pharma Limited / Natco Pharma Limited-Pharma Division / NATCO PHARMA LIMITED LETROZOLE tablet

Letrozole by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Letrozole by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Natco Pharma Limited, Natco Pharma Limited-Pharma Division, NATCO PHARMA LIMITED. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    1.1 Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

    Letrozole tablets are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer.

    1.2 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

    Letrozole tablets are indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women, who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The effectiveness of letrozole tablets in extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer is based on an analysis of disease-free survival in patients treated with letrozole tablets for a median of 60 months [see Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.3)].

    1.3 First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

    Letrozole tablets are indicated for first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Letrozole tablets are also indicated for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.4, 14.5)].

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Recommended Dose

    The recommended dose of letrozole tablets is one 2.5 mg tablet administered once a day, without regard to meals.

    2.2 Use in Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

    In the adjuvant setting, the optimal duration of treatment with letrozole tablets is unknown. In both the adjuvant study and the postapproval adjuvant study, median treatment duration was 5 years. Treatment should be discontinued at relapse [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

    2.3 Use in Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

    In the extended adjuvant setting, the optimal treatment duration with letrozole tablets is not known. The planned duration of treatment in the study was 5 years. In the final updated analysis, conducted at a median follow-up of 62 months, the median treatment duration for letrozole tables was 60 months. Seventy-one (71%) percent of patients were treated for at least 3 years and 58% of patients completed least 4.5 years of extended adjuvant treatment. The treatment should be discontinued at tumor relapse [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

    2.4 Use in First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer


    In patients with advanced disease, treatment with letrozole tablets should continue until tumor progression is evident. [see Clinical Studies (14.4,14.5)]

    2.5 Use in Hepatic Impairment


    No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, although letrozole tablets blood concentrations were modestly increased in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment due to cirrhosis. The dose of letrozole tablets in patients with cirrhosis and severe hepatic dysfunction should be reduced by 50% [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. The recommended dose of letrozole tablets for such patients is 2.5 mg administered every other day. The effect of hepatic impairment on letrozole tablets exposure in noncirrhotic cancer patients with elevated bilirubin levels has not been determined.

    2.6 Use in Renal Impairment

    No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment if creatinine clearance is greater than or equal to 10 mL/min. [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS


    2.5 mg tablets: Yellow colored, film-coated, round shaped tablets debossed with one side 'N' and other side 'L'.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Bone Effects

    Use of letrozole tablets may cause decreases in bone mineral density (BMD). Consideration should be given to monitoring BMD. Results of a safety study to evaluate safety in the adjuvant setting comparing the effect on lumbar spine (L2-L4) bone mineral density (BMD) of adjuvant treatment with letrozole to that with tamoxifen showed at 24 months a median decrease in lumbar spine BMD of 4.1% in the letrozole arm compared to a median increase of 0.3% in the tamoxifen arm (difference = 4.4%) (P<0.0001) [see Adverse reactions (6)]. Updated results from the BMD substudy (MA-17B) in the extended adjuvant setting demonstrated that at 2 years patients receiving letrozole had a median decrease from baseline of 3.8% in hip BMD compared to a median decrease of 2.0% in the placebo group. The changes from baseline in lumbar spine BMD in letrozole and placebo treated groups were not significantly different [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

    In the adjuvant trial (BIG 1-98) the incidence of bone fractures at any time after randomization was 14.7% for letrozole and 11.4% for tamoxifen at a median follow-up of 96 months. The incidence of osteoporosis was 5.1% for letrozole and 2.7% for tamoxifen [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. In the extended adjuvant trial (MA-17), the incidence of bone fractures at any time after randomization was 13.3% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo at a median follow-up of 62 months. The incidence of new osteoporosis was 14.5% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

    5.2 Cholesterol

    Consideration should be given to monitoring serum cholesterol. In the adjuvant trial (BIG 1-98), hypercholesterolemia was reported in 52.3% of letrozole patients and 28.6% of tamoxifen patients. Grade 3-4 hypercholesterolemia was reported in 0.4% of letrozole patients and 0.1% of tamoxifen patients. Also in the adjuvant setting, an increase of greater than or equal to 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) in total cholesterol (generally non-fasting) was observed in patients on monotherapy who had baseline total serum cholesterol within the normal range (i.e., less than =1.5 x ULN) in 155/1843 (8.4%) patients on letrozole vs 71/1840 (3.9%) patients on tamoxifen Lipid lowering medications were required for 29% of patients on letrozole and 20% on tamoxifen [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

    5.3 Hepatic Impairment


    Subjects with cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment who were dosed with 2.5 mg of letrozole tablets experienced approximately twice the exposure to letrozole tablets as healthy volunteers with normal liver function [see clinical pharmacology  (12.3)]. Therefore, a dose reduction is recommended for this patient population. The effect of hepatic impairment on letrozole tablets exposure in cancer patients with elevated bilirubin levels has not been determined. [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]

    5.4 Fatigue and Dizziness


    Because fatigue, dizziness, and somnolence have been reported with the use of letrozole tablets, caution is advised when driving or using machinery until it is known how the patient reacts to letrozole tablets use.

    5.5 Laboratory Test Abnormalities


    No dose-related effect of letrozole tablets on any hematologic or clinical chemistry parameter was evident. Moderate decreases in lymphocyte counts, of uncertain clinical significance, were observed in some patients receiving letrozole tablets 2.5 mg. This depression was transient in about half of those affected. Two patients on letrozole tablets developed thrombocytopenia; relationship to the study drug was unclear. Patient withdrawal due to laboratory abnormalities, whether related to study treatment or not, was infrequent.

    5.6 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

    Based on post-marketing reports, findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action, letrozole tablets can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated for use in pregnant women. In post-marketing reports, use of letrozole during pregnancy resulted in cases of spontaneous abortions and congenital birth defects. Letrozole caused embryo-fetal toxicities in rats and rabbits at maternal exposures that were below the maximum recommended human dose (MHRD) on a mg/m2 basis. Advice pregnant women of the potential risk to fetus. Advice females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during therapy with letrozole tablets and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose [see Postmarketing Experience (6.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling.

    Bone effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
    Increases in cholesterol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
    Fatigue and Dizziness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer

    In study, BIG 1-98, the median treatment duration of adjuvant treatment was 60 months and the median duration of follow-up for safety was 96 months for patients receiving letrozole tablets and tamoxifen.

    Certain adverse reactions were prospectively specified for analysis (see Table 1), based on the known pharmacologic properties and side effect profiles of the two drugs.

    Adverse reactions were analyzed irrespective of whether a symptom was present or absent at baseline. Most adverse reactions reported (approximately 75% of patients who reported  AEs) were Grade 1 or Grade 2 applying the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) Version 2.0/ Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. Table 1 describes adverse reactions (Grades 1-4 and Grade 3-4) irrespective of relationship to study treatment in the adjuvant trial for the monotherapy arms analysis (safety population).

    Table 1: Patients with Adverse Reactions (CTC Grades 1-4,) in the Adjuvant Study – Monotherapy Arms Analysis (Median Follow-up 96 Months; Median Treatment 60 Months)


    Grades 1-4
    		Grades 3-4
    Adverse Reactions
    		Letrozole tablets
    N=2448
    n (%)
    		Tamoxifen
    N=2447
    n (%)
    		Letrozole tablets
    N=2448
    n (%)
    		Tamoxifen
    N=2447
    n (%)
    Patients with any adverse reaction
    		2309
    		(94.3)
    		2212
    		(90.4)
    		636
    		(26.0)
    		606
    		(24.8)
    Hypercholesterolemia*
    		1280
    		(52.3)
    		700
    		(28.6)
    		11
    		(0.4)
    		6
    		(0.2)
    Hot flashes*
    		819
    		(33.5)
    		929
    		(38.0)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Arthralgia/arthritis*
    		621
    		(25.4)
    		504
    		(20.6)
    		84
    		(3.4)
    		50
    		(2.0)
    Bone fractures1
    		361
    		(14.7)
    		280
    		(11.4)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Night sweats*
    		356
    		(14.5)
    		426
    		(17.4)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Weight increase*
    		317
    		(12.9)
    		378
    		(15.4)
    		27
    		(1.1)
    		39
    		(1.6)
    Nausea*
    		284
    		(11.6)
    		277
    		(11.3)
    		6
    		(0.2)
    		9
    		(0.4)
    Bone fractures**2
    		249
    		(10.2)
    		175
    		(7.2)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Fatigue (lethargy, malaise, asthenia)*
    		235
    		(9.6)
    		250
    		(10.2)
    		6
    		(0.2)
    		7
    		(0.3)
    Myalgia*
    		221
    		(9.0)
    		212
    		(8.7)
    		18
    		(0.7)
    		14
    		(0.6)
    Vaginal bleeding*
    		129
    		(5.3)
    		320
    		(13.1)
    		1
    		(<0.1)
    		8
    		(0.3)
    Edema*
    		164
    		(6.7)
    		160
    		(6.5)
    		3
    		(0.1)
     
    		1
     
    		(<0.1)
    Weight decrease
    		140
    		(5.7)
    		129
    		(5.3)
    		8
    		(0.3)
    		5
    		(0.2)
    Osteoporosis**
    		126
    		(5.1)
    		67
    		(2.7)
    		10
    		(0.4)
    		5
    		(0.2)
    Back pain
    		125
    		(5.1)
    		136
    		(5.6)
    		7
    		(0.3)
    		11
    		(0.4)
    Bone pain
    		123
    		(5.0)
    		109
    		(4.5)
    		6
    		(0.2)
    		4
    		(0.2)
    Depression
    		119
    		(4.9)
    		114
    		(4.7)
    		16
    		(0.7)
    		14
    		(0.6)
    Vaginal irritation*
    		112
    		(4.6)
    		77
    		(3.1)
    		2
    		(<0.1)
    		2
    		(<0.1)
    Headache*
    		105
    		(4.3)
    		94
    		(3.8)
    		8
    		(0.3)
    		4
    		(0.2)
    Pain in extremity
    		103
    		(4.2)
    		79
    		(3.2)
    		6
    		(0.2)
    		4
    		(0.2)
    Osteopenia*
    		87
    		(3.6)
    		76
    		(3.1)
    		0
    		-
    		3
    		(0.1)
    Dizziness/light-headedness*
    		84
     
    		(3.4)
     
    		80
     
    		(3.3)
     
    		1
     
    		(<0.1)
     
    		6
     
    		(0.2)
    Alopecia
    		83
    		(3.4)
    		84
    		(3.4)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Vomiting*
    		80
    		(3.3)
    		80
    		(3.3)
    		3
    		(0.1)
    		5
    		(0.2)
    Cataract*
    		49
    		(2.0)
    		54
    		(2.2)
    		16
    		(0.7)
    		17
    		(0.7)
    Constipation*
    		49
    		(2.0)
    		71
    		(2.9)
    		3
    		(0.1)
    		1
    		(<0.1)
    Myocardial infarction1
    		42
    		(1.7)
    		28
    		(1.1)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Breast pain*
    		37
    		(1.5)
    		43
    		(1.8)
    		1
    		(<0.1)
    		-
    		-
    Anorexia*
    		20
    		(0.8)
    		20
    		(0.8)
    		1
    		(<0.1)
    		1
    		(<0.1)
    Endometrial proliferation disorders*
    		14
     
    		(0.6)
     
    		86
     
    		(3.5)
     
    		0
    		-
    		14
     
    		(0.6)
    Ovarian cyst*
    		11
    		(0.4)
    		18
    		(0.7)
    		4
    		(0.2)
    		4
    		(0.2)
    Endometrial
    hyperplasia/cancer**1
    		11
     
    		(0.4)
     
    		72
     
    		(2.9)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Endometrial
    hyperplasia/cancer**,3
    		6/1909
     
    		(0.3)
     
    		57/194
     
    		(2.9)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Other endometrial disorders*
    		2
    		(<0.1)
    		3
     
    		(0.1)
     
    		0
    		-
    		0
    		-
    Myocardial infarction**2
    		24
     
    		(1.0)
     
    		12
     
    		(0.5)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Myocardial ischemia
    		6
    		(0.2)
    		9
    		(0.4)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Cerebrovascular
    accident/TIA**1
    		74
     
    		(3.0)
     
    		68
     
    		(2.8)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Cerebrovascular
    accident/TIA**2
    		51
     
    		(2.1)
     
    		47
     
    		(1.9)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Angina requiring surgery**1
    		35
     
    		(1.4)
     
    		33
     
    		(1.3)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Angina requiring surgery**2
    		25
     
    		(1.0)
     
    		25
     
    		(1.0)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Thromboembolic event**1
    		79
    		(3.2)
    		113
    		(4.6)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Thromboembolic event**2
    		51
     
    		(2.1)
     
    		89
     
    		(3.6)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Cardiac failure1
    		39
     
    		(1.6)
     
    		34
     
    		(1.4)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Cardiac failure2
    		27
     
    		(1.1)
     
    		15
     
    		(0.6)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Hypertension1
    		160
     
    		(6.5)
     
    		175
     
    		(7.2)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Hypertension2
    		138
     
    		(5.6)
     
    		139
     
    		(5.7)
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Other cardiovascular**1
    		172
     
    		(7.0)
     
    		174
     
    		(7.1)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Other cardiovascular**2
    		120
     
    		(4.9)
     
    		119
     
    		(4.9)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Second primary malignancy1
    		129
     
    		(5.3)
     
    		150
     
    		(6.1)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    Second primary malignancy2
    		54
     
    		(2.2)
     
    		79
     
    		(3.2)
     
    		-
    		-
    		-
    		-
    * Target events pre-specified for analysis
    ** Events pre-printed on CRF
    1At median follow-up of 96 months (i.e. any time after randomization) for letrozole tablets (range up to 144 months) and 95 months for tamoxifen (range up to 143 months )
     2At median treatment duration of 60 months (i.e. during treatment + 30 days after discontinuation of treatment) for letrozole tablets and tamoxifen (range up to 68 months)
    3Excluding women who had undergone hysterectomy before study entry
    TIA = Transient ischemic attack
    Note: Cardiovascular events (including cerebrovascular and thromboembolic events), skeletal and urogenital/endometrial events and second primary malignancies were collected life -long. All of these events were assumed to be of CTC Grade 3 to 5 and were not individually graded

    When considering all grades during study treatment, a higher incidence of events was seen for letrozole tablets regarding fractures (10.1% vs 7.1%), myocardial infarctions (1.0% vs 0.5%), and arthralgia (25.2% vs 20.4%) (letrozole tablets vs tamoxifen respectively). A higher incidence was seen for tamoxifen regarding thromboembolic events (2.1% vs 3.6%), endometrial hyperplasia/cancer (0.3% vs 2.9%), and endometrial proliferation disorders (0.3% vs 1.8%) (letrozole tablets vs tamoxifen respectively).


    At a median follow up of 96 months, a higher incidence of events was seen for letrozole tablets (14.7%) than for tamoxifen (11.4%) regarding fractures. A higher incidence was seen for tamoxifen compared to letrozole tablets regarding thromboembolic events (4.6% vs 3.2%), and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer (2.9% vs 0.4%) (tamoxifen vs letrozole tablets, respectively).


    Bone Study: Results of a safety trial in 263 postmenopausal women with resected receptor positive early breast cancer in the adjuvant setting comparing the effect on lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD of adjuvant treatment with letrozole to that with tamoxifen showed at 24 months a median decrease in lumbar spine BMD of 4.1% in the letrozole arm compared to a median increase of 0.3% in the tamoxifen arm (difference = 4.4%) (P<0.0001). No patients with a normal BMD at baseline became osteoporotic over the 2 years and only 1 patient with osteopenia at baseline (T score of -1.9) developed osteoporosis during the treatment period (assessment by central review). The results for total hip BMD were similar, although the differences between the two treatments were less pronounced. During the 2 year period, fractures were reported by 4 of 103 patients (4%) in the letrozole arm, and 6 of 97 patients (6%) in the tamoxifen arm.


    Lipid Study: In a safety trial in 263 postmenopausal women with resected receptor positive early breast cancer at 24 months comparing the effects on lipid profiles of adjuvant letrozole to tamoxifen, 12% of patients on letrozole had at least one total cholesterol value of a higher CTCAE grade than at baseline compared with 4% of patients on tamoxifen. In another postapproval randomized, multicenter, open label, study of letrozole vs anastrozole in the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor and node positive breast cancer (FACE, NCT00248170), the median duration of treatment was 60 months for both treatment arms. Table 2 describes adverse reactions (Grades 1-4 and Grades 3-4) irrespective of relationship to study treatment in the adjuvant study (safety population).


    Table 2: Adverse Reactions (CTC Grades 1-4), Occurring in at least 5% of Patients in Either Treatment Arm, by Preferred Term (Safety set)


    Adverse Reactions
    		Letrozole
    N=2049
    n (%)
    		Anastrozole
    N=2062
    n (%)
    Grade 3/4
    n (%)
    		All grades
    n (%)
    		Grade 3/4
     n (%)
    		All grades
    n (%)
    Patients with at least one AR
    		628 (30.6)
    		2049 (100.0)
    		591 (28.7)
    		2062 (100.0)
    Arthralgia
    		80 (3.9)
    		987 (48.2)
    		69 (3.3)
    		987 (47.9)
    Hot flush
    		17 (0.8)
    		666 (32.5)
    		9 (0.4)
    		666 (32.3)
    Fatigue
    		8(0.4)
    		345 (16.8)
    		10 (0.5)
    		343 (16.6)
    Osteoporosis
    		5 (0.2)
    		223 (10.9)
    		11 (0.5)
    		225 (10.9)
    Myalgia
    		16 (0.8)
    		223 (11.4)
    		15 (0.7)
    		212 (10.3)
    Back pain
    		11 (0.5)
    		212 (10.3)
    		17 (0.8)
    		193 (9.4)
    Osteopenia
    		4 (0.2)
    		203 (9.9)
    		1 (0.0)
    		173 (8.4)
    Pain in extremity
    		9 (0.4)
    		168 (8.2)
    		3 (0.1)
    		174 (8.4)
    Lymphoedema
    		5 (0.2)
    		159 (7.8)
    		2 (0.1)
    		179 (8.7)
    Insomnia
    		7 (0.3)
    		160 (7.8)
    		3 (0.1)
    		149 (7.2)
    Hypercholesterolaemia
    		2 (0.1)
    		155 (7.6)
    		1 (0.0)
    		151 (7.3)
    Hypertension
    		25 (1.2)
    		156 (7.6)
    		20 (1.0)
    		149 (7.2)
    Depression
    		16 (0.8)
    		147 (7.2)
    		13 (0.6)
    		137 (6.6)
    Bone pain
    		10 (0.5)
    		138 (6.7)
    		9 (0.4)
    		122 (5.9)
    Nausea
    		6 (0.3)
    		137 (6.7)
    		5 (0.2)
    		152 (7.4)
    Headache
    		3 (0.1)
    		130 (6.3)
    		5 (0.2)
    		168 (8.1)
    Alopecia
    		2 (0.1)
    		127 (6.2)
    		0 (0.0)
    		134 (6.5)
    Musculoskeletal pain
    		6 (0.3)
    		123 (6.0)
    		9 (0.4)
    		147 (7.1)
    Radiation skin injury
    		11 (0.5)
    		120 (5.9)
    		6 (0.3)
    		88 (4.3)
    Dyspnoea
    		16 (0.8)
    		118 (5.8)
    		10 (0.5)
    		96 (4.7)
    Cough
    		1 (0.0)
    		106(5.2)
    		1 (0.0)
    		120 (5.8)
    Musculoskeletal stiffness
    		2 (0.1)
    		102 (5.0)
    		2 (0.1)
    		84 (4.1)
    Dizziness
    		2 (0.2)
    		94 (4.6)
    		7 (0.3)
    		109 (5.3)

    The following adverse reactions were also identified in less than 5% of the 2049 patients treated with letrozole and not included in the table: fall, vertigo, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, and chest pain.


    Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 24 Months

    In study MA-17, the median duration of extended adjuvant treatment was 24 months and the median duration of follow-up for safety was 28 months for patients receiving letrozole tablets and placebo.


    Table 3 describes the adverse reactions occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in any treatment group during treatment. Most adverse reactions reported were Grade 1 and Grade 2 based on the Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2.0. In the extended adjuvant setting, the reported drug-related adverse reactions that were significantly different from placebo were hot flashes, arthralgia/arthritis, and myalgia.



    Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in at least 5% of Patient in either Treatment Arm


     
    		Number (%) of Patients with Grade 1-4 Adverse Reaction
    		Number (%) of Patients with Grade 3-4 Adverse Reaction
     
    		Letrozole tablets
    N=2563
    		Placebo
    N=2573
    		Letrozole tablets
    N=2563
    		Placebo
    N=2573
    Any Adverse Reaction
    		2232 (87.1)
    		2174 (84.5)
    		419 (16.3)
    		389 (15.1)
    Vascular Disorders
    		1375 (53.6)
    		1230 (47.8)
    		59 (2.3)
    		74 (2.9)
            Flushing
    		1273 (49.7)
    		1114 (43.3)
    		3 (0.1)
    		0
    General Disorders
    		1154 (45)
    		1090 (42.4)
    		30 (1.2)
    		28 (1.1)
            Asthenia
    		862 (33.6)
    		826 (32.1)
    		16 (0.6)
    		7 (0.3)
            Edema NOS
    		471 (18.4)
    		416 (16.2)
    		4 (0.2)
    		3 (0.1)
    Musculoskeletal Disorders
    		978 (38.2)
    		836 (32.5)
    		71 (2.8)
    		50 (1.9)
            Arthralgia
    		565 (22)
    		465 (18.1)
    		25 (1)
    		20 (0.8)
            Arthritis NOS
    		173 (6.7)
    		124 (4.8)
    		10 (0.4)
    		5 (0.2)
            Myalgia
    		171 (6.7)
    		122 (4.7)
    		8 (0.3)
    		6 (0.2)
            Back Pain
    		129 (5)
    		112 (4.4)
    		8 (0.3)
    		7 (0.3)
    Nervous System Disorders
    		863 (33.7)
    		819 (31.8)
    		65 (2.5)
    		58 (2.3)
            Headache
    		516 (20.1)
    		508 (19.7)
    		18 (0.7)
    		17 (0.7)
            Dizziness
    		363 (14.2)
    		342 (13.3)
    		9 (0.4)
    		6 (0.2)
    Skin Disorders
    		830 (32.4)
    		787 (30.6)
    		17 (0.7)
    		16 (0.6)
            Sweating Increased
    		619 (24.2)
    		577 (22.4)
    		1 (<0.1)
    		0 -
    Gastrointestinal Disorders
    		725 (28.3)
    		731 (28.4)
    		43 (1.7)
    		42 (1.6)
            Constipation
    		290 (11.3)
    		304 (11.8)
    		6 (0.2)
    		2 (<0.1)
            Nausea
    		221 (8.6)
    		212 (8.2)
    		3 (0.1)
    		10 (0.4)
            Diarrhea NOS
    		128 (5)
    		143 (5.6)
    		12 (0.5)
    		8 (0.3)
    Metabolic Disorders
    		551 (21.5)
    		537 (20.9)
    		24 (0.9)
    		32 (1.2)
            Hypercholesterolemia
    		401 (15.6)
    		398 (15.5)
    		2 (<0.1)
    		5 (0.2)
    Reproductive Disorders
    		303 (11.8)
    		357 (13.9)
    		9 (0.4)
    		8 (0.3)
            Vaginal Hemorrhage
    		123 (4.8)
    		171 (6.6)
    		2 (<0.1)
    		5 (0.2)
            Vulvovaginal Dryness
    		137 (5.3)
    		127 (4.9)
    		0 -
    		0 -
    Psychiatric Disorders
    		320 (12.5)
    		276 (10.7)
    		21 (0.8)
    		16 (0.6)
             Insomnia
    		149 (5.8)
    		120 (4.7)
    		2 (<0.1)
    		2 (<0.1)
    Respiratory Disorders
    		279 (10.9)
    		260 (10.1)
    		30 (1.2)
    		28 (1.1)
             Dyspnea
    		140 (5.5)
    		137 (5.3)
    		21 (0.8)
    		18 (0.7)
    Investigations
    		184 (7.2)
    		147 (5.7)
    		13 (0.5)
    		13 (0.5)
    Infections and Infestations
    		166 (6.5)
    		163 (6.3)
    		40 (1.6)
    		33 (1.3)
    Renal Disorders
    		130 (5.1)
    		100 (3.9)
    		12 (0.5)
    		6 (0.2)


    Based on a median follow-up of patients for 28 months,the incidence of clinical fractures from the core randomized study in patients who received letrozole tablets was 5.9% (152) and placebo was 5.5% (142). The incidence of self-reported osteoporosis was higher in patients who received letrozole tablets 6.9% (176) than in patients who received placebo 5.5% (141). Bisphosphonates were administered to 21.1% of the patients who received letrozole tablets and 18.7% of the patients who received placebo.

    The incidence of cardiovascular ischemic events from the core randomized study was comparable between patients who received letrozole tablets 6.8% (175) and placebo 6.5% (167).


    A patient-reported measure that captures treatment impact on important symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency demonstrated a difference in favor of placebo for vasomotor and sexual symptom domains.

    Bone Substudy:     [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. 



    Lipid Substudy: In the extended adjuvant setting, based on a median duration of follow-up of 62 months, there was no significant difference between letrozole tablets and placebo in total cholesterol or in any lipid fraction at any time over 5 years. Use of lipid lowering drugs or dietary management of elevated lipids was allowed. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].


    Updated Analysis, Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 60 Months
    The extended adjuvant treatment trial (MA-17) was unblinded early [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ]. At the updated (final analysis), overall the side effects seen were consistent to those seen at a median treatment duration of 24 months. 

    During treatment or within 30 days of stopping treatment (median duration of treatment 60 months) a higher rate of fractures was observed for letrozole tablets (10.4%) compared to placebo (5.8%), as also a higher rate of osteoporosis (letrozole tablets 12.2% vs placebo 6.4%).

    Based on 62 months median duration of follow-up in the randomized letrozole arm in the Safety population the incidence of new fractures at any time after randomization was 13.3% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo. The incidence of new osteoporosis was 14.5% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo.

    During treatment or within 30 days of stopping treatment (median duration of treatment 60 months) the incidence of cardiovascular events was 9.8% for letrozole tablets and 7.0% for placebo.

    Based on 62 months median duration of follow-up in the randomized letrozole arm in the Safety population the incidence of cardiovascular disease at any time after randomization was 14.4% for letrozole and 9.8% for placebo.

    Lipid substudy: In the extended adjuvant setting (MA-17), based on a median duration of follow-up of 62 months, there was no significant difference between letrozole tablets and placebo in total cholesterol or in any lipid fraction over 5 years. Use of lipid lowering drugs or dietary management of elevated lipids was allowed. [see Warnings and Precautions(5.2)] .

    First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

    In study P025 a total of 455 patients were treated for a median time of exposure of 11 months. The incidence of adverse reactions was similar for letrozole tablets and tamoxifen. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were bone pain, hot flushes, back pain, nausea, arthralgia and dyspnea. Discontinuations for adverse reactions other than progression of tumor occurred in 10/455 (2%) of patients on letrozole tablets and in 15/455 (3%) of patients on tamoxifen.


    Adverse reactions, regardless of relationship to study drug, that were reported in at least 5% of the patients treated with letrozole tablets 2.5 mg or tamoxifen 20 mg in the first-line treatment study are shown in Table 4.

    Table 4:  Percentage (%) of Patients with Adverse Reactions


    Adverse ReactionLetrozole tablets
    2.5 mg
    (N=455)
    %    		tamoxifen
    20 mg
    (N=455)
    %
    General Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Fatigue
    		13
    		13
         Chest Pain
    		 8
    		9
         Edema Peripheral
    		5
    		6
         Pain NOS
    		5
    		7
         Weakness
    		6
    		4
    Investigations
    		 
    		 
         Weight Decreased
    		7
    		5
    Vascular Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Hot Flushes
    		19
    		16
         Hypertension
    		8
    		4
    Gastrointestinal Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Nausea
    		17
    		17
         Constipation
    		10
    		11
         Diarrhea
    		8
    		4
         Vomiting
    		7
    		8
    Infections/Infestations
    		 
    		 
         Influenza
    		6
    		4
         Urinary Tract Infection NOS
    		6
    		3
    Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications
    		 
    		 
         Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema
    		7
    		7
    Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Anorexia
    		4
    		6
    Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Bone Pain
    		22
    		21
         Back Pain
    		18
    		19
         Arthralgia
    		16
    		15
         Pain in Limb
    		10
    		8
    Nervous System Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Headache NOS
    		8
    		7
    Psychiatric Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Insomnia
    		7
    		4
    Reproductive System and Breast Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Breast Pain
    		7
    		7
    Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders
    		 
    		 
         Dyspnea
    		18
    		17
         Cough
    		13
    		13
         Chest Wall Pain
    		6
    		6

    Other less frequent ( less than or equal to 2%) adverse reactions considered consequential for both treatment groups, included peripheral thromboembolic events, cardiovascular events, and cerebrovascular events. Peripheral thromboembolic events included venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, portal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Cardiovascular events included angina, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and coronary heart disease. Cerebrovascular events included transient ischemic attacks, thrombotic or hemorrhagic strokes and development of hemiparesis.

    Second- Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

    Study discontinuations in the megestrol acetate comparison study (AR/BC2) for adverse reactions other than progression of tumor were 5/188 (2.7%) on letrozole tablets 0.5 mg, in 4/174 (2.3%) on letrozole tablets 2.5 mg, and in 15/190 (7.9%) on megestrol acetate. There were fewer thromboembolic events at both letrozole tablet doses than on the megestrol acetate arm (0.6% vs 4.7%). There was also less vaginal bleeding (0.3% vs 3.2%) on letrozole tablets than on megestrol acetate. In the aminoglutethimide comparison study, discontinuations for reasons other than progression occurred in 6/193 (3.1%) on 0.5 mg letrozole tablets, 7/185 (3.8%) on 2.5 mg letrozole tablets, and 7/178 (3.9%) of patients on aminoglutethimide.

    Comparisons of the incidence of adverse reactions revealed no significant differences between the high and low dose letrozole tablet groups in either study. Most of the adverse reactions observed in all treatment groups were mild to moderate in severity and it was generally not possible to distinguish adverse reactions due to treatment from the consequences of the patient’s metastatic breast cancer, the effects of estrogen deprivation, or intercurrent illness.


    Adverse reactions that were reported in at least 5% of the patients treated with letrozole tablets 0.5 mg, letrozole tablets 2.5 mg, megestrol acetate, or aminoglutethimide in the two controlled trials AR/BC2 and AR/BC3 are shown in Table 5.


     Table 5: Adverse Reactions Occurring at a Frequency of at Least 5% of Patients in Either Treatment Arm

    2    Includes musculoskeletal pain, skeletal pain, back pain, arm pain, leg pain
    3    Includes rash, erythematous rash, maculopapular rash, psoriasiform rash, vesicular rash

    Adverse  
    Reaction
     
    Pooled  
    Letrozole  
    tablets 
    2.5 mg 
    (N=359) 
    %

    Pooled 
    Letrozole tablets 
    0.5 mg 
    (N=380)  
    %

    Megestrol 
    Acetate 
    160 mg 
    (N=189) 
     %

    Aminoglutethimide 
    500 mg 
    (N=178) 
    %

    Body as a Whole

      
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Chest Pain

    6
    3
    7
    3
     

    Peripheral Edema1
     
    5
     
    5
     
    8
     
    3
     

    Asthenia
     
    4
     
    5
     
    4
     
    5
     

    Weight Increase
     
    2
     
    2
     
    9
     
    3
     

    Cardiovascular
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Hypertension
     
    5
     
    7
     
    5
     
    6
     

    Digestive System
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Nausea
     
    13
     
    15
     
    9
     
    14
     

    Vomiting
     
    7
     
    7
     
    5
     
    9
     

    Constipation
     
    6
     
    7
     
    9
     
    7
     

    Diarrhea
     
    6
     
    5
     
    3
     
    4
     

    Pain-Abdominal
     
    6
     
    5
     
    9
     
    8
     

    Anorexia
     
    5
     
    3
     
    5
     
    5
     

    Dyspepsia
     
    3
     
    4
     
    6
     
    5
     

    Infections/ 
    Infestations
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Viral Infection
     
    6
     
    5
     
    6
     
    3
     

    Lab Abnormality

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Hypercholesterolemia
     
    3
     
    3
     
    0
     
    6
     

    Musculoskeletal System

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Musculoskeletal2
     
    21
     
    22
     
    30
     
    14
     

    Arthralgia
     
    8
     
    8
     
    8
     
    3
     

    Nervous System

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Headache
     
    9
     
    12
     
    9
     
    7
     

    Somnolence
     
    3
     
    2
     
    2
     
    9
     

    Dizziness
     
    3
     
    5
     
    7
     
    3
     

    Respiratory System
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Dyspnea
     
    7
     
    9
     
    16
     
    5
     

    Coughing
     
    6
     
    5
     
    7
     
    5

    Skin and Appendage
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Hot Flushes

    6
     
    5
     
    4
     
    3
     

    Rash3

    5
     
    4
     
    3
     
    12

    Pruritus

    1
     
    2
     
    5
     
    3
     

    1   Includes peripheral edema, leg edema, dependent edema, edema


    Other less frequent (less than 5%) adverse reactions considered consequential and reported in at least 3 patients treated with letrozole tablets, included hypercalcemia, fracture, depression, anxiety, pleural effusion, alopecia, increased sweating and vertigo.


    First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

    In the combined analysis of the first- and second-line metastatic trials and post-marketing experiences other adverse reactions that were reported were cataract, eye irritation, palpitations, cardiac failure, tachycardia, dysesthesia (including hypesthesia/paresthesia), arterial thrombosis, memory impairment, irritability, nervousness, urticaria, increased urinary frequency, leukopenia, stomatitis cancer pain, pyrexia, vaginal discharge, appetite increase, dryness of skin and mucosa (including dry mouth), and disturbances of taste and thirst.

    6.2 Postmarketing Experience


    The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of letrozole tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    • Eye Disorders: blurred vision
    • Hepatobiliary Disorders: increased hepatic enzymes, hepatitis
    • Immune System Disorders: anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions
    • Nervous System Disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger
    • Pregnancy: spontaneous abortions, congenital birth defects
    • Skin and subcutaneous disorders: angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme
  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Tamoxifen

    Coadministration of letrozole tablets and tamoxifen 20 mg daily resulted in a reduction of letrozole plasma levels of 38% on average (study P015). Clinical experience in the second-line breast cancer trials (AR/BC2 and AR/BC3) indicates that the therapeutic effect of letrozole tablets therapy is not impaired if letrozole tablets is administered immediately after tamoxifen.

    Cimetidine

    A pharmacokinetic interaction study with cimetidine (study P0004) showed no clinically significant effect on letrozole pharmacokinetics.

    Warfarin

    An interaction study (P017) with warfarin showed no clinically significant effect of letrozole on warfarin pharmacokinetics.

    Other anticancer agents

    There is no clinical experience to date on the use of letrozole tablets in combination with other anticancer agents.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary
    Based on post-marketing reports, findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action, letrozole tablets can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated for use in pregnant women. In post-marketing reports, use of letrozole during pregnancy resulted in cases of spontaneous abortions and congenital birth defects; however, the data are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk. [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.6),Postmarketing Experience (6.2), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

    In animal reproduction studies, administration of letrozole to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in increased post-implantation pregnancy loss and resorption, fewer live fetuses, and fetal malformation affecting the renal and skeletal systems in rats and rabbits at doses approximately 0.1 times the daily maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis (see Data).
    The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%-4% and of miscarriage is 15%-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

    Data
    Animal Data
    In a fertility and early embryonic development toxicity study in female rats, oral administration of letrozole starting 2 weeks before mating until pregnancy day 6 resulted in an increase in pre-implantation loss at doses ≥ 0.003 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.01 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis).

    In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study in rats, daily administration of oral letrozole during the period of organogenesis at doses ≥ 0.003 mg/kg (approximately 0.01 time the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) resulted in embryo-fetal toxicity including intrauterine mortality, increased resorptions and postimplantation loss, decreased numbers of live fetuses and fetal anomalies including absence and shortening of renal papilla, dilation of ureter, edema and incomplete ossification of frontal skull and metatarsals. Letrozole was teratogenic to rats at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg (approximately 0.01 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) and caused fetal domed head and cervical/centrum vertebral fusion.

    In the embryo-fetal development toxicity study in rabbits, daily administration of oral letrozole during the period of organogenesis at doses ≥ 0.002 mg/kg (approximately 0.01 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) resulted in embryo-fetal toxicity including intrauterine mortality, increased resorption, increased postimplantation loss and decreased numbers of live fetuses. Fetal anomalies included incomplete ossification of the skull, sternebrae, and fore- and hind legs.

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary
    It is not known if letrozole is present in human milk. There are no data on the effects of letrozole on the breastfed infant or milk production. Exposure of lactating rats to letrozole was associated with impaired reproductive performance of the male offspring (see Data). Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from letrozole tablets, advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking letrozole tablets and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.

    Data
    Animal Data
    In a postnatal developmental toxicity study in lactating rats, letrozole was administered orally at doses of 1, 0.003, 0.03 or 0.3 mg/kg/day on day 0 through day 20 of lactation. The reproductive performance of the male offspring was impaired at letrozole dose as low as 0.003 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.01 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis), as reflected by decreased mating and pregnancy ratios. There were no effects on the reproductive performance of female offspring.

    8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

    Pregnancy Testing
    Based on animal studies, letrozole tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Females of reproductive potential should have a pregnancy test prior to starting treatment with letrozole tablets.

    Contraception
    Females
    Based on animal studies, letrozole tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with letrozole tablets and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.

    Infertility
    Females
    Based on studies in female animals, letrozole tablets may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

    Males
    Based on studies in male animals, letrozole tablets may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].


    8.4 Pediatric Use

    The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

    Letrozole administration to young (postnatal day 7) rats for 12 weeks duration at 0.003, 0.03, 0.3 mg/kg/day by oral gavage resulted in adverse skeletal/growth effects (bone maturation, bone mineral density) and neuroendocrine and reproductive developmental perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Administration of 0.3 mg/kg/day resulted in AUC values that were similar to the AUC in adult patients receiving the recommended dose of 2.5 mg/day. Decreased fertility was accompanied by hypertrophy of the hypophysis and testicular changes that included degeneration of the seminiferous tubular epithelium and atrophy of the female reproductive tract. Young rats in this study were allowed to recover following discontinuation of letrozole treatment for 42 days. Histopathological changes were not reversible at clinically relevant exposures.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    The median age of patients in all studies of first-line and second-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer was 64-65 years. About 1/3 of the patients were greater than or equal to 70 years old. In the first-line study, patients greater than or equal to 70 years of age experienced longer time to tumor progression and higher response rates than patients less than 70.

    For the extended adjuvant setting (MA-17), more than 5,100 postmenopausal women were enrolled in the clinical study. In total, 41% of patients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. In the extended adjuvant setting, no overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these older patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

    In the adjuvant setting (BIG 1-98), more than 8,000 postmenopausal women were enrolled in the clinical study. In total, 36 % of patients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. More adverse reactions were generally reported in elderly patients irrespective of study treatment allocation. However, in comparison to tamoxifen, no overall differences with regards to the safety and efficacy profiles were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Isolated cases of letrozole tablets overdose have been reported. In these instances, the highest single dose ingested was 62.5 mg or 25 tablets. While no serious adverse reactions were reported in these cases, because of the limited data available, no firm recommendations for treatment can be made. However, emesis could be induced if the patient is alert. In general, supportive care and frequent monitoring of vital signs are also appropriate. In single-dose studies, the highest dose used was 30 mg, which was well tolerated; in multiple-dose trials, the largest dose of 10 mg was well tolerated.

    Lethality was observed in mice and rats following single oral doses that were equal to or greater than 2,000 mg/kg (about 4,000 to 8,000 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis); death was associated with reduced motor activity, ataxia and dyspnea. Lethality was observed in cats following single IV doses that were equal to or greater than 10 mg/kg (about 50 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis); death was preceded by depressed blood pressure and arrhythmias.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION


    Letrozole tablets for oral administration contains 2.5 mg of letrozole, a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (inhibitor of estrogen synthesis). It is chemically described as 4,4'-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-ylmethylene)dibenzonitrile, and its structural formula is


    letrozole chemical structure

    Letrozole is a white to yellowish crystalline powder, practically odorless, freely soluble in dichloromethane, slightly soluble in ethanol, and practically insoluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 285.31, empirical formula C17H11N5, and a melting range of 184°C to185°C.

    Letrozole tablets are available as 2.5 mg tablets for oral administration.

    Inactive Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, ferric oxide (yellow), hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, talc and titanium dioxide.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    The growth of some cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. Treatment of breast cancer thought to be hormonally responsive (i.e., estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive or receptor unknown) has included a variety of efforts to decrease estrogen levels (ovariectomy, adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy) or inhibit estrogen effects (antiestrogens and progestational agents). These interventions lead to decreased tumor mass or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women.

    In postmenopausal women, estrogens are mainly derived from the action of the aromatase enzyme, which converts adrenal androgens (primarily androstenedione and testosterone) to estrone and estradiol. The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissues and in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.

    Letrozole is a nonsteroidal competitive inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system; it inhibits the conversion of androgens to estrogens. In adult nontumor- and tumor-bearing female animals, letrozole is as effective as ovariectomy in reducing uterine weight, elevating serum LH, and causing the regression of estrogen-dependent tumors. In contrast to ovariectomy, treatment with letrozole does not lead to an increase in serum FSH. Letrozole selectively inhibits gonadal steroidogenesis but has no significant effect on adrenal mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid synthesis.

    Letrozole inhibits the aromatase enzyme by competitively binding to the heme of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the enzyme, resulting in a reduction of estrogen biosynthesis in all tissues. Treatment of women with letrozole significantly lowers serum estrone, estradiol and estrone sulfate and has not been shown to significantly affect adrenal corticosteroid synthesis, aldosterone synthesis, or synthesis of thyroid hormones.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics


    In postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer, daily doses of 0.1 mg to 5 mg letrozole tablets (letrozole) suppress plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone, and estrone sulfate by 75% to 95% from baseline with maximal suppression achieved within two-three days. Suppression is dose-related, with doses of 0.5 mg and higher giving many values of estrone and estrone sulfate that were below the limit of detection in the assays. Estrogen suppression was maintained throughout treatment in all patients treated at 0.5 mg or higher.

    Letrozole is highly specific in inhibiting aromatase activity. There is no impairment of adrenal steroidogenesis. No clinically-relevant changes were found in the plasma concentrations of cortisol, aldosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, ACTH or in plasma renin activity among postmenopausal patients treated with a daily dose of letrozole tablets 0.1 mg to 5 mg. The ACTH stimulation test performed after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment with daily doses of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg did not indicate any attenuation of aldosterone or cortisol production. Glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid supplementation is, therefore, not necessary.

    No changes were noted in plasma concentrations of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) among healthy postmenopausal women after 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg single doses of letrozole tablets or in plasma concentrations of androstenedione among postmenopausal patients treated with daily doses of 0.1 mg to 5 mg. This indicates that the blockade of estrogen biosynthesis does not lead to accumulation of androgenic precursors. Plasma levels of LH and FSH were not affected by letrozole in patients, nor was thyroid function as evaluated by TSH levels, T3 uptake, and T4 levels.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics


    Absorption and Distribution: Letrozole is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and absorption is not affected by food. It is metabolized slowly to an inactive metabolite whose glucuronide conjugate is excreted renally, representing the major clearance pathway. About 90% of radiolabeled letrozole is recovered in urine. Letrozole’s terminal elimination half-life is about 2 days and steady-state plasma concentration after daily 2.5 mg dosing is reached in 2-6 weeks. Plasma concentrations at steady state are 1.5 to 2 times higher than predicted from the concentrations measured after a single dose, indicating a slight non-linearity in the pharmacokinetics of letrozole upon daily administration of 2.5 mg. These steady-state levels are maintained over extended periods, however, and continuous accumulation of letrozole does not occur. Letrozole is weakly protein bound and has a large volume of distribution (approximately 1.9 L/kg).

    Elimination

    Metabolism and Excretion: Metabolism to a pharmacologically-inactive carbinol metabolite (4,4'methanol-bisbenzonitrile) and renal excretion of the glucuronide conjugate of this metabolite is the major pathway of letrozole clearance. Of the radiolabel recovered in urine, at least 75% was the glucuronide of the carbinol metabolite, about 9% was two unidentified metabolites, and 6% was unchanged letrozole.

    In human microsomes with specific CYP isozyme activity, CYP3A4 metabolized letrozole to the carbinol metabolite while CYP2A6 formed both this metabolite and its ketone analog. In human liver microsomes, letrozole inhibited CYP2A6 and CYP2C19, the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

    Specific Populations
    Pediatric, Geriatric and Race: In the study populations (adults ranging in age from 35 to greater than 80 years), no change in pharmacokinetic parameters was observed with increasing age. Differences in letrozole pharmacokinetics between adult and pediatric populations have not been studied. Differences in letrozole pharmacokinetics due to race have not been studied.

    Renal Impairment: In a study of volunteers with varying renal function (24-hour creatinine clearance: 9 to 116 mL/min), no effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of single doses of 2.5 mg of letrozole tablets was found. In addition, in a study (AR/BC2) of 347 patients with advanced breast cancer, about half of whom received 2.5 mg letrozole tablets and half 0.5 mg letrozole tablets, renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance: 20 to 50 mL/min) did not affect steady-state plasma letrozole concentrations.

    Hepatic Impairment: In a study of subjects with mild to moderate non-metastatic hepatic dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification A and B), the mean area under the curve (AUC) values of the volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment were 37% higher than in normal subjects, but still within the range seen in subjects without impaired function.

    In a pharmacokinetic study, subjects with liver cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification C, which included bilirubins about 2-11 times ULN with minimal to severe ascites) had two-fold increase in exposure (AUC) and 47% reduction in systemic clearance. Breast cancer patients with severe hepatic impairment are thus expected to be exposed to higher levels of letrozole than patients with normal liver function receiving similar doses of this drug. [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


    A conventional carcinogenesis study in mice at doses of 0.6 to 60 mg/kg/day (about 1 to 100 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) administered by oral gavage for up to 2 years revealed a dose-related increase in the incidence of benign ovarian stromal tumors. The incidence of combined hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma showed a significant trend in females when the high dose group was excluded due to low survival. In a separate study, plasma AUC0-12hr levels in mice at 60 mg/kg/day were 55 times higher than the AUC0-24hr level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. The carcinogenicity study in rats at oral doses of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day (about 0.4 to 40 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) for up to 2 years also produced an increase in the incidence of benign ovarian stromal tumors at 10 mg/kg/day. Ovarian hyperplasia was observed in females at doses equal to or greater than 0.1 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day, plasma AUC0-24hr levels in rats were 80 times higher than the level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. The benign ovarian stromal tumors observed in mice and rats were considered to be related to the pharmacological inhibition of estrogen synthesis and may be due to increased luteinizing hormone resulting from the decrease in circulating estrogen.
     
    Letrozole tablets were not mutagenic in in vitro tests (Ames and E.coli bacterial tests) but were observed to be a potential clastogen in in vitro assays (CHO K1 and CCL 61 Chinese hamster ovary cells). Letrozole was not clastogenic in vivo (micronucleus test in rats).
      In a fertility and early embryonic development toxicity study in female rats, oral administration of letrozole starting 2 weeks before mating until pregnancy day 6 resulted in an increase in pre-implantation loss at doses ≥ 0.03 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis). In repeat-dose toxicity studies, administration of letrozole caused sexual inactivity in females and atrophy of the reproductive tract in males and females at doses of 0.6, 0.1 and 0.03 mg/kg in mice, rats and dogs, respectively (approximately 1, 0.4 and 0.4 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis, respectively).


  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    14.1 Updated Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer


    In a multicenter study (BIG 1-98, NCT00004205) enrolling over 8,000 postmenopausal women with resected, receptor-positive early breast cancer, one of the following treatments was randomized in a double-blind manner:

    Option 1:

    A. tamoxifen for 5 years

    B. Letrozole tablets for 5 years

    C. tamoxifen for 2 years followed by letrozole tablets for 3 years

    D. Letrozole tablets for 2 years followed by tamoxifen for 3 years


    Option 2:

    A. tamoxifen for 5 years

    B. Letrozole tablets for 5 years


    The study in the adjuvant setting, BIG 1-98 was designed to answer two primary questions: whether letrozole tablets for 5 years was superior to Tamoxifen for 5 years (Primary Core Analysis) and whether switching endocrine treatments at 2 years was superior to continuing the same agent for a total of 5 years (Sequential Treatments Analysis). Selected baseline characteristics for the study population are shown in Table 6.
    The primary endpoint of this trial was disease-free survival (DFS) (i.e., interval between randomization and earliest occurrence of a local, regional, or distant recurrence, or invasive contralateral breast cancer, or death from any cause). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), systemic disease-free survival (SDFS), invasive contralateral breast cancer, time to breast cancer recurrence (TBR) and time to distant metastasis (TDM).

    The Primary Core Analysis (PCA) included all patients and all follow-up in the monotherapy arms in both randomization options, but follow-up in the two sequential treatments arms was truncated 30 days after switching treatments. The PCA was conducted at a median treatment duration of 24 months and a median follow-up of 26 months. Letrozole tablets were superior to tamoxifen in all endpoints except overall survival and contralateral breast cancer [e.g., DFS: hazard ratio, HR 0.79; 95% CI (0.68, 0.92); P=0.002; SDFS: HR 0.83; 95% CI (0.70, 0.97); TDM: HR 0.73; 95% CI (0.60, 0.88); OS: HR 0.86; 95% CI (0.70, 1.06).

    In 2005, based on recommendations by the independent Data Monitoring Committee, the tamoxifen arms were unblinded and patients were allowed to complete initial adjuvant therapy with letrozole tablets (if they had received tamoxifen for at least 2 years) or to start extended adjuvant treatment with letrozole tablets (if they had received tamoxifen for at least 4.5 years) if they remained alive and disease-free. In total, 632 patients crossed to letrozole tablets or another aromatase inhibitor. Approximately 70% (448) of these 632 patients crossed to letrozole tablets to complete initial adjuvant therapy and most of these crossed in years 3 to 4. All of these patients were in Option 1. A total of 184 patients started extended adjuvant therapy with letrozole tablets (172 patients) or with another aromatase inhibitor (12 patients). To explore the impact of this selective crossover, results from analyses censoring follow-up at the date of the selective crossover (in the tamoxifen arm) are presented for the MAA.


    The PCA allowed the results of letrozole tablets for 5 years compared with tamoxifen for 5 years to be reported in 2005 after a median follow-up of only 26 months. The design of the PCA is not optimal to evaluate the effect of letrozole tablets after a longer time (because follow-up was truncated in two arms at around 25 months). The MAA (ignoring the two sequential treatment arms) provided follow-up equally as long in each treatment and did not over-emphasize early recurrences as the PCA did. The MAA thus provides the clinically appropriate updated efficacy results in answer to the first primary question, despite the confounding of the tamoxifen reference arm by the selective crossover to letrozole tablets. The updated results for the MAA are summarized in Table 7. Median follow-up for this analysis is 73 months.

    The Sequential Treatments Analysis (STA) addresses the second primary question of the study. The primary analysis for the Sequential Treatments Analysis (STA) was from switch (or equivalent time-point in monotherapy arms) + 30 days (STA-S) with a two-sided test applied to each pair-wise comparison at the 2.5% level. Additional analyses were conducted from randomization (STA-R) but these comparisons (added in light of changing medical practice) were under-powered for efficacy.



    Table 6: Adjuvant Study - Patient and Disease Characteristics (ITT Population)
    Primary Core Analysis
    (PCA)    		Monotherapy Arms Analysis (MAA)


    Characteristic    		Letrozole tablets
    N=4003
    n (%)    		Tamoxifen
    N=4007
    n (%)    		Letrozole tablets
    N=2463
    n (%)    		Tamoxifen
    N=2459
    n (%)
    Age (median, years)
    		61
    		61
    		61
    		61
    Age range (years)
    		38-89
    		39-90
    		38-88
    		39-90
    Hormone receptor status (%)
    		 
    		 
    		 
    		 
    ER+ and/or PgR+
    		99.7
    		99.7
    		99.7
    		99.7
    Both unknown
    		0.3
    		0.3
    		0.3
    		0.3
    Nodal status (%)
    		 
    		 
    		 
    		 
    Node negative
    		52
    		52
    		50
    		52
    Node positive
    		41
    		41
    		43
    		41
    Nodal status unknown
    		7
    		7
    		7
    		7
    Prior adjuvant chemotherapy (%)
    		24
    		24
    		24
    		24


    Table 7: Updated Adjuvant Study Results - Monotherapy Arms Analysis (Median Follow-up 73 Months)


    Letrozole tablets
    N=2463    		Tamoxifen
    N=2459    		Hazard ratio
    Events
    (%)    		5-year rateEvents
    (%)    		5-year rate(95% CI)P
    Definition of:
    1 Disease-free survival: Interval from randomization to earliest event of invasive loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, invasive contralateral breast cancer, or death without a prior event
    2 Systemic disease-free survival: Interval from randomization to invasive regional recurrence, distant metastasis, or death without a prior cancer event
    3 Time to distant metastasis: Interval from randomization to distant metastasis
    4 Distant disease-free survival: Interval from randomization to earlier event of relapse in a distant site or death from any cause
    ITT analysis ignores selective crossover in tamoxifen arms

    Censored analysis censors follow-up at the date of selective crossover in 632 patients who crossed to letrozole tablets or another aromatase inhibitor after the tamoxifen arms were unblinded in 2005.
    Disease-free survival1
    		ITT
    		445 (18.1)
    		87.4
    		500 (20.3)
    		84.7
    		0.87 (0.76, 0.99)
    		0.03
     
    		Censor
    		445
    		87.4
    		483
    		84.2
    		0.84 (0.73, 0.95)
    		 
    0 positive nodes
    		ITT
    		165
    		92.2
    		189
    		90.3
    		0.88 (0.72, 1.09)
    		 
    1-3 positive nodes
    		ITT
    		151
    		85.6
    		163
    		83.0
    		0.85 (0.68, 1.06)
    		 
    >=4 positive nodes
    		ITT
    		123
    		71.2
    		142
    		62.6
    		0.81 (0.64, 1.03)
    		 
    Adjuvant chemotherapy
    		ITT
    		119
    		86.4
    		150
    		80.6
    		0.77 (0.60, 0.98)
    		 
    No chemotherapy
    		ITT
    		326
    		87.8
    		350
    		86.1
    		0.91 (0.78, 1.06)
    		 
    Systemic DFS2
    		ITT
    		401
    		88.5
    		446
    		86.6
    		0.88 (0.77,1.01)
    		 
    Time to distant metastasis3
    		ITT
    		257
    		92.4
    		298
    		90.1
    		0.85 (0.72, 1.00)
    		 
    Adjuvant chemotherapy
    		ITT
    		84
    		-
    		109
    		-
    		0.75 (0.56-1.00)
    		 
    No chemotherapy
    		ITT
    		173
    		-
    		189
    		-
    		0.90 (0.73,1.11)
    		 
    Distant DFS4
    		ITT
    		385
    		89.0
    		432
    		87.1
    		0.87 (0.76,1.00)
    		 
    Contralateral breast cancer
    		ITT
    		34
    		99.2
    		44
    		98.6
    		0.76 (0.49, 1.19)
    		 
    Overall survival
    		ITT
    		303
    		91.8
    		343
    		90.9
    		0.87 (0.75, 1.02)
    		 
     
    		Censor
    		303
    		91.8
    		338
    		90.1
    		0.82 (0.70, 0.96)
    		 
    0 positive nodes
    		ITT
    		107
    		95.2
    		121
    		94.8
    		0.90 (0.69.1.16)
    		 
    1-3 positive nodes
    		ITT
    		99
    		90.8
    		114
    		90.6
    		0.81(0.62,1.06)
    		 
    >=4 positive nodes
    		ITT
    		92
    		80.2
    		104
    		73.6
    		0.86 (0.65, 1.14)
    		 
    Adjuvant chemotherapy
    		ITT
    		76
    		91.5
    		96
    		88.4
    		0.79 (0.58, 1.06)
    		 
    No chemotherapy
    		ITT
    		227
    		91.9
    		247
    		91.8
    		0.91 (0.76, 1.08)
    		 

    Figure 1 shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for Disease-Free Survival Monotherapy Analysis


    Figure 1 Disease-Free Survival (Median follow-up 73 months, ITT Approach)


    letrozolefig

    The medians of overall survival for both arms were not reached for the MAA. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival. The hazard ratio for survival in the letrozole tablets arm compared to the tamoxifen arm was 0.87, with 95% CI (0.75, 1.02) (see Table 7).

    There were no significant differences in DFS, OS, SDFS, and Distant DFS from switch in the Sequential Treatments Analysis with respect to either monotherapy (e.g., [Tamoxifen 2 years followed by] letrozole tablets 3 years versus tamoxifen beyond 2 years, DFS HR 0.89; 97.5% CI 0.68, 1.15 and [letrozole tablets 2 years followed by] tamoxifen 3 years versus letrozole tablets beyond 2 years, DFS HR 0.93; 97.5% CI 0.71, 1.22).

    There were no significant differences in DFS, OS, SDFS, and Distant DFS from randomization in the Sequential Treatments Analyses.

    14.2 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 24 Months

    A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (MA-17, NCT00003140) of letrozole tablets was performed in over 5,100 postmenopausal women with receptor-positive or unknown primary breast cancer who were disease free after 5 years of adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen.

    The planned duration of treatment for patients in the study was 5 years, but the trial was terminated early because of an interim analysis showing a favorable letrozole tablets effect on time without recurrence or contralateral breast cancer. At the time of unblinding, women had been followed for a median of 28 months, 30% of patients had completed 3 or more years of follow-up and less than 1% of patients had completed 5 years of follow-up.


    Selected baseline characteristics for the study population are shown in Table 8.

    Table 8: Selected Study Population Demographics (Modified ITT Population)


    Baseline Status
    		Letrozole tablets
    N=2582
    		Placebo
    N=2586
    Hormone Receptor Status (%)
    		 
    		 
         ER+ and/or PgR+
    		98
    		98
         Both Unknown
    		2
    		2
    Nodal Status (%)
    		 
    		 
         Node Negative
    		50
    		50
         Node Positive
    		46
    		46
         Nodal Status Unknown
    		4
    		4
    Chemotherapy
    		46
    		46

    Table 9 shows the study results. Disease-free survival was measured as the time from randomization to the earliest event of loco-regional or distant recurrence of the primary disease or development of contralateral breast cancer or death. DFS by hormone receptor status, nodal status and adjuvant chemotherapy were similar to the overall results. Data were premature for an analysis of survival.

    Table 9: Extended Adjuvant Study Results


      Letrozole tablets
    N = 2582    		Placebo
    N = 2586    		Hazard Ratio
    (95% CI)    		P-Value

    CI = confidence interval for hazard ratio. Hazard ratio of less than 1.0 indicates difference in favor of letrozole tablets (lesser risk of recurrence); hazard ratio greater than 1.0 indicates difference in favor of placebo (higher risk of recurrence with letrozole tablets).
    1 First event of loco-regional recurrence, distant relapse, contralateral breast cancer or death from any cause
    2 Analysis stratified by receptor status, nodal status and prior adjuvant chemotherapy (stratification factors as at randomization). P-value based on stratified log-rank test.
    Disease Free Survival (DFS)1 Events
    		122 (4.7%)
    		193 (7.5%)
    		0.62 (0.49, 0.78)2
    		0.00003
         Local Breast   Recurrence
    		9
    		22
    		 
    		 
         Local Chest Wall Recurrence
    		2
    		8
    		 
    		 
         Regional Recurrence
    		7
    		4
    		 
    		 
         Distant Recurrence
    		55
    		92
    		0.61 (0.44 - 0.84)
    		0.003
         Contralateral Breast Cancer
    		19
    		29
    		 
    		 

         Deaths Without Recurrence     
         Or Contralateral Breast  Cancer
    30
    38    		 
    		 

    14.3 Updated Analyses of Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 60 Months

    Table 10 : Update of Extended Adjuvant Study Results


     Letrozole tablets
    N=2582
    (%)
    		 Placebo
    N=2586
    (%)
    		 Hazard Ratio1
    (95%CI)
    		 P- Value2
     Disease Free Survival (DFS) events3
    		 344 (13.3)
    		 402 (15.5)
    		 0.89 (0.77 , 1.03)
    		 0.12
     Breast cancer recurrence
    (Protocol definition of DFS events4)
    		 209 286 0.75 (0.63 , 0.89)
    		 0.001
     Local Breast Recurrence
    		 1544
    		  
     Local Chest Wall Recurrence
    		 614
    		  
     Regional Recurrence
    		 108
    		  
     Distant Recurrence
    		 140167
    		  
     Distant Recurrence (first or subsequent events)
    		 142169
    		0.88 (0.70 , 1.10)
    		0.246
     Contralateral Breast Cancer
    		 37 53  
     Deaths Without Recurrence or Contralateral Breast Cancer
    		 135 116  

    1 Adjusted by receptor status and prior chemotherapy
    2 Stratified log-rank test, stratified by receptor status, nodal status and prior chemotherapy
    3 DFS events defined as earliest of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis,contralateral breast cancer or death from any cause, and ignoring switches to letrozole tablets in 60% of the placebo arm.
    4 Protocol definition does not include deaths from any cause.

    Updated analyses were conducted at a median follow-up of 62 months. In the letrozole tablets arm, 71% of the patients were treated for a least 3 years and 58% of patients completed at least 4.5 years of extended adjuvant treatment. After the unblinding of the study at a median follow-up of 28 months, approximately 60% of the selected patients in the placebo arm opted to switch to letrozole tablets.
    In this updated analysis shown in Table 10 letrozole tablets significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence or contralateral breast cancer compared with placebo (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.63, 0.89; P=0.001). However, in the updated DFS analysis (interval between randomization and earliest event of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, contralateral breast cancer, or death from any cause) the treatment difference was heavily diluted by 60% of the patients in the placebo arm switching to letrozole tablets and accounting for 64% of the total placebo patient-years of follow-up. Ignoring these switches, the risk of DFS event was reduced by a non-significant 11% (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.77, 1.03). There was no significant difference in distant disease-free survival or overall survival.

    14.4 First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer


    A randomized, double-blind, multinational trial (P025) compared letrozole tablets 2.5 mg with tamoxifen 20 mg in 916 postmenopausal patients with locally advanced (Stage IIIB or loco-regional recurrence not amenable to treatment with surgery or radiation) or metastatic breast cancer. Time to progression (TTP) was the primary endpoint of the trial. Selected baseline characteristics for this study are shown in Table 11.


    Table 11: Selected Study Population Demographics


    Baseline StatusLetrozole tablets
    N=458    		Tamoxifen
    N=458
    Stage of Disease
    		 
    		 
        IIIB
    		6%
    		7%
        IV
    		93%
    		92%
    Receptor Status
        ER and PgR Positive
    		38%
    		41%
        ER or PgR Positive
    		26%
    		26%
        Both Unknown
    		34%
    		33%
        ER- or PgR-/Other Unknown
    		<1%
    		0
    Previous Antiestrogen Therapy
    		 
    		 
        Adjuvant
    		19%
    		18%
        None
    		81%
    		82%
    Dominant Site of Disease
    		 
    		 
        Soft Tissue
    		25%
    		25%
        Bone
    		32%
    		29%
        Viscera
    		43%
    		46%


    Letrozole tablets were superior to tamoxifen in TTP and rate of objective tumor response (see Table 12).
    Table 12 summarizes the results of the trial, with a total median follow-up of approximately 32 months. (All analyses are unadjusted and use 2-sided P-values.)

    Table 12: Results of First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer


    1 Hazard ratio
    2 Odds ratio
    3 Overall log-rank test
    Letrozole tablets
    2.5 mg
    N=453
    		Tamoxifen
    20 mg
    N=454
    		Hazard or Odds
    Ratio (95% CI)
    P-Value (2-Sided)
    Median Time to Progression
    		9.4 months
    		6.0 months
    		0.72 (0.62, 0.83)1
     
    		 
    		 
    		P<0.0001
    Objective Response Rate
    		 
    		 
    		 
         (CR + PR)
    		145 (32%)
    		95 (21%)
    		1.77 (1.31, 2.39)2
     
    		 
    		 
    		P=0.0002
         (CR)
    		42 (9%)
    		15 (3%)
    		2.99 (1.63, 5.47)2
     
    		 
    		 
    		P=0.0004
    Duration of Objective Response
    		 
    		 
    		 
          Median
    		18 months
    		16 months
    		 
     
    		(N=145)
    		(N=95)
    		 
    Overall Survival
    		35 months
    		32 months
    		 
     
    		(N=458)
    		(N=458)
    		P=0.51363

    Figure 2 shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for TTP.


                         Figure 2  Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Study P025)


    letrozole graph



    Table 13 shows results in the subgroup of women who had received prior antiestrogen adjuvant therapy, Table 14, results by disease site and Table 15, the results by receptor status. 


    Table 13: Efficacy in Patients Who Received Prior Antiestrogen Therapy


    Hazard ratio less than 1 or odds ratio greater than 1 favors letrozole tablets; hazard ratio greater than 1 or odds ratio less than 1 favors tamoxifen.
    Variable
    		Letrozole tablets
    2.5 mg
    N=84
    		Tamoxifen
    20 mg
    N=83
    Median Time to Progression (95% CI)
    		8.9 months (6.2, 12.5)
    		5.9 months (3.2, 6.2)
         Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI)
    		 
    		0.60 (0.43, 0.84)
    Objective Response Rate
         (CR + PR)
    		22 (26%)
    		7 (8%)
         Odds Ratio for Response (95% CI)
    		 
    		3.85 (1.50, 9.60)


    Table 14: Efficacy by Disease Site


    Letrozole tablets
    2.5 mg
    		Tamoxifen
    20 mg
    Dominant Disease Site
    		 
    		 
    Soft Tissue:
    		N=113
    		N=115
         Median TTP
    		12.1 months
    		6.4 months
         Objective Response Rate
    		50%
    		34%
    Bone:
    		N=145
    		N=131
         Median TTP
    		9.5 months
    		6.3 months
         Objective Response Rate
    		23%
    		15%
    Viscera:
    		N=195
    		N=208
         Median TTP
    		8.3 months
    		4.6 months
         Objective Response Rate
    		28%
    		17%

    Table 15: Efficacy by Receptor Status


    Hazard ratio less than 1 or odds ratio greater than 1 favors letrozole tablets; hazard ratio greater than 1 or odds ratio less than 1 favors tamoxifen.
    Variable
    		Letrozole tablets
    2.5 mg
    		Tamoxifen
    20 mg
    Receptor Positive
    		N=294
    		N=305
         Median Time to Progression (95% CI)
    		9.4 months (8.9, 11.8)
    		6.0 months (5.1, 8.5)
         Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI)
    		0.69 (0.58, 0.83)
    		 
         Objective Response Rate (CR+PR)
    		97 (33%)
    		66 (22%)
         Odds Ratio for Response 95% CI)
    		1.78 (1.20, 2.60)
    		 
    Receptor Unknown
    		N=159
    		N=149
         Median Time to Progression (95% CI)
    		9.2 months (6.1, 12.3)
    		6.0 months (4.1, 6.4)
         Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI)
    		0.77 (0.60, 0.99)
    		 
         Objective Response Rate (CR+PR)
    		48 (30%)
    		29 (20%)
    Odds Ratio for Response (95% CI)
    		1.79 (1.10, 3.00)
    		 



    Figure 3 shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for survival.

                                        Figure 3  Survival by Randomized Treatment Arm


    letrozole graph

    Legend: Randomized letrozole tablets: n=458, events 57%, median overall survival 35 months (95% CI 32 to 38 months)

    Randomized tamoxifen: n=458, events 57%, median overall survival 32 months (95% CI 28 to 37 months)

    Overall log-rank P=0.5136 (i.e., there was no significant difference between treatment arms in overall survival).

    The median overall survival was 35 months for the letrozole tablets group and 32 months for the tamoxifen group, with a P-value 0.5136. Study design allowed patients to cross over upon progression to the other therapy. Approximately 50% of patients crossed over to the opposite treatment arm and almost all patients who crossed over had done so by 36 months. The median time to crossover was 17 months (letrozole tablets to tamoxifen) and 13 months (tamoxifen to letrozole tablets). In patients who did not cross over to the opposite treatment arm, median survival was 35 months with letrozole tablets (n=219, 95% Cl 29 to 43 months) vs 20 months with tamoxifen (n=229, 95% Cl 16 to 26 months).

    14.5 Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

    Letrozole tablets were initially studied at doses of 0.1 mg to 5.0 mg daily in six non-comparative  trials  (AR/BC1, P01, AR/ST1, AR/PS1, AR/ES1, and NJO-03) in 181 postmenopausal estrogen/progesterone receptor positive or unknown advanced breast cancer patients previously treated with at least antiestrogen therapy. Patients had received other hormonal therapies and also may have received cytotoxic therapy. Eight (20%) of forty patients treated with letrozole tablets 2.5 mg daily in trials achieved an objective tumor response (complete or partial response).

    Two large randomized, controlled, multinational (predominantly European) trials (AR/BC2, AR/BC3) were conducted in patients with advanced breast cancer who had progressed despite antiestrogen therapy. Patients were randomized to letrozole tablets 0.5 mg daily, letrozole tablets 2.5 mg daily, or a comparator [megestrol acetate 160 mg daily in one study (AR/BC2); and aminoglutethimide 250 mg twice a day with corticosteroid supplementation in the other study (AR/BC3)]. In each study over 60% of the patients had received therapeutic antiestrogens, and about one-fifth of these patients had an objective response. The megestrol acetate controlled study was double-blind; the other study was open label. Selected baseline characteristics for each study are shown in Table 16.


    Table 16: Selected Study Population Demographics


    Parametermegestrol acetate
    study    		aminoglutethimide
    study
    No. of Participants
    		552
    		557
    Receptor Status
    		 
    		 
          ER/PR Positive
    		57%
    		56%
          ER/PR Unknown
    		43%
    		44%
    Previous Therapy
    		 
    		 
          Adjuvant Only
    		33%
    		38%
          Therapeutic +/- Adj.
    		66%
    		62%
    Sites of Disease
    		 
    		 
          Soft Tissue
    		56%
    		50%
          Bone
    		50%
    		55%
          Viscera
    		40%
    		44%

    Confirmed objective tumor response (complete response plus partial response) was the primary endpoint of the trials. Responses were measured according to the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) criteria and verified by independent, blinded review. All responses were confirmed by a second evaluation 4-12 weeks after the documentation of the initial response. 


    Table 17 shows the results for the first trial, with a minimum follow-up of 15 months, that compared letrozole tablets 0.5 mg, letrozole tablets 2.5 mg, and megestrol acetate 160 mg daily. (All analyses are unadjusted.)


    Table 17: Megestrol Acetate Study Results


      Letrozole tablets
    0.5 mg
    N=188    		Letrozole tablets
    2.5 mg
    N=174    		megestrol
    acetate
    N=190
    * two-sided P-value
    Objective Response (CR + PR)
    		22 (11.7%)
    		41 (23.6%)
    		31 (16.3%)
    Median duration of Response
    		552 days
    		(Not reached)
    		561 days
    Median Time to Progression
    		154 days
    		170 days
    		168 days
    Median Survival
    		633 days
    		730 days
    		659 days
    Odds Ratio for Response
    		Letrozole tablets 2.5: Letrozole tablets 0.5=2.33
    (95% CI: 1.32, 4.17); P=0.004*
    		 Letrozole tablets 2.5: megestrol=1.58
    (95% CI: 0.94, 2.66); P=0.08*
    Relative Risk of Progression
    		Letrozole tablets 2.5: Letrozole tablets 0.5=0.81
    (95% CI: 0.63, 1.03); P=0.09*
    		 Letrozole tablets 2.5: megestrol=0.77
    (95% CI: 0.60, 0.98); P=0.03*

    The Kaplan-Meier curves for progression for the megestrol acetate study are shown in Figure 4.

                        Figure 4 Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Megestrol Acetate Study)


    letrozole graph

    The results for the study comparing letrozole tablets to aminoglutethimide(AR/BC3), with a minimum follow-up of 9 months, are shown in Table 18. (Unadjusted analyses are used.)


    Table 18: Aminoglutethimide Study Results


    *two-sided P-value
     
    		Letrozole tablets  
    0.5 mg
    N=193
    		Letrozole tablets 
    2.5 mg
    N=185
    		aminoglutethimide
    N=179
    Objective Response (CR + PR)
    		34 (17.6%)
    		34 (18.4%)
    		22 (12.3%)
    Median Duration of Response
    		619 days
    		706 days
    		450 days
    Median Time to Progression
    		103 days
    		123 days
    		112 days
    Median Survival
    		636 days
    		792 days
    		592 days
    Odds Ratio for Response
    		Letrozole tablets 2.5:
    Letrozole tablets 0.5=1.05
    (95% CI: 0.62, 1.79); P=0.85*
    		 Letrozole tablets 2.5:
    aminoglutethimide=1.61
    (95% CI: 0.90, 2.87); P=0.11*
    Relative Risk of Progression
    		Letrozole tablets 2.5:
    Letrozole tablets 0.5=0.86
    (95% CI: 0.68, 1.11); P=0.25*
    		 Letrozole tablets 2.5: 
    aminoglutethimide=0.74
    (95% CI: 0.57, 0.94); P=0.02*

    The Kaplan-Meier curves for progression for the aminoglutethimide study is shown in Figure 5.

               Figure 5 Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Aminoglutethimide Study)



    letrozole graph

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING


    Packaged in HDPE bottles with a child resistant closure.

    2.5 milligram tablets

    Bottles of 30 tablets...............................................................................NDC: 63850-0025-1
    Bottles of 1000 tablets ..........................................................................NDC: 63850-0025-4

    Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59 to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].


  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
    Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during letrozole tablets therapy and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Advise females to contact their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, or if pregnancy is suspected, during treatment with letrozole tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

    Lactation
    Advise women not to breastfeed during letrozole tablets treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

    Infertility
    Advise females and males of reproductive potential of the potential for reduced fertility from letrozole tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

    Fatigue and Dizziness
    Since fatigue and dizziness have been observed with the use of letrozole tablets and somnolence was uncommonly reported, caution is advised when driving or using machinery.

    Bone Effects
    Consideration should be given to monitoring bone mineral density.

    Manufactured by:
    NATCO PHARMA LIMITED
    Kothur- 509228,
    India.



  • Letrozole tablets USP 2.5 mg- Bottle of 30 tablets


    RX Only

    NDC: 63850-0025-1

    Each film coated tablet contains letrozole USP 2.5 mg.
     

    Dosage: See package insert.

    Dispense in tight container USP.

    Store at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15-30 ºC (59-86 ºF). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children.

    M.L: 164/MN/AP/95/F/Rletrozole tablets 2.5 mg- bottle of 30 container label

  • Letrozole tablets USP 2.5 mg- Bottle of 1000 tablets

    RX Only

    NDC: 63850-0025-4

    Each film coated tablet contains letrozole USP 2.5 mg.
    Dosage: See package insert.

    Dispense in tight container USP.

    Store at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15-30 ºC (59-86 ºF). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children.

    M.L: 164/MN/AP/95/F/R
    letrozole tablets bottle of 1000s label

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    LETROZOLE 
    letrozole tablet
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 63850-0025
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    LETROZOLE (UNII: 7LKK855W8I) (LETROZOLE - UNII:7LKK855W8I) LETROZOLE2.5 mg
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)  
    FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW (UNII: EX438O2MRT)  
    HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO)  
    LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)  
    MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)  
    POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 3WJQ0SDW1A)  
    SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)  
    SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (UNII: 5856J3G2A2)  
    STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ)  
    TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U)  
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorYELLOWScoreno score
    ShapeROUNDSize6mm
    FlavorImprint Code N;L
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 63850-0025-130 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/03/2011
    2NDC: 63850-0025-41000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/03/2011
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA20016106/03/2011
    Labeler - Natco Pharma Limited (650224736)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Natco Pharma Limited-Pharma Division918588174MANUFACTURE(63850-0025)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    NATCO PHARMA LIMITED675484209MANUFACTURE(63850-0025)
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