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.
DENO
Regimen is considered appropriate as part of the standard care of patients; meaningfully improves outcomes (survival, quality of life), tolerability or costs compared to alternatives (recommended by the Disease Site Team and national consensus body e.g. pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, pCODR). Recommendation is based on an appropriately conducted phase III clinical trial relevant to the Canadian context OR (where phase III trials are not feasible) an appropriately sized phase II trial. Regimens where one or more drugs are not approved by Health Canada for any indication will be identified under Rationale and Use.
For prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Different denosumab products are not interchangeable.
| denosumab | 120 mg | Subcut | Every 4 weeks |
| (This drug is not currently publicly funded for this regimen and intent) | |||
Not applicable
Other Supportive Care:
All patients, except those with hypercalcemia, should receive the following supplementation:
- at least 500mg of calcium daily
- at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily
Doses should be modified according to the protocol by which the patient is being treated.
Pre-existing hypocalcemia must be corrected prior to starting treatment.
Patients being treated with denosumab should not be treated concomitantly with bisphosphonates or other denosumab products.
Dosage with toxicity
| Toxicity | Action |
| Grade 3 or 4 drug-related toxicity | Consider holding or discontinuing |
| Osteonecrosis of the jaw | Follow guidelines for management. Consider holding or discontinuing treatment. Refer patient to dentist or oral surgeon. |
| Hypocalcemia | Treat appropriately. Consider holding or discontinuing treatment if severe. |
| Anaphylaxis or significant hypersensitivity | Treat appropriately. Discontinue denosumab permanently. |
Hepatic Impairment
No studies have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment
No dose adjustment is required with renal impairment. Patients with renal impairment are at increased risk of severe life threatening hypocalcemia and require increased monitoring (refer to monitoring section).
Dosage in the Elderly
No adjustment required. No overall differences in safety and efficacy.
Refer to denosumab drug monograph(s) for additional details of adverse effects.
|
Common (25-49%) |
Less common (10-24%) |
Uncommon (< 10%), but may be severe or life-threatening |
|
|
|
Refer to denosumab drug monograph(s) for additional details.
- Exercise caution when given with drugs that may cause hypocalcemia. Monitor calcium levels closely.
Refer to denosumab drug monograph(s) for additional details
Different denosumab products are not interchangeable.
Administration:
- Inject subcutaneously in the upper arm, upper thigh, or the abdomen.
- Should not be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or intradermally
- Use a 27-gauge needle to withdraw or inject the drug. Avoid vigorous shaking of the drug.
- Denosumab should appear clear, colourless to slightly yellow. It may contain trace amounts of translucent or white proteinaceous particles. Do not use if the solution is discoloured, cloudy, contains many particles or foreign matter.
- If a dose is missed, it may be given as soon as possible and the subsequent injection should be scheduled q4 weeks from the most recent injection date.
- Keep refrigerated in the original carton between 2-8°C. Protect from direct light
- Before use, the drug vial (in its original container) can be brought to room temperature (usually takes 15-30 minutes). Do not warm the drug by other methods. Once removed from the refrigerator, it must be stored at room temperature (≤ 25°C) and used within 30 days.
Contraindications:
- Contraindicated in patients who have a hypersensitivity to this drug or any of its components
- Hypocalcemia
Precautions:
- Patients being treated with denosumab should not be treated concomitantly with bisphosphonates or other denosumab products.
- Risk of hypocalcemia is greater in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Patients, except those with hypercalcemia, should receive adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation (see Dosing section).
- A risk-benefit assessment should be performed for patients with risk factors for ONJ before starting treatment.
- Dental examination with appropriate preventative dentistry should be considered prior to treatment. Invasive dental surgeries should be avoided while on treatment.
Pregnancy/Lactation:
- This regimen is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Adequate contraception should be used by patients and their partners while on treatment and after the last treatment dose. Recommended methods and duration of contraception may differ depending on the treatment. Refer to the drug monograph(s) for more information.
- Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and after the last treatment dose. Refer to the drug monograph(s) for recommendations after the last treatment dose (if available).
- Fertility effects: Unlikely
Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph.
Recommended Clinical Monitoring
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Calcium, phosphate, magnesium - No hypercalcemia: baseline, within 2 weeks of the first dose, and as clinically indicated. In patients with hypercalcemia: baseline, before each dose and as clinically indicated. Additional monitoring with renal dysfunction, symptoms of hypercalcemia / hypocalcemia, and after denosumab discontinuation in patients with growing skeletons
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Oral / dental examination; Baseline and regular
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Clinical toxicity assessment for fatigue, musculoskeletal effects, hypocalcemia, ONJ, hypersensitivity, cellulitis, cough/dyspnea; At each visit
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Vertebral fractures; evaluate patient risk after treatment discontinuation
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Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
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Refer to local administration guidelines.
Denosumab drug monograph, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario).
Raje N, Terpos E, Willenbacker W, et al. Denosumab versus zoledronic acid in bone disease treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: an international, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, controlled, phase 3 study. Lancet Oncol 2018;19:370-81.
August 2024 Added statement on biosimilar products; updated Adverse Effects, Contraindications, Precautions, Pregnancy/lactation, and Monitoring sections
Regimen Abstracts
A Regimen Abstract is an abbreviated version of a Regimen Monograph and contains only top level information on usage, dosing, schedule, cycle length and special notes (if available). It is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice, and all uses of the Regimen Abstract are subject to clinical judgment. 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, and Cancer Care Ontario disclaims all liability for the use of this information, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits that arise from such use.
Information in regimen abstracts is accurate to the extent of the ST-QBP regimen master listings, and has not undergone the full review process of a regimen monograph. Full regimen monographs will be published for each ST-QBP regimen as they are developed.
Regimen Monographs
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.
CCO and the Formulary’s content providers shall have no liability, whether direct, indirect, consequential, contingent, special, or incidental, related to or arising from the information in the Formulary or its use thereof, whether based on breach of contract or tort (including negligence), and even if advised of the possibility thereof. Anyone using the information in the Formulary does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information, agrees to indemnify CCO and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such person’s use of the information in the Formulary.