Drug Interactions between ifosfamide and lurbinectedin

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and Seville oranges may increase the plasma concentrations of lurbinectedin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit and Seville oranges. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit or Seville oranges, but pharmacokinetic data are available for potent and moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. In a clinical drug interaction study, coadministration of itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, increased the systemic exposure (AUC) of total lurbinectedin by 2.7-fold and unbound lurbinectedin by 2.4-fold. In a Phase 1 study, coadministration of aprepitant, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, decreased lurbinectedin plasma clearance by 33% compared to lurbinectedin alone. In general, the effect of grapefruit and Seville oranges is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice and Seville oranges (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased exposure may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of lurbinectedin, such as myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges during treatment with lurbinectedin.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice may reduce the efficacy of ifosfamide, whose anticancer effect is dependent on its activation to the 4-hydroxyifosfamide metabolite via CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4 metabolism by certain compounds present in grapefruit. There are no data available about the effects of grapefruit on ifosfamide. However, in a small study, 8 patients with incurable malignancies received ifosfamide 3 g/m2 by infusion with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole 200 mg orally twice daily for 4 days starting 1 day before the ifosfamide infusion. Ketoconazole decreased the clearance of ifosfamide by 11%, decreased systemic exposure (AUC) of the active metabolite 4-hydroxyifosfamide by 30%, and increased the AUC of the inactive but potentially neurotoxic metabolite 2-dechloroethylifosfamide by 23%, as compared to control. Because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the neurotoxic effects of ifosfamide. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In addition, ifosfamide therapy may cause gastrointestinal disorders and alcohol consumption may increase nausea and vomiting.

MANAGEMENT: Given the potential for reduced efficacy of ifosfamide and increased risk of neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity it may be advisable for patients to avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with ifosfamide. In addition, patients receiving ifosfamide should be warned of the increased risk of neurotoxicity, nausea and vomiting when used in combination with alcohol. Patients should avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol during treatment with ifosfamide.