Cancer Medicine (Feb 2024)
Guidelines for outpatient administration of naxitamab: Experience from Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital
Abstract
Abstract Aim In this publication, we will share our experience of AE management, provide guidance for appropriate staffing, and the discuss the importance of patient education when treating patients with R/R HR neuroblastoma using naxitamab. Background Approved treatments for patients with refractory and/or relapsed (R/R) high‐risk (HR) neuroblastoma are limited, and there is a high unmet need for new treatment combinations. Naxitamab is a disialoganglioside 2 (GD2)‐binding antibody that was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for use in combination with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor for the treatment of patients with R/R HR neuroblastoma in the bone and/or bone marrow and who have demonstrated a partial response, minor response, or stable disease with prior therapy. Methods The pediatric oncology team at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital has successfully treated several patients with naxitamab both alone and in combination with chemotherapy, with no patients requiring unplanned overnight hospitalization and few severe adverse events (AEs). To accomplish this, the team at Levine Children’s Hospital established standard operating procedures for naxitamab, a therapy defined as high acuity due to the potential for acute AEs with rapid onset and that benefits from continuous monitoring by a nursing team and a dedicated provider. Conclusions This will provide a practical guide for institutions offering naxitamab to their patients, and ensure successful administration of this high acuity treatment in the outpatient setting.
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