MECHANISM OF ACTION — Melphalan is an alkylating agent that binds to the N7 position of guanine, resulting in inter- and intrastrand links of DNA and cytotoxicity.

CLINICAL STUDIES — FDA approval of Hepzato was based on the results of a single-arm, open-label trial (FOCUS) in 91 patients with uveal melanoma with unresectable hepatic metastases or limited extrahepatic disease in the bone, subcutaneous tissues, lymph nodes, or lung amenable to resection or radiation. Patients received melphalan 3 mg/kg every 6-8 weeks for up to 6 doses. The overall response rate was 35.2% and the median duration of response was 14 months.1

ADVERSE EFFECTS — In the FOCUS trial, cytopenias, fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, dyspnea, and abdominal pain were reported with use of melphalan. The label of Hepzato contains a boxed warning about the risks of severe periprocedural complications, including hemorrhage, hepatocellular injury, and thromboembolic events, and myelosuppression; patients should be monitored for 72 hours after receiving the drug.

Melphalan is contraindicated for use in patients with active intracranial metastases or brain lesions that are likely to bleed, liver failure, portal hypertension, known varices at risk for bleeding, or active cardiac conditions or in those who had surgery or medical treatment of the liver within the previous 4 weeks.

DOSAGE, ADMINISTRATION, AND COST — The recommended dosage of Hepzato is 3 mg/kg (max 220 mg) infused into the hepatic artery over 30 minutes once every 6-8 weeks for up to 6 infusions. The drug should not be used in patients who weigh <35 kg. The label contains dosage adjustments that should be made if adverse effects occur. Because of the risk of severe periprocedural complications, Hepzato is only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. The cost of Hepzato is not yet available.