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Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.

crisantaspase recombinant

( cri san TAS pase )
Funding:
New Drug Funding Program
  • Crisantaspase Recombinant - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Mixed or Biphenotypic Leukemia
Other Name(s): Rylaze™
Appearance: colourless to light yellow solution for injection
A - Drug Name

crisantaspase recombinant

COMMON TRADE NAME(S):   Rylaze™

 
B - Mechanism of Action and Pharmacokinetics

Crisantaspase recombinant hydrolyzes extracellular L-asparagine, an amino acid that is essential for protein synthesis by leukemic cells, which are unable to synthesize asparagine and depend on an exogenous source, and results in cytotoxicity. 

Crisantaspase recombinant is a recombinant form of Erwinia asparaginase. It is expressed in Pseudomonas fluorescens with an identical amino acid sequence to native Erwinia asparaginase. This is antigenically distinct from E. coli-derived asparaginase and therefore can be used as an alternative in patients who have a documented hypersensitivity (reaction and/or silent inactivation) to E. coli-derived asparaginase products.



Absorption

Exposure increases proportionally over a dosing range from 12.5 to 50 mg/m2.

Bioavailability

37% (IM)

T max

13.7 hours


Metabolism

Crisantaspase recombinant is expected to be metabolized by catabolic pathways into small peptides.

Elimination
Half-life

19.1 hours (IM)

 
C - Indications and Status
Health Canada Approvals:

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)*
  • Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL)*

Refer to the product monograph for a full list of approved indications.



Other Uses:

  • Mixed/biphenotypic leukemia*


*For use in patients who have a documented hypersensitivity (reaction and/or silent inactivation) to E. coli-derived asparaginase products

 
D - Adverse Effects

Emetogenic Potential:  

Minimal

The following adverse effects were reported (≥5% incidence) in a small Phase II/III open-label trial of pediatric and adult patients with ALL or LBL, who had developed hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase (pegaspargase), in combination with other chemotherapy. Severe and life-threatening adverse effects from post-marketing or other sources may also be included.

ORGAN SITE SIDE EFFECT* (%) ONSET**
Cardiovascular Arterial/venous thromboembolism (4%) (2% severe) E
Hypertension (14%) E
Hypotension (8%) E
Tachycardia (16%) E
Dermatological Rash, pruritus (8%) E
Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain (26%) E
Anorexia, weight loss (28%) E
Constipation (14%) E
Dehydration (12%) E
Diarrhea (24%) E
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (6%) E
Mucositis (28%) E
Nausea, vomiting (35%) (6% severe) I  E
General Fatigue (22%) E
Hematological Hemorrhage (2%) (severe) E
Other - Prolonged PT/aPTT, ↓ antithrombin III, hypofibrinogenemia (6%) E
Hepatobiliary ↑ Bilirubin (8%) E
↑ LFTs (22%) (8% severe) E
Pancreatitis (12%) (8% severe) E
Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity (29%) (2% anaphylaxis) I  E  D
Injection site Injection site reaction (8%) I
Metabolic / Endocrine Abnormal electrolyte(s) (22%) (↓ K, Ca, Na) E
Hyperglycemia (12%) E
↑ Triglycerides (12%) E
Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal pain (16%) E
Nervous System Dizziness (8%) E
Headache (22%) E
Paresthesia (8%) E
Renal Creatinine increased (6%) E
Respiratory Cough (14%) E


* "Incidence" may refer to an absolute value or the higher value from a reported range.
"Rare" may refer to events with < 1% incidence, reported in post-marketing, phase 1 studies,
isolated data or anecdotal reports.

** I = immediate (onset in hours to days)     E = early (days to weeks)
D = delayed (weeks to months)      L = late (months to years)

When given in combination with chemotherapy, the most common side effects for crisantaspase recombinant include nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity, anorexia, weight loss, mucositis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, ↑ LFTs and abnormal electrolyte(s).

In clinical trials, the onset of hypersensitivity occurred after a median of 12 crisantaspase recombinant IM doses (range 1-64 doses). The most common reaction was rash (including maculopapular rash). Severe reactions were reported in 6% of patients, including anaphylaxis (2%). Hypersensitivity reactions were higher in patients who received IV crisantaspase recombinant than IM; thus, the IV route of administration is not recommended.

Bleeding was reported in trials (26%) but the most commonly observed reactions were bruising and nose bleeds. Hemorrhage, in patients treated with L-asparaginase-class of products, may be associated with increased prothrombin time (PT), increased partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and hypofibrinogenemia. Patients should be evaluated for coagulopathy and receive appropriate treatment as needed.

Pancreatitis, including acute pancreatitis, was observed in clinical trials and may be severe. Hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis has been reported with asparaginase class products.

 
E - Dosing

Refer to protocol by which patient is being treated. 

Screen for hepatitis B virus in all cancer patients starting systemic treatment. Refer to the hepatitis B virus screening and management guideline.


Premedications (prophylaxis for administration-related reactions)

To be given 30-60 minutes prior to crisantaspase recombinant administration:

  • acetaminophen
  • H1 receptor blocker (e.g. diphenhydramine)
  • H2 receptor blocker (e.g. famotidine)


Adults:

Risk of medication error: Different asparaginase formulations are not interchangeable and dosing schedules are different. Confirm the formulation carefully against the regimen used before prescribing, dispensing and administration.

Intramuscular: 25 mg/m2 on Monday and Wednesday, and 50 mg/mon Friday*

*for a total of 6 doses to replace each planned dose of pegaspargase

Refer to protocol by which patient is being treated for cycle frequency. Usually used in combination with other cytotoxic drugs.


Dosage with Toxicity:

Discontinue in patients who experience silent inactivation, high grade toxicities, or evidence of disease progression.
 

Toxicity Severity Action
Hypersensitivity Grade 3 to 4 Discontinue.
Amylase or lipase

> 2 x ULN
or 
Symptomatic pancreatitis

Hold. Restart when amylase and lipase < 1.5 x ULN and symptoms resolve.

Discontinue if clinical necrotizing or hemorrhagic pancreatitis is confirmed.

Thrombosis Uncomplicated

Hold. Treat with appropriate antithrombotic therapy.

Consider restart if symptoms resolve, while continuing antithrombotic therapy.

Severe or life-threatening

Discontinue. Treat with appropriate antithrombotic therapy.

Hemorrhage Grade 3 to 4

Hold. Evaluate for coagulopathy and consider clotting factor replacement as needed.

If clinically appropriate, resume with the next scheduled dose.

Hepatotoxicity Total bilirubin > 3 to ≤10 x ULN Hold. Restart when total bilirubin ≤1.5 x ULN.
Total bilirubin > 10 x ULN Discontinue.


Dosage with Hepatic Impairment:

Crisantaspase recombinant has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. 



Dosage with Renal Impairment:

Crisantaspase recombinant has not been studied in patients with renal impairment.



Dosage in the elderly:

There was insufficient data in patients ≥ 65 years of age to determine if there are differences in response compared to younger patients.



Dosage based on gender:

There were no clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of crisantaspase recombinant based on gender.



Dosage based on ethnicity:

Black patients had 29% lower clearance which may increase exposure compared to White and Asian patients. 



Children:

Safety and efficacy of crisantaspase recombinant has been established in patients ≥ 1 year of age. There were no clinically significant differences in safety or asparaginase activity based on age (1.4 to 25 years).



 
F - Administration Guidelines

Risk of medication error: Different asparaginase formulations are not Interchangeable and dosing schedules are different. Confirm the formulation carefully against the regimen used before prescribing, dispensing and administration.



  • Crisantaspase recombinant should be is administered by intramuscular injection only.
  • Do not shake the vial.
  • No reconstitution or dilution is required. Withdraw the indicated injection volume into the syringe(s) for injection.
  • The maximum volume for injection at a single injection site is 2 mL. Use multiple injection sites if the volume to be administered is > 2 mL.
  • Do not inject crisantaspase recombinant into scar tissue or areas that are reddened, inflamed, or swollen.
  • Store unopened vials at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton, protected from light.
 
G - Special Precautions
Contraindications:

  • Patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or any of its components, or have had serious hypersensitivity reactions to Erwinia asparaginase, including anaphylaxis 
  • Patients who have a history of serious pancreatitis, thrombosis or hemorrhagic events during previous asparaginase therapy

Pregnancy and Lactation:
  • Embryotoxicity: Yes
  • Fetotoxicity: Yes

    Crisantaspase recombinant is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Adequate contraception should be used by patients and their partners during treatment, and for 3 months after the last dose.

    A method of contraception other than oral contraceptives should be used in people who can become pregnant, since an indirect interaction between oral contraception and crisantaspase recombinant cannot be excluded.

  • Breastfeeding:

    Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

  • Fertility effects: Unknown
 
H - Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with crisantaspase recombinant.

The following interactions were reported with other formulations of asparaginase:

AGENT EFFECT MECHANISM MANAGEMENT
Hepatotoxic drugs ↑ hepatotoxicity Additive Monitor liver function; use with caution
Drugs requiring hepatic enzyme metabolism May ↑ toxicity of these agents Asparaginase may interfere with enzymatic detoxification Caution
Methotrexate ↓ effect of both drugs when asparaginase given immediately before or concurrently with methotrexate; Enhanced effect of both drugs when asparaginase given after methotrexate Suppression of asparagine concentrations or cell replication Refer to protocol by which patient is treated
Cytarabine ↓ effect of asparaginase when asparaginase given immediately before or concurrently with cytarabine; Enhanced effect of asparaginase when asparaginase given after cytarabine Suppression of asparagine concentrations or cell replication Refer to protocol by which patient is treated
Immunosuppressants (i.e., cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus) ↑immunosuppression, risk of lymphoproliferation Additive Caution
Phenytoin ↑ risk of seizures ↓ phenytoin uptake; risk of ↑ toxicity or ↓ efficacy of cytotoxics due to metabolism induction Use other anticonvulsant alternatives
Prednisone ↑hyperglycemia Additive Monitor
Vincristine and/or prednisone ↑ vincristine toxicity when vincristine given concurrently or immediately after asparaginase Unknown Refer to protocol by which patient is treated
Anticoagulants, including NSAIDs, ASA ↑ risk of bleeding Changes in coagulation by asparaginase Use with caution
Serum thyroxine-binding globulin ↓ total serum thyroxine-binding globulin concentration ↓ synthesis of thyroxine-binding globulin in liver Delay measurement until 4 weeks after end of asparaginase therapy
Live and attenuated live vaccines ↑ risk of severe infections Immunosuppressive activity of asparaginase Avoid. Vaccinations with live vaccines should be given at least 3 months after the end of the entire treatment protocol
Oral contraceptives May ↓ efficacy of oral contraceptives (reported with pegaspargase) May impair hepatic clearance of oral contraceptives due to asparaginase's hepatotoxic effects Use alternative contraception method
Glucocorticoids ↑ effects on fibrinogen and ATIII decreases (reported with pegaspargase) Unknown Refer to protocol by which patient is treated
Highly protein-bound drugs ↑ toxicity of these drugs (reported with pegaspargase) Decreased serum proteins Caution
 
I - Recommended Clinical Monitoring

Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph.

Refer to the hepatitis B virus screening and management guideline for monitoring during and after treatment.
 

Recommended Clinical Monitoring

Monitor Type Monitor Frequency

LFTs, bilirubin

Baseline, before each cycle, and as clinically indicated

Amylase and lipase

Baseline, before each cycle, and as clinically indicated

Clotting profile (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, AT III)

Baseline, and as clinically indicated; more frequent in patients at risk of coagulopathies

Blood glucose

Baseline, as clinically indicated and more frequently if patients have diabetes

Trough serum asparaginase level

Refer to local protocol

Clinical toxicity assessment for tumour lysis syndrome, pancreatitis, GI effects, infection, hypersensitivity reactions, thromboembolism/bleeding

At each visit

Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version



Suggested Clinical Monitoring

Monitor Type Monitor Frequency

CBC

Baseline and as clinically indicated

Cholesterol and triglycerides

As clinically indicated

Urinary glucose

As clinically indicated

Albumin levels

As clinically indicated
 
J - Supplementary Public Funding

New Drug Funding Program (NDFP Website )

  • Crisantaspase Recombinant - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Mixed or Biphenotypic Leukemia

 
K - References

CADTH reimbursement review: Crisantaspase recombinant (Rylaze). Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, July 2023 (published online).

Maese L, Loh ML, Choi MR, et al. Recombinant Erwinia asparaginase (JZP458) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results from the phase 2/3 AALL1931 study. Blood 2023; 141 (7): 704-12.

NCI Drug Dictionary: Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn. Accessed July 17, 2023.

Prescribing information: asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn. Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc. (USA), November 2022.

Product monograph: crisantaspase recombinant (Rylaze™). Jazz Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., September 2, 2022.

Recombinant Erwinia asparaginase: Lexicomp drug information. Accessed August 29, 2023.


December 2023 New drug monograph

 
L - Disclaimer

Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.

The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.

The format and content of the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information contained in the Formulary will change as they are reviewed and revised on a periodic basis. The date of last revision will be visible on each page of the monograph and regimen. Since standards of usage are constantly evolving, it is advised that the Formulary not be used as the sole source of information. It is strongly recommended that original references or product monograph be consulted prior to using a chemotherapy regimen for the first time.

Some Formulary documents, such as the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets and symptom management information (for patients), are intended for patients. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions regarding any information set out in the Formulary documents.

While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in the Formulary, such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability.

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