Clinical trial NCT01432171
Conditions: Malignant Glioma
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Start date: 2012-07-25; Completion date: 2017-06-20
Enrollment: 37 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
This trial studies how well lacosamide works in preventing seizures in participants with malignant glioma. Anti-seizure drugs, such as lacosamide, may decrease abnormal electrical activity in the brain that plays a role in developing seizures.

Detailed description:
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To determine if prophylactic administration of Lacosamide reduces the risk of seizures in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG).

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To determine the one-year risk of first seizure in this patient population. II. To evaluate patient reported symptoms.

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES:

I. To investigate clinical and electroencephalographic predictors of seizures in this patient population.

II. To evaluate the occurrence of symptoms and correlate to seizure activity as well as tolerance to treatment using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT) self-reporting tool.

OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I (LACOSAMIDE): Participants receive lacosamide orally (PO) twice a day (BID) for up to 1 year. Treatment continues in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

ARM II (PLACEBO): Participants receive a placebo PO BID for up to 1 year. Treatment continues in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

After completion of study treatment, participants are followed up every 3 months for 5 years.

Arms: arm 1: Participants receive lacosamide PO BID for up to 1 year. Treatment continues in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. arm 2: Participants receive a placebo PO BID for up to 1 year. Treatment continues in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Interventions: intervention 1: Lacosamide intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Given PO intervention 2: Given PO

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
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BTTC11 - 01 
 
Protocol Title: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 
Lacosamide for Seizure Prophylaxis in Patients with High-Grade Gliomas  
 
NCT Number: NCT01432171  
 
 


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BTTC11 - 01 
    
BRAIN TUMOR TRIALS COLLABORATIVE (BTTC) 
 
BTTC11-01: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Lacosamide for Seizure Prophylaxis in Patients with High-Grade 
Gliomas 
 
 
1.0 
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................. 7 
2.0 
BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................ 7 
3.0 
DRUG INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 11 
4.0 
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................ 16 
5.0 
STRATIFICATION/DESCRIPTIVE FACTORS......................................................................................... 17 
6.0 
TREATMENT PLAN ................................................................................................................................... 17 
7.0 
PRETREATMENT EVALUATION ............................................................................................................ 20 
8.0 
EVALUATION DURING STUDY .............................................................................................................. 21 
9.0 
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND ENDPOINT DEFINITIONS ........................................................ 24 
10.0 
CRITERIA FOR REMOVAL FROM TREATMENT ................................................................................. 26 
11.0 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................................... 27 
12.0 
DISCIPLINE REVIEW ................................................................................................................................ 30 
13.0 
PHARMACOKINETICS .............................................................................................................................. 31 
14.0 
LABORATORY CORRELATES ................................................................................................................. 31 
15.0 
MULTICENTER PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................... 31 
16.0 
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................. 43 
17.0 
APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................................. 46 
 
 
 
 
ACADEMIC PI  
 
Andrew Norden, MD, MPH 
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 
44 Binney St SW430B 
Boston, MA 02115 
Phone: 617-632-2166 
Fax: 617-632-4773 
Email: anorden@partners.org 
 
BTTC BIOSTATSTICIAN 
 
Ying Yuan, Ph. D. 
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center 
Division of Quantitative Science 
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1409 
Houston, TX  77030 
Phone: 713-563-4271 
Email: yyuan@mdanderson.org 
BTTC COORDINATING 
CENTER 
 
Office of Multicenter Clinical 
Research 
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center 
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1164 
Houston, TX 77030 
Phone: 713-792-8519 
Fax: 713-794-1902 
Email: 
OMCR_BTTC@mdanderson.org 


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BTTC11 - 01 
 
A DISCLAIMER STATEMENT FOR BTTC 
PROTOCOLS 
 
This is a research protocol of the Brain Tumor Trials 
Collaborative describing an experimental treatment 
procedure.  It is a privileged document and is not 
intended to be circulated or used for other purposes.  
The Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative assumes no 
responsibility for its use outside of the constraints of this 
research protocol or by investigators other than those 
approved by the Consortium. 
 
 
CO-PRINCIPAL 
INVESTIGATOR 
 
Patrick Wen, MD 
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 
44 Binney St SW430B 
Boston, MA 02115 
Phone: 617-632-2166 
Fax: 617-632-4773 
Email: pwen@partners.org 
AGENTS 
 
Name/s: Lacosamide (Vimpat®)         
 
IND#/s :  Exempt 
 
 
PATIENT REPORTED 
OUTCOMES CHAIR 
 
Terri S. Armstrong, PhD, ANP-BC 
UTHSC-SON and MDACC 
6901 Bertner Ave 
Houston, TX 77030 
Phone: 713-500-2044 
Fax: 713-500-2073 
Email: 
Terri.S.Armstrong@uth.tmc.edu 
ADMINISTRATIVE PI 
 
Mark Gilbert, MD 
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center 
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit  
Houston, TX 77030 
Phone:  713-792-4008 
Fax:  713-500-2073   
Email:  mrgilbert@mdanderson.org 
 
 


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BTTC11 - 01 
 
PARTICIPATING INVESTIGATORS 
 
 
Vinay Puduvalli, M.D. 
 
Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterEmail:    
              Vinay.puduvalli@osumc.educ 
 
George Bobustuc 
Aurora Heath Care 
george.bobustuc@aurora.org 
 
Charles Conrad, M.D. 
UT, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 
Email: cconrad@mdanderson.org 
 
Jeffrey Raizer, M.D. 
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine 
Email: jraizer@nmff.org 
 
 
Manmeet Ahluwalia, M.D. 
Cleveland Clinic 
Email: ahluwam@ccf.org 
 
Tobias Walbert, M.D., Ph.D. 
Henry Ford Health System 
Email: twalber1@hfhs.org 
 
Tom Mikkelsen, M.D. 
Henry Ford Health System 
Email: TMIKKEL1@hfhs.org 
 
Karen Fink, MD 
Neuro-Oncology Associates 
Email: karenfin@baylorhealth.edu 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
W.K. Alfred Yung, M.D. 
UT, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 
Email: 
wyung@mdanderson.org 
 
Ryan Merrell, M.D. 
NorthShore University HealthSystem 
Email: rmerrell@northshore.org 
 
John deGroot, M.D. 
UT, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 
Email: jdegroot@mdanderson.org 
 
Monica Loghin, M.D. 
UT, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 
Email: mloghin@mdanderson.org 
 
Nicholas Avgeropoulos, MD 
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Orlando 
Email: nicholas.avgeropoulos@orlandohealth.com 
 
 
Edward Pan, MD 
U.T. Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 
Email: edward.pan@utsouthwestern.edu 
 
 
Scott Lindhorst, MD 
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center 
Email:lindhors@musc.edu 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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BTTC11 - 01 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pamela New, MD 
The Methodist Hospital 
Email: pnew@tmhs.org 
 
 
 
Jing Wu, M.D. PhD 
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill 
Email: jwu@neurology.unc.edu 
 
Morris Groves, M.D. 
Texas Oncology-Austin Brain Tumor Center 
Morris.groves@usoncology.com 
 
 
 
Nina Paleologos, MD 
Rush University Medical Center 
Email: nina.paleologos@rush.edu 
 
 
 
 
 
David Tran, M.D. 
Washington University School of Medicine 
dtran@dom.wustl.edu 
 
 
 
 
Lisa Rogers, DO 
Case Western Reserve Univeristy 
Email: lisa.rogers1@uhhospital.org 
 
 
 
 


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BTTC11 - 01 
 SCHEMA 
 
 
 
 
 
*AED (Anti-epileptic drug) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Randomize 
Newly-
diagnosed 
high-grade 
glioma 
Lacosamide 
Placebo 
Taper any pre-study 
AED* 
Stratify: 
Perioperative 
AED* use 


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BTTC11 - 01 
1.0 
OBJECTIVES 
 
1.1 
Study design: This is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of prophylactic administration of the antiepileptic drug 
(AED) Lacosamide in patients with newly-diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG). 
 
1.2 
Primary objective: The primary objective of this study is to determine if prophylactic administration of Lacosamide reduces the risk of seizures in 
patients with HGG.  This will be tested in newly-diagnosed post-operative patients during the first year after tumor diagnosis.  The primary endpoint will 
be time to first seizure.  
 
1.3 
Secondary objectives: The secondary objectives of this study are to determine the one-year risk of first seizure in this patient population and to evaluate 
patient 
reported 
symptoms. 
 
1.4 
Exploratory objectives:  The exploratory objectives of this study are:  
 
To investigate clinical and electroencephalographic predictors of seizures in this patient population.  
 
 To evaluate the occurrence of symptoms and correlate to seizure activity as well as tolerance to treatment using the MD Anderson Symptom 
Inventory-Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT) self-reporting tool. 
 
 
2.0 
BACKGROUND 
 
2.1 
High-grade gliomas and seizures 
 
High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most common type of primary brain tumor. There are approximately 22,000 new cases in the United States each year [1]. 
Seizures are the presenting symptom in approximately 20% of patients with supratentorial HGG and are present at some stage of the illness in 30-50% of patients 
[2, 3]. The standard of care for HGG patients who present with seizures includes the administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) [4].  Likewise, there is general 
agreement that AED therapy is not indicated for patients with infratentorial or brainstem tumors due to the extremely low seizure risk.  There is, however, no 
consensus regarding the administration of prophylactic AEDs to patients with supratentorial HGG who have not had seizures.  In a 1996 survey of practice patterns 
according to subspecialty, 33% of radiation oncologists, 50% of oncologists, 53% of neurologists, and 81% of neurosurgeons reported administering prophylactic 
AEDs.  The overall rate of prophylactic AED administration by the 115 physicians in the study was 55% [5].  A 2004 survey of the practice patterns of 
neurosurgeons in the United States found similar results.  Of the 367 respondents, 285 (77.7%) reported the routine use of prophylactic AEDs in patients with 
HGG [6]. Finally, a retrospective study showed that 27% of 164 brain tumor patients treated in Canada between 2003 and 2005 received phenytoin despite no 
history of seizures [4]. 
 
2.2 
Previous studies 
 
A number of small retrospective studies have evaluated the usefulness of AED therapy in glioma patients without a history of seizures and have produced 
conflicting results: 
 


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BTTC11 - 01 
 
Total # of 
Patients 
# of Patients 
on AEDs 
Outcome 
Boarini et al. [7] 
71 
33 
Odds ratio for seizure 0.41 (95% CI 0.14-1.19). No 
patients with therapeutic AED levels had seizures; 18% 
of untreated patients did. 
Moots et al. [8] 
36 
4 
No seizures in AED group compared with 31% in 
untreated patients (p=0.60). 
Mahaley and 
Dudka [9] 
59 
Unreported 
Odds ratio for seizure 1.63 (95% CI 0.52-5.14) 
 
The few prospective studies reported to date have included patients with gliomas, brain metastases and meningiomas.  The results of these studies have also been 
inconclusive. 
 
 
Total # 
of 
Patients 
# of 
Patients 
on AEDs 
Outcome 
Comments 
Franceschetti 
et al. [10] 
63 
41 
Odds ratio for seizure in the 
AED group 0.36 (95% CI 
0.07-1.76). 
Only 23/63 patients had 
gliomas. AEDs included 
phenytoin and 
phenobarbital. 
Forsyth et al. 
[11] 
100 
46 
Odds ratio for seizure in the 
AED group was 0.82 (95% 
CI 0.33-2.01).   
Only 40/100 patients had 
gliomas. Median follow-up 
period of 5.4 months. This 
study had a high non-
compliance rate (45% of 
patients had low AED 
levels). 
Glantz et al. 
[5] 
74 
37 
Odds ratio for seizure in the 
AED group was 1.7 (95% 
CI 0.6-4.6). 
This was a prospective, 
placebo-controlled, 
randomized study of 
valproic acid. Only 15/74 
patients had gliomas.  
North et al. 
[12] 
81 
42 
Odds ratio for seizure in the 
AED group was 1.85 (95% 
CI 0.56-6.12). 
This was a prospective, 
non-placebo-controlled, 
randomized study of 
phenytoin. Only 32/81 
patients had gliomas. 
 


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Many brain tumor patients are treated with AEDs partly because they have had a craniotomy.  It is unclear, however, whether prolonged prophylactic AED therapy 
reduces the frequency of seizures after craniotomy. Foy et al. [13] completed a prospective trial involving 276 consecutive supratentorial craniotomy patients 
(including 50 with meningiomas) who were randomized postoperatively to receive AEDs (carbamazepine or phenytoin) or no treatment.  There was no difference 
in the incidence of seizures (37%) or death between the two groups, suggesting that prophylactic AED therapy may not be routinely necessary after craniotomy. In 
contrast, a meta-analysis by Kuijlen et al. [14] determined that prophylactic AEDs tended to prevent postoperative seizures, but this effect was not statistically 
significant (p = 0.1, one-tailed). 
 
In 2000, the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) reviewed the evidence concerning the efficacy of prophylactic 
AEDs in patients with all brain tumor types [15].  Because the numbers of patients in the studies reviewed were small, they performed a meta-analysis of the four 
available randomized studies addressing this issue.  They concluded that there was no evidence of a significant benefit of prophylactic AEDs and recommended as 
a practice standard that they not be administered.  A shortcoming of their meta-analysis relative to glioma patients, however, is that it included 110 glioma patients 
and 218 non-glioma tumor patients (145 brain metastases, 46 meningiomas and 17 sellar tumors).  Because the majority of patients were those with metastatic 
tumors, a patient population with a lower incidence of seizures and a shorter life expectancy than patients with HGGs, the efficacy of prophylactic AEDs in HGG 
patients in particular remains an open question.  In accordance with this view are the results of the 2004 survey of 367 neurosurgeons cited above.  The AAN 
practice parameters discouraging the use of prophylactic AEDs remain largely ignored by this physician group [6, 16].  
 
2.3 
Side effects of AEDs 
 
AED use is associated with many potential side effects that can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life.  Approximately 20-25% of glioma patients 
treated with phenytoin and undergoing cranial irradiation develop a morbilliform rash [17], and a small percentage develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome [18].  
Stevens Johnson syndrome has also been described in glioma patients receiving carbamazepine [19], and patients receiving phenobarbital have an increased 
incidence of shoulder-hand syndrome [20].  Additional side effects of AEDs include cognitive impairment, myelosuppression, and liver dysfunction, all of which 
appear to be more common in brain tumor patients than other patient groups.  Overall, 23.8% of brain tumor patients on AED therapy experience side effects 
severe enough to warrant a change or discontinuation of AED therapy [15]. Although carefully controlled studies are lacking, newer AEDs such as levetiracetam, 
pregabalin, and lacosamide appear to have more favorable adverse effect profiles [4].  
 
 
AEDs also have clinically significant interactions with other drugs commonly used in brain tumor patients.  Phenytoin induces hepatic metabolism and 
significantly reduces the half-life and bioavailability of dexamethasone [21, 22].  Conversely dexamethasone may also reduce phenytoin levels [23].  A number of 
chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in brain tumor patients, such as carmustine (BCNU), interact with phenytoin, causing lower levels, and potentially 
breakthrough seizures [24]. In addition, many AEDs, including phenytoin and carbamazepine, stimulate the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, markedly 
accelerating the metabolism of many chemotherapeutic agents, including nitrosoureas, procarbazine, paclitaxel, 9-aminocampthothecin, thiotepa, topotecan, 
irinotecan, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate [15, 25-30]. As a result, the optimal doses of these chemotherapeutic agents in patients taking enzyme-inducing 
AEDs are frequently much higher and less predictable than in patients not on AEDs.  
 
2.4 
Seizures and symptoms 
 
Seizures may result in injuries or life-threatening complications such as status epilepticus or aspiration pneumonia.  More often, however, seizures restrict patients’ 
independence; in most states, driving is prohibited for 6-12 months after a seizure.  Patients whose jobs involve driving or working in dangerous circumstances 
(e.g., painters, electricians) become unable to work and suffer financial consequences.  Patients also experience debilitating anxiety about whether or when a 


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seizure may occur.  In brain tumor patients, seizures can be associated with worsening of other neurologic symptoms, such as weakness or cognitive symptoms 
[31].  Direct injury to the patient, as well as secondary injuries to others, can occur with seizure activity [5].  AEDs can also be associated with side effects and 
symptoms, including fatigue, drowsiness, and cognitive effects such as decreased memory and difficulty concentrating.  These symptoms may interfere with 
activity and mood and impair quality of life. 
 
2.5 
Lacosamide 
 
Lacosamide (Vimpat®) is an oral AED that was FDA-approved in 2008 as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy 
aged 17 years and older.                
 
A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (efficacy) analysis was performed based on the pooled data from the 3 efficacy trials for partial-onset seizures. Lacosamide 
exposure is correlated with reduction in seizure frequency. However, doses above 400 mg/day do not appear to confer additional benefit in group analyses.  
Lacosamide is completely absorbed after oral administration with negligible first-pass effect with a high absolute bioavailability of approximately 100%. Food 
does not affect the rate and extent of absorption. The maximum lacosamide plasma concentrations occur approximately 1 to 4 hours post-dose after oral dosing, 
and elimination half-life is approximately 13 hours. Steady state plasma concentrations are achieved after 3 days of twice daily repeated administration. 
Pharmacokinetics of lacosamide is dose proportional (100-800 mg) and time invariant, with low inter- and intra-subject variability. Compared to lacosamide, the 
major metabolite, O-desmethyl metabolite, has a longer Tmax (0.5 to 12 hours) and elimination half-life (15-23 hours). 
 
The efficacy of lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in partial-onset seizures was established in three 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 
multicenter trials in adult patients. Patients enrolled had partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization and were not adequately controlled with 1 
to 3 concomitant AEDs. During an 8-week baseline period, patients were required to have an average of ≥4 partial-onset seizures per 28 days with no seizure-free 
period exceeding 21 days. In these 3 trials, patients had a mean duration of epilepsy of 24 years and a median baseline seizure frequency ranging from 10 to 17 per 
28 days. 84% of patients were taking 2 to 3 concomitant AEDs with or without concurrent vagal nerve stimulation. Study 1 compared doses of lacosamide 200, 
400, and 600 mg/day with placebo. Study 2 compared doses of lacosamide 400 and 600 mg/day with placebo. Study 3 compared doses of lacosamide 200 and 400 
mg/day with placebo. In all three trials, following an 8-week Baseline Phase to establish baseline seizure frequency prior to randomization, subjects were 
randomized and titrated to the randomized dose (a 1-step back-titration of lacosamide 100 mg/day or placebo was allowed in the case of intolerable adverse events 
at the end of the Titration Phase). During the Titration Phase in all 3 trials, treatment was initiated at 100 mg/day (50 mg given twice daily) and increased in 
weekly increments of 100 mg/day to the target dose. The Titration Phase lasted 6 weeks in Study 1 and Study 2 and 4 weeks in Study 3. In all three trials, the 
Titration Phase was followed by a Maintenance Phase that lasted 12 weeks, during which patients were to remain on a stable dose of lacosamide. A reduction in 28 
day seizure frequency (Baseline to Maintenance Phase) as compared to the placebo group was the primary variable in all three trials. The criteria for statistical 
significance was p<0.05. A statistically significant effect was observed with lacosamide treatment (Figure 1) at doses of 200 mg/day (Study 3), 400 mg/day 
(Studies 1, 2, and 3), and 600 mg/day (Studies 1 and 2). 
 
Lacosamide is well-tolerated and has no known drug-drug interactions. In controlled clinical trials, the rate of discontinuation as a result of an adverse event was 
8% and 17% in patients randomized to receive lacosamide at the recommended doses of 200 and 400 mg/day, respectively, 29% at 600 mg/day, and 5% in patients 
randomized to receive placebo. The adverse events most commonly leading to discontinuation were dizziness, ataxia, vomiting, diplopia, nausea, vertigo, and 
vision blurred. Abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed in controlled trials with lacosamide in adult patients with partial-onset seizures who were 
taking 1 to 3 concomitant AEDs. Elevations of ALT to ≥3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred in 0.7% (7/935) of lacosamide patients and 0% (0/356) of 
placebo patients. One case of hepatitis with transaminases >20x ULN was observed in one healthy subject 10 days after lacosamide treatment completion, along 


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with nephritis (proteinuria and urine casts). Serologic studies were negative for viral hepatitis. Transaminases returned to normal within one month without specific 
treatment. At the time of this event, bilirubin was normal. The hepatitis/nephritis was interpreted as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to lacosamide. 
 
A list of possible adverse events is provided in Section 3.12. This includes events reported by patients treated with lacosamide in all clinical trials in patients with 
partial-onset seizures, including controlled trials and long-term open-label extension trials, as well as events identified during post approval use of lacosamide. 
Because the latter are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal 
relationship to drug exposure. The most frequently reported adverse events include dizziness, vertigo, diplopia, blurred vision, nystagmus nausea/vomiting, 
diarrhea, fatigue, headache, somnolence, tremor, ataxia, and imbalance. Post approval adverse events of potential significance include bradycardia and rash.  
 
Lacosamide is associated with additional rare but potentially serious adverse effects. Lacosamide may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The drug 
causes dose-dependent PR prolongation and should therefore be used with caution in patients with known conduction problems, or with severe cardiac disease such 
as myocardial ischemia or heart failure. Lacosamide administration may predispose to atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation or flutter), especially in patients with 
diabetic neuropathy and/or cardiovascular disease. Syncope and multi-organ hypersensitivity have been reported. 
 
2.6 
Summary and rationale 
 
There is no consensus among neurologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists regarding the need for prophylactic AEDs among newly-diagnosed and peri-operative 
HGG patients who have not experienced seizures.  Unfortunately, data regarding prophylactic AED use is scant and inconclusive.  Most of the available evidence 
comes from older, small studies that enrolled patients with brain metastases and benign tumors in addition to gliomas.  Furthermore, these studies universally 
evaluated prophylaxis with first-generation AEDs such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and valproic acid.  These drugs have high rates of adverse 
effects compared to newer AEDs, and they have important interactions with other drugs including corticosteroids and chemotherapeutics.  Recently developed 
AEDs such as lacosamide are effective, safe, and well-tolerated.  Lacosamide has no known drug interactions and does not require serum level monitoring.  
Despite limited published data, in many neuro-oncology centers newer AEDs such as levetiracetam, pregabalin, and lacosamide are emerging as the drugs of 
choice for seizure prophylaxis.  A definitive clinical trial is needed to determine whether prophylactic AED therapy may reduce the risk of first seizures in this 
patient population.   In addition, evaluation of the impact of newer generation AEDs is needed to provide support to the use in this patient population. 
 
3.0 
DRUG INFORMATION 
 
3.1 
Drug Name: Lacosamide (Vimpat®) 
 
3.2 
Chemical Name: (R)-2-acetamido-N-benzyl-3-methoxypropionamide (IUPAC) 
 
3.3 
Molecular Formula: C13H18N2O3   
 
3.4 
Molecular Weight:  250.30 
 
3.5 
Appearance: Lacosamide is a white to light yellow powder.   
 
3.6 
How supplied:  


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Lacosamide tablets are available in 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg strengths. The study will provide drug adequate for 3 months of treatment at a time. 
  
3.7 
Formulation:  
Lacosamide tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lecithin, 
magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, and dye pigments as specified below: 
 
Lacosamide tablets are supplied as debossed tablets and contain the following coloring agents: 
 
 
50 mg tablets: red iron oxide, black iron oxide, FD&C Blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake 
100 mg tablets: yellow iron oxide 
150 mg tablets: yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, black iron oxide 
200 mg tablets: FD&C Blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake 
 
3.8 
Storage and Stability:  
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). 
 
3.9 
Mechanism of Action:  
The precise mechanism by which lacosamide exerts its antiepileptic effects in humans remains to be fully elucidated. In vitro electrophysiological studies 
have shown that lacosamide selectively enhances slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in stabilization of hyperexcitable neuronal 
membranes and inhibition of repetitive neuronal firing. Lacosamide binds to collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), a phosphoprotein which is 
mainly expressed in the nervous system and is involved in neuronal differentiation and control of axonal outgrowth. The role of CRMP-2 binding in 
seizure control is unknown. 
 
3.10 
Pharmacology:  
A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (efficacy) analysis was performed based on the pooled data from the 3 efficacy trials for partial-onset seizures. 
Lacosamide exposure is correlated with the reduction in seizure frequency. However, doses above 400 mg/day do not appear to confer additional benefit 
in group analyses. 
 
Lacosamide produced a small, dose-related increase in mean PR interval. At steady-state, the time of the maximum observed mean PR interval 
corresponded with Tmax. The placebo-subtracted maximum increase in PR interval (at Tmax) was 7.3 ms for the 400 mg/day group and 11.9 ms for the 800 
mg/day group. For patients who participated in the controlled trials, the placebo-subtracted mean maximum increase in PR interval for a 400 mg/day 
VIMPAT dose was 3.1 ms in patients with partial-onset seizures and 9.4 ms for patients with diabetic neuropathy. 
 
Lacosamide is completely absorbed after oral administration. The oral bioavailability of lacosamide tablets is approximately 100%. Food does not affect 
the rate and extent of absorption. 
 
 
The volume of distribution is approximately 0.6 L/kg and thus close to the volume of total body 
water. Lacosamide is less than 15% bound to plasma proteins. It is primarily eliminated from the systemic circulation by renal excretion and 
biotransformation. After oral and intravenous administration of 100 mg [14C]-lacosamide, approximately 95% of radioactivity administered was recovered 


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in the urine and less than 0.5% in the feces. The major compounds excreted were unchanged lacosamide (approximately 40% of the dose), its O-
desmethyl metabolite (approximately 30%), and a structurally unknown polar fraction (~20%). The plasma exposure of the major human metabolite, O-
desmethyl-lacosamide, is approximately 10% of that of lacosamide. This metabolite has no known pharmacological activity. Lacosamide is a CYP2C19 
substrate. The relative contribution of other CYP isoforms or non-CYP enzymes in the metabolism of lacosamide is not clear. The elimination half-life of 
the unchanged drug is approximately 13 hours and is not altered by different doses, multiple dosing or intravenous administration. 
 
3.11 
Pre-clinical Toxicology:  
There was no evidence of drug related carcinogenicity in mice or rats. Mice and rats received lacosamide once daily by oral administration for 104 weeks 
at doses producing plasma exposures (AUC) up to approximately 1 and 3 times, respectively, the plasma AUC in humans at the maximum recommended 
human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day. Lacosamide was negative in an in vitro Ames test and an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. Lacosamide induced a 
positive response in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay. No adverse effects on male or female fertility or reproduction were observed in rats at doses 
producing plasma exposures (AUC) up to approximately 2 times the plasma AUC in humans at the MRHD. 
            3.12           Human Toxicity: 
Likely (occurring in more than 20% of patients) 
 
Dizziness 
Common (occurring in 3 – 20% of Patients) 
 
Vertigo 
 
Diplopia 
 
Blurred vision 
 
Nausea 
 
Vomiting 
 
Diarrhea 
 
Fatigue 
 
Headache 
 
Ataxia 
 
Somnolence 
 
Tremor 
 
Nystagmus 
 
Imbalance (possibly with associated falls) 
Rare but Serious (occurring in fewer than 3% of patients) 
 
Suicidal ideation or behavior 
 
PR prolongation, first degree AV heart block 
 
Atrial fibrillation or flutter 
 
Syncope 
 
Multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions (also known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, or DRESS) 


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               3.13      Clinical Pharmacokinetic Properties: 
The pharmacokinetics of lacosamide has been studied in healthy adult subjects (age range 18 to 87), adults with partial-onset seizures, adults with diabetic 
neuropathy, and subjects with renal and hepatic impairment. Lacosamide is completely absorbed after oral administration with negligible first-pass effect 
with a high absolute bioavailability of approximately 100%. The maximum lacosamide plasma concentrations occur approximately 1 to 4 hours post-dose 
after oral dosing, and elimination half-life is approximately 13 hours. Steady state plasma concentrations are achieved after 3 days of twice daily repeated 
administration. Pharmacokinetics of lacosamide are dose proportional (100-800 mg) and time invariant, with low inter- and intra-subject variability. 
Compared to lacosamide, the major metabolite, O-desmethyl metabolite, has a longer Tmax (0.5 to 12 hours) and elimination half-life (15-23 hours). 
 
              3.14        Administration:  Oral. 
 
              3.15       Supplier:  
Lacosamide is commercially available, but study drug and identical placebo will be supplied by UCB. 
                               
             3.15.1     Agent Distribution: 
 
Ordering Study Agent/s:   
 
See Section 15.3.2 
 
 
 
            3.16         Agent Storage and Accountability:  
 
The investigator is responsible for the proper and secure physical storage and record keeping of investigational agents received for BTTC protocols. 
Specifically, the investigator must:   
 
 
Maintain a careful record of the receipt, use and final disposition of all investigational agents received, using the NCI Agent Accountability Record 
Form (DARF), http://ctep.cancer.gov/forms/index.html.   
 
Store the agent in a secure location, accessible to only authorized personnel, preferably in the pharmacy. 
 
Maintain appropriate storage of the investigational agent to ensure the stability and integrity of the agent. 
 
Unused, expired or defective study agent should be destroyed by the site’s pharmacy in accordance with their drug disposal/destruction policy or 
standard operating procedure.  The destruction of the study agents will be documented in their pharmacy accountability records.  
 
The intent of the agent accountability procedures described in this section is to assist the investigator in making certain that agents received from BTTC 
are used only for patients entered onto an approved protocol. The record keeping described in this section is required under FDA regulation. Investigators 
are responsible for the use of investigational agents shipped in their name. Even if a pharmacist or chemotherapy nurse has the actual task of handling 
these agents upon receipt, the investigator is the responsible individual and has agreed to accept this responsibility by signing the FDA 1572, 
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morechoices/fdaforms/FDA-1572.doc. 
 
BTTC Procedures for Agent Accountability and Storage  


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 
Each investigational agent should be stored separately by protocol. If an agent is used for more than one protocol, there should be separate physical 
storage for each protocol. Remember that agents are provided and accounted for on a protocol-by-protocol basis. 
 
 
Each agent should be accounted for separately by protocol. If an agent is used for more than one protocol, there should be a separate Drug 
Accountability Record Form (DARF) for each protocol, http://ctep.cancer.gov/forms/index.html. There should be a separate DARF for each agent in a 
multi-agent protocol. 
 
 
Separate accountability forms should be maintained for each different strength or dosage form of a particular agent (e.g., an agent with a 1-mg vial 
and a 5-mg vial would require a different DARF for the 1-mg vial than for the 5-mg vial). 
  
 
The DARF is also designed to accommodate both dispensing records and other agent transaction documentation (e.g., receipt of agent, returns, 
broken vials, etc.). A copy of the DARF may be found at http://ctep.cancer.gov/forms/index.html. 
  
 
Unauthorized inter-institutional transfer of BTTC investigational agents from one participating institution to another is not permitted.  For some 
protocols the lead institution may enter into contractual agreements to forward agents to participating institutions (see BTTC Operations Manual section 
2.1). 
  
Verification of Compliance 
 
Investigators are reminded that compliance with procedures to ensure proper agent usage will be reviewed during site visits conducted under the 
monitoring program. Specifically, site visitors will check that the agent accountability system is being maintained, and will spot-check the agent 
accountability records by comparing them with the patients' medical records to verify that the agents were administered to a patient entered in the 
recorded protocol 
 
             3.17        Disposition of unused and/or defective Agent:  
 
Investigators/Designees should make every effort to minimize the amount of agent ordered (and        returned unused if applicable), (e.g. limit inventories 
to an 8 week supply or less).   
 
Unused, expired or defective study agent should be destroyed by the site’s pharmacy in accordance with their drug disposal/destruction policy or 
standard operating procedure.  The destruction of the study agents will be documented in the DARF.    
 
            3.18          Handling of study medication:  
The study agent is stored at room temperature.  It is required that the site pharmacy follow their standard operating procedures related to the management 
of Scheduled V substances. 
 
 


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4.0 
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 
 
This study was designed to include women and minorities, but was not designed to measure differences of intervention effects.  Males and females will be 
recruited with no preference to gender.  No exclusion to this study will be based on race.  Minorities will actively be recruited to participate. 
 
Unless otherwise specified in the Inclusion Criteria, all patients must meet the General Eligibility Criteria described below. 
 
All patients who meet the following eligibility criteria must be registered with the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative via the Office of Multicenter Clinical Research 
(MDACC OMCR) at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT MDACC) prior to starting treatment.  The OMCR’s registration procedures are 
described in the Multicenter Procedures section of this protocol. Patients must initiate study treatment within 14 days after registration. 
 
General Inclusion Criteria  
 
4.1 
Patients with histologically confirmed supratentorial high-grade glioma will be eligible for this protocol. 
 
4.2 
All patients must sign an informed consent indicating that they are aware of the investigational nature of this study.  
 
4.3 
Patients must have signed an authorization for the release of their protected health information. 
 
4.4 
Patients must be > 18 years old. 
 
4.5 
Patients must have a Karnofsky performance status of > 60. 
 
4.6 
Women of childbearing potential must have a negative β-HCG pregnancy test documented within 2 weeks prior to registration. 
 
4.7 
In the opinion of the treating investigator, patients must have adequate cognitive abilities to complete the neurocognitive components of the study. 
 
4.8 
Patients must be able to safely swallow pills. 
 
4.9 
Patients must agree to practice adequate contraception.  
 
4.10 
Patients must be registered on study within 16 weeks after the surgical procedure that established the diagnosis of High Grade Glioma. 
 
General Exclusion Criteria 
 
4.11 
Patients must not have any significant medical or psychiatric illnesses that in the investigator’s opinion cannot be adequately controlled with appropriate 
therapy or would compromise the patient’s ability to tolerate this therapy. 
 
4.12 
Patients must not have serious intercurrent medical illness. Serious, active co-morbidity, defined as follows: 


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 
Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the last 12 months. 
 
Transmural myocardial infarction within the last 6 months. 
 
Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring intravenous antibiotics at the time of registration. 
 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease exacerbation or other respiratory illness requiring hospitalization or precluding study therapy at the time 
of registration. 
 
Hepatic insufficiency resulting in clinical jaundice and/or coagulation defects; note, however, that laboratory tests for liver function and 
coagulation parameters are not required for entry into this protocol. 
 
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) based upon current CDC definition; note, however, that HIV testing is not required for entry 
into this protocol. The need to exclude patients with AIDS from this protocol is necessary because the treatments involved in this protocol may 
be significantly immunosuppressive. 
 
Active connective tissue disorders, such as lupus or scleroderma, which in the opinion of the treating physician, may put the patient at high risk 
for radiation toxicity.  
4.13 
Patients must not be pregnant or breast feeding Patients must not be pregnant because lacosamide produced developmental toxicity in rats following 
administration during pregnancy. There is insufficient information to determine if lacosamide is safe during lactation. 
 
4.14 
Patients must not have any disease that will obscure toxicity or dangerously alter, Drug metabolism 
 
4.15 
Patients must not have a history of heart block or cardiac arrhythmia, including asymptomatic arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation/flutter. 
  
4.16 
Patients must not have a prolonged PR interval (defined as > 200 ms). 
 
4.17 
Perioperative anticonvulsants should be tapered as indicated in section   6.2.1.4 
 
4.18 
Patients must not have a history of any type of seizure for at least 10 years prior to registration. 
 
 
5.0 
STRATIFICATION/DESCRIPTIVE FACTORS 
 
For the purposes of statistical analysis, patients will be stratified based on use or non-use of peri-operative AEDs and by institution 
 
 
6.0 
TREATMENT PLAN 
 
6.1 
General 
 


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All patients who meet eligibility criteria must be registered with the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative Office of Multicenter Clinical Research (MD 
Anderson OMCR) at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT MD Anderson).  Patients must initiate study treatment within 14 days 
after registration. All patients will be monitored for clinical evidence of toxicity as described in section 8.0. 
 
6.1.1 
Anti-tumor Treatment 
 
Standard and experimental anti-tumor therapies are permitted.  
 
6.1.2 
Supportive Care 
 
a. 
Dexamethasone should be used in the smallest dose to control symptoms of cerebral edema and mass effect, and discontinued if possible. Prednisone is 
not permitted because it induces CYP2C19. 
 
b. 
Febrile neutropenia may be managed according to the local institution's Infectious Disease guidelines.  Measures may include appropriate laboratory 
testing, including blood and urine cultures and the institution of broad-spectrum antibiotics.  If a source for the fever is not identified or the fever resolves 
when the neutrophil count recovers, antibiotics may be discontinued and the patient observed. 
 
c.  
The use of antiemetics will be left to the investigators’ discretion. 
 
 
d. 
Other Concomitant Medications 
 
Therapies considered necessary for the wellbeing of the patient may be given at the discretion of the investigator. Other concomitant medications should 
be avoided except for analgesics, chronic treatments for concomitant medical conditions, or agents required for life-threatening medical problems. No 
other anti-convulsant medication  are allowed while on the study. All concomitant medications must be recorded.  
 
f. 
Surgery 
 
If neurosurgical management is required for any reason, the procedure must be documented, including the indications for surgery, the surgical operative 
note and pathology report. 
 
6.1.3 
Definition of dose limiting toxicities (DLT): 
 
Toxicities will be graded according to the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. If multiple toxicities are seen, 
the presence of DLT should be based on the most severe toxicity experienced. DLT will be defined as any grade 3 toxicity that: 
 
Is not amenable to maximal medical management, and 
 
Is attributable to the study drug, and 
 
Occurs during treatment with lacosamide or placebo.  
 


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6.2 
Treatment Plan 
 
6.2.1 
All Patients 
 
6.2.1.1 Evaluations During Treatment 
 
The evaluations required for all patients include medical history, physical and neurologic examinations, electroencephalograms (EEGs; optional), 
electrocardiogram (EKG; at screening only), MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT), Karnofsky Performance Status 
(KPS), and laboratory tests (at screening only).  The schedule of evaluations is provided in Sections 7 and 8. 
 
6.2.1.2 Agent Administration 
 
Lacosamide and placebo will be taken by mouth twice a day, at approximately the same times each day, spaced as close to 12 hours apart as possible.  
Medication may be taken with or without food. Missed doses should be taken so long as the dose will be taken within 6 hours of the scheduled time. 
Vomited doses will not be retaken unless the pill can be clearly identified in the vomitus. Patients will be given drug diaries every 3 months to monitor 
compliance 
(see 
Appendix 
17.5). 
 
6.2.1.3 Registration/Randomization:   
 
 See Section 15.3.2 for registration/randomization procedures. 
 
6.2.1.4 Drug Dose/s and Treatment Schedule: 
 
Patients may be taking peri-operative AEDs at the time of registration. These agents should be tapered off (on the investigator’s preferred schedule) over 
1-2 weeks. Lacosamide or placebo will be initiated at the same time that the taper commences. The starting dose of lacosamide or placebo will be 50 mg 
PO bid. Over 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to a target dose of 200 mg bid. A recommended scheme for dose escalation is to increase by 100 
mg/day weekly until 200 mg bid is achieved. Deviations from this scheme that achieve a dose of 200 mg bid by 4 weeks will not be considered protocol 
violations. 
 
6.3 
Dose Modifications:  
 
 
Patients who experience a treatment-related DLT as defined in Section 6.1.3 should have clinical evaluations and/or laboratory testing at appropriate 
intervals until the toxicity has resolved. 
               If a patient experiences DLT, the dose may be reduced or the treatment suspended, at the discretion of the treating investigator. Continuing 
therapy at a reduced dose should be seriously considered because of the risk of seizure associated with sudden cessation of any AED. 
 
Doses between 50 mg bid and 200 mg bid are permissible during the study, and adjustments may be made as deemed appropriate by the investigator. 
However, every effort should be made to maintain the target dose of 200 mg bid whenever possible. 
 


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If a patient experiences DLT at a dose of 50 mg bid, the treatment should be discontinued.  
 
Doses that are reduced for lacosamide or placebo-related toxicity may be re-escalated to the original dose level, if in the opinion of the treating 
investigator, it is safe to do so.  
 
              Treatment may be held for up to 4 weeks, at the investigator’s discretion.  If the toxicity does not resolve to a level at which the investigator feels 
comfortable resuming study drug within 4 weeks, or if a patient experiences DLT at a dose of 50 mg bid, the treatment should be permanently 
discontinued. 
 
 
For treatment or dose modification related questions, please contact the Study Chair or the MDACC OMCR at UT MDACC at (713) 792-8519 or 
OMCR_BTTC@mdanderson.org. 
 
 
7.0 
PRETREATMENT EVALUATION 
 
General Requirements 
 
Unless otherwise noted, all pretreatment evaluations must be performed within 14 days prior to the registration. A model study calendar is presented in 
Figure 8-1. 
 
7.1 
A complete history and neurological examination (to include demographic information, vital signs, and documentation of the Karnofsky Performance 
Status per Appendix 17.2) shall be performed on all patients.  
   
7.2 
Prestudy laboratory tests shall include CBC, differential, platelets, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, BUN, serum creatinine, glucose, bilirubin, 
SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, and serum pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential. Patients must agree to practice adequate 
contraception. The treating physician should use their own discretion regarding how long patient should continue contraception use after discontinuing 
treatment. 
 
7.3 
Documentation of tumor diagnosis. 
 
7.4 
Patients will complete a baseline MDASI-BT (Appendix 17.3) prior to the first dose of study medication at the doctor’s office or clinic. At this time the 
MDASI-BT will be completed only by the patient, unless changes in vision or weakness make this difficult. If this occurs, then the caregiver nurse may 
read the questions to the patient or assist with marking the severity number or score as described by the patient. 
 
7.5 
EKG. Required to evaluate PR interval for eligibility. 
 
7.6 
EEG (optional but should be obtained whenever possible). 
 


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8.0 
EVALUATION DURING STUDY 
 
General Requirements 
 
Unless otherwise noted, all evaluations may be performed within 14 days before the scheduled date.  A model study calendar is presented in Figure 8-1. 
 
8.1 
Laboratory tests will be obtained only as deemed necessary by the investigator during study treatment. 
 
8.2 
All relevant information regarding drugs, doses, laboratory examinations, and treatment-related toxicities shall be documented in the patient’s medical 
record and flow sheets. 
 
8.3 
A complete history and neurologic exam (to include vital signs and documentation of the patient’s Karnofsky Performance Status) will be performed at 
least every 3 months, +/-2 weeks. 
 
8.4 
Every 4 weeks when the patient is not seen by the study team, telephone contact between the patient and a study clinician (nurse or MD) is required to 
assess for possible seizure in the preceding month.. The Site to complete  the  BTTC 11-01 Interim Telephone Contact Checklistform . Calls or visits must 
occur on the scheduled date or within 2 weeks prior to the scheduled date.   
 
8.5 
EEG should be obtained whenever possible to confirm the clinical impression of seizure. Because the diagnosis of seizure is frequently made by history, 
this test is optional.  
 
8.6 
All patients will be followed for overall survival at least every 3 months, when possible.  The follow up will continue until 5 years after the End of Study 
visit. The follow up can take place via telephone contact by the nurse, study coordinator, or MD. 
 
8.7 
The MDASI-BT (Appendix 17.3) will be administered every 4 weeks in clinic or by telephone ONLY  by the nurse or MD.   
 
8.8 
All patients will be evaluated for adverse events at the monthly telephone calls or visits. In addition all serious adverse events will be reported to the 
OMCR and the study chair as directed in section 15.7. 
 


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Figure 8-1.  Model Study Calendar. 
 
 
 
Screening 
 
 
Start of treatment 
Visit 1c 
(Day 1 of Month 1) 
On-treatment period 
Visits 2-4c 
(Day 1 of Months  
4, 7, 10) 
Last treatment visit 
Visit 5c 
(Day 1 of Month 
                  13) 
Demographic data 
X 
 
 
 
Drug dispensing/return 
 
X 
X 
X 
Re-Order Drug 
 
 
Xe 
 
MDASI-BTa 
 
X 
X 
X 
Karnofsky Performance Status 
X 
X 
X 
X 
EKGb 
X 
 
 
 
Lab testsb 
X 
X 
 
 
EEGd 
X 
 
 
 
Medical and seizure history 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Physical and neurologic 
examination 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Randomization 
 
X 
 
 
Recording of adverse eventsa 
 
 
X 
X 
Verification of inclusion/ exclusion 
criteria 
X 
 
 
 
Vital signs 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Written informed consent 
X 
 
 
 
Long Term Follow Up 
Phone call for survival data every 3 months for 5 years from initial diagnosis date 


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a  Every 4 weeks by telephone call while on treatment. 
b At baseline and then only as clinically indicated (CBC, differential, platelets, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, BUN, serum 
creatinine, glucose, bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, serum pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential, and AED 
levels if appropriate). 
c All required evaluations may be performed within 14 days before the scheduled date, except where otherwise noted. 
d EEG should be obtained at baseline and to confirm the clinical impression of seizure. Because the diagnosis of seizure is frequently 
made by history, this test is optional (at both timepoints). 
e Reorder drug after phone contact on months 2, 5 and, 8 between visits provided the patient has not experienced a seizure.   
 
 


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9.0 
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND ENDPOINT DEFINITIONS 
 
9.1 
Definition of Seizure 
 
Patients and caregivers will be educated about signs and symptoms of seizures using a standard education sheet (Appendix 17.5). They will be instructed 
to contact the investigator immediately for possible seizure activity.  For study purposes, confirmed seizures will include any of the following: 
 
1.  
Simple partial seizures: 
a)  
with motor symptoms: focal motor movements, versive/postural movements 
b)  
with sensory symptoms: olfactory sensations 
c)  
with autonomic signs 
d)  
with psychic symptoms (sudden reversible loss of expressive/receptive speech) 
 
2.  
Complex partial seizures 
a)  
with impairment of consciousness only 
b)  
with impairment of consciousness plus automatisms (lip smacking, fumbling, etc) 
 
3.  
Partial seizures with secondarily generalized seizures 
a)  
Unconsciousness with myoclonic jerks with or without tongue-bite or stiffening 
b)  
Unconsciousness with tonic spasm, without myoclonic jerks, with or without tongue-bite 
c)  
Unconsciousness with tongue-bite without myoclonic jerks or stiffening 
d)  
Unconsciousness or staring with one of the following preceding symptoms perceived by the patient: 
 
A rising feeling from the abdomen to the throat 
 
Smelling of odd scents 
 
Stiffening or convulsions in the face or limb(s) 
 
Turning the head to one side 
 
Excluded attacks are those deemed by the treating physician to be non-neurologic in origin and are comprised of: 
 
Merely staring  
 
Exclusively unconscious with or without incontinence for urine 
 
Solely disturbances of seeing, feeling, or thinking 
 
9.2 
Clinical Event Committee 
 
Medical records from the first post-event physician visit and other relevant medical record information will be forwarded to a blinded “clinical event 
committee” (CEC) that will review source documents and classify events as seizures or otherwise.  The study investigators and the CEC will be instructed 
to utilize a standard seizure definition (Section 9.1).  The committee will be composed of board-certified neurologists who have no other involvement 
with the study.  Each event will be adjudicated by 2 independent reviewers.  If the reviewers do not agree about the nature of the event, a third 


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independent reviewer will adjudicate the event.  Additional details regarding the clinical event committee are presented in the Clinical Event Committee 
Charter. 
 
9.3 
Patient Reported Outcomes 
 
This study seeks to establish whether the use of the AED lacosamide reduces the occurrence of seizures.  However, given the potential side effects and 
symptoms associated with both seizures and the use of AEDs, it will be important to determine whether if any determined benefit is associated with 
improvements in symptoms and the interference of symptoms with daily life or does a worsening of these parameters offset the benefit.  
 
Precedence for measuring “non-therapeutic” endpoints exists in oncology research.  For example, gemcitabine was approved by the FDA partially as a 
consequence of the decrease in pain reported in pancreatic patients who were treated, not on the basis of survival improvement which was modest, at best 
[32].  There have been efforts in neuro-oncology to evaluate secondary endpoints using validated instruments as additional indicators of benefit.   
 
The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT) allows the self-reporting of symptom severity and interference with daily 
activities.  The MDASI-BT has demonstrated reliability and validity in the adult primary brain tumor patient population [33]. This tool represents a 
modification of the widely used and validated MDASI, with particular attention to symptoms common in patients with brain tumors.  The availability of 
validated instruments provides an opportunity to prospectively assess the impact of treatment, both positive and negative, on patients.  This evaluation of 
symptom burden in this study will assist in finding the best possible treatment with the least toxicity. 
 
9.3.1 
Patient Related Outcome Objectives 
 
1. 
To evaluate longitudinal changes in symptom measures and determine the impact of the use of AEDs on these parameters. 
2. 
To measure symptom burden over the course of the study period (one year) evaluate differences between patients individual symptom severity, 
overall mean symptom severity, and difference in scores on the interference items between those on placebo versus those on lacosamide. 
3. 
To describe the variability of symptom severity longitudinally over the follow-up period.  
 
9.3.2 
Patient Related Outcome Methods 
 
9.3.2.1 Patient Related Outcome Instruments: 
 
The MDASI-BT will be utilized for this portion of the study. Full instruments are provided in the appendix.  In addition, information regarding 
demographics and treatment history will be collected as part of the larger study and used in this analysis.    
 
The MDASI-BT consists of 23 symptoms rated on an 11-point scale (0 to 10) to indicate the presence and severity of the symptom, with 0 being “not 
present” and 10 being “as bad as you can imagine.” Each symptom is rated at its worst in the last 24 hours. Symptoms included on the instrument include 
those commonly associated with cancer therapies, those associated with increased intracranial pressure, and those related to focal deficits.  The 
questionnaires also include ratings of how much symptoms interfered with different aspects of a patient’s life in the last 24 hours. These interference 
items include: general activity, mood, work (includes both work outside the home and housework), relations with other people, walking, and enjoyment of 


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life. The interference items are also measured on 0 - 10 scales. The average time to complete these instruments is 5 minutes. The MDASI-BT has been 
translated into 18 languages [33, 34]. 
 
9.3.2.2 Patient Related Outcome Data collection:   
 
After enrollment on the clinical trial, patients will complete as baseline measures the MDASI-BT.  The patient will continue to complete the MDASI-BT 
at the time of clinical and seizure evaluation as long as the patient remains on the study, unless clinical deterioration makes self-report not possible before 
that time.  The time when patients are unable to complete the self-report questionnaires will be used as part of the study analysis.  The MDASI-BT will be 
completed only by the patient, unless changes in vision or weakness make this difficult. If this occurs, then the caregiver or research assistant may read 
the questions to the patient or assist with marking the severity number or score as described by the patient. A patient caregiver may complete the 
questionnaires as a patient-preference proxy if the patient’s deficits preclude self-report. These reports will be used for descriptive purposes only. For the 
telephone interview, the research assistant will read the questions to the patient and mark the response indicated by the patient. If the patient rates any 
symptom as 7 or higher, the research assistant will instruct the patient to alert his or her physician team and the research assistant will also notify the 
clinical team that the symptom has been rated as severe by the patient. The forms will be reviewed by the principal investigator or research assistant for 
completion.  
 
9.4 
Electroencephalography (EEG)  
 
EEGs will be reviewed in blinded fashion by Jong Woo Lee, MD, PhD, a neurologist with fellowship training in clinical neurophysiology. He will 
evaluate background organization, presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (e.g., sharp waves, spikes), activity on the ictal/interictal continuum (e.g., 
periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges), subclinical seizures, and focal slow waves, particularly polymorphic delta waves. 
 
 
10.0 
CRITERIA FOR REMOVAL FROM TREATMENT 
 
10.1 
Criteria for Removal from Protocol Treatment: 
 
a. 
Completion of one year of therapy. 
 
b. 
Unacceptable toxicity (see Section 6.1.3). 
 
c. 
Seizure (as defined in Section 9.1). 
 
d. 
The patient may voluntarily withdraw from treatment at any time for any reason. 
 
e. 
Medical or psychiatric illness which in the investigator's judgment renders the patient incapable of further therapy. 
 
f. 
Pregnancy. 
 


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All reasons for discontinuation of treatment must be documented in the flow sheets. 
 
 
11.0 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
 
11.1 
Overview 
 
The primary analysis for this study is a randomized, two-arm, parallel group, multicenter trial enrolling post-operative patients with newly-diagnosed 
high-grade glioma (HGG).  Patients will be randomly assigned to either lacosamide (L) or placebo (P).  Patients will be randomized to either treatment 
using a 1:1 randomization scheme.  Based on a retrospective review of available data we assume a 20% seizure risk in the P group and 8% in the L group 
(after 1 year of observation).  Based on these assumptions and assuming that time to first seizure follows an exponential distribution we estimate the 
hazard ratio between the L and P arms to be 0.374. Additional assumptions of the trial are that patients will be administratively censored after 1 year of 
follow-up and that 15% of patients will be lost to follow-up.  The reason for the first assumption is that risk of seizure is greatest during the first year and 
as such clinical interest focuses on this time period.  Because standard software packages do not incorporate administrative censoring we developed a SAS 
IML program to estimate the power associated with this clinical trial design.   
Based on this simulation program, the maximum fixed sample size to be accrued is 298 patients.  The power for this analysis is 83.6% (power based on 
1000 simulations). Because we plan 1 interim analysis using an O’Brien-Fleming stopping rule, we will need to adjust the sample size upward using the 
group sequential-to-fixed sample size ratio of 1.008 [35].  While this ratio is exact for trials with 80% power, it is a conservative lower bound for trials 
with greater than 80% power [35].  This ratio results in a trial with 302 patients (i.e., the largest even integer greater than 298×1.008).  This results in a 
trial with 151 patients randomized to L and 151 patients randomized to P.  The primary measure of efficacy is time to first seizure (TFS).  The primary 
test of the difference in TFS between the treatment arms will be based on the likelihood ratio statistic for the treatment effect in a stratified proportional 
hazards regression model with anticonvulsant use as the stratification factor.  The MDACC DSMB will periodically meet (either once every 6 months or 
annually) to evaluate safety and efficacy.  The interim analysis will take place after 21 events have been observed. We will assess efficacy using an 
O’Brien-Fleming stopping rule with a nominal critical value of 2.7959 at the interim analysis.  A futility analysis based on a conditional power assessment 
may be performed if the hazard ratio between the two treatment arms is approximately 1.  If a conditional power assessment is performed and the 
conditional power is less than 0.10 the trial will be stopped for futility.  The decision to perform this futility analysis will include an assessment of the 
number of events observed (i.e., at least 50% of the expected 42 events have occurred and all patients have not yet enrolled in the trial).  If the study 
continues to full accrual, the final analysis will take place when all of the patients have either been followed for 1 year or have experienced a seizure 
event.  We will test the null hypothesis HR=1.00 against HR≠1.00 at the 0.05 level.  The conditional power for the time-to-event outcome will be 
computed 
based 
on 
the 
method 
described 
in 
Design 
and 
Analysis 
of 
Clinical 
Trials 
with 
Time-to-Event 
Endpoints 
(Peace 
2009, 
page 
60) 
and 
Lan 
Simon 
and 
Halperin 
(1982). 
 
 
Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to summarize the treatment effects.  The mean, standard deviation, median, 25% percentile, 75% 
percentile, minimum, and maximum will be reported for continuous variables by treatment group.  For discrete (qualitative) outcomes, descriptive 
analyses will be based on the distribution of these discrete outcomes and will be reported as percentages and patient counts by treatment. Time to event 
endpoints will be descriptively summarized by Kaplan-Meier curves.  Point and interval estimates of treatment effects will be based on maximum 
likelihood methods.  For binomially distributed variables, we will report proportions, their 95% confidence intervals, differences in proportions and 95% 


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confidence intervals for the difference in proportions.  Estimates of treatment effects for time to event endpoints will be based on the ratio of hazard 
functions (L: P) using Wald type scores from a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Unless stated otherwise, all statistical tests will be assessed 
using a two-sided = 0.05 significance level and confidence intervals will be constructed using two-sided 95% and will be based on the normal 
approximation.  Although multiple secondary endpoints will be evaluated we will make no adjustment for multiplicities associated with these multiple 
tests. 
 
 
         11.2        Method of Analysis 
 
         11.2.1      Analysis Population  
Intent-to-Treat (ITT) Population 
 
This analysis set will include all subjects who (1) have received at least one dose of study medication; and (2) have no major protocol eligibility 
violations.  Subjects with major eligibility violations that are identifiable based on pre-study entry characteristics will be excluded.  Subjects who receive 
study medication other than that intended will be analyzed according to the therapy they intended to receive. No data collected on or after the first dosing 
date will be excluded.   
 
Per-Protocol (PP) Population 
 
All evaluable patients who do not experience any major protocol deviation will be included in the per-protocol dataset.  This analysis set will include all 
subjects who (1) have received at least one dose of study medication; (2) have not committed any major protocol violation, and (3) are evaluable for 
primary endpoint.  Subjects who received a treatment regimen other than that intended will be analyzed according to the therapy they received.  Data 
collected after 30 days post permanent discontinuation of the study treatment will be excluded. 
 
Safety Population 
 
The analysis set will include all subjects who have received at least one dose of study medication.  Subjects who receive study medication other than that 
intended will be analyzed according to the study medication received.  All data collected up to 30 days after the subject permanently discontinues the 
study drug will be included in the analysis of this analysis set.   
 
             11.2.2      Baseline Characteristics 
 
Demographic and baseline characteristics collected at screening or enrollment will be descriptively summarized on ITT and PP populations using: 
 
 
Frequency distributions (n, %) for qualitative outcomes, 
 
Standard statistical summaries for quantitative outcomes (n, mean, standard deviation, median, 25th percentile, 75th percentile, min, max). 
 
Both frequency distributions and standard statistical summaries will be reported for ordinal outcomes. 
 
             11.2.3      Safety Analysis 


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All safety analysis will be performed on the safety population. 
 
            11.2.4      Extent of Exposure 
 
Duration of exposure to study drug will be expressed as the number of weeks between the first and last dose of study regimen, inclusive, regardless of 
temporary interruptions and dose reduction in study drug administration and summarized.  Number of treatment cycles will also be summarized.    
 
Dosing information for individual subjects will be listed and reasons for study drug discontinuations will be summarized. 
 
            11.2.5      Adverse Events 
 
Clinical and laboratory adverse events will be coded using the NCI’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAEv.4.0). The 
CTCAEv4.0 will be attached to the clinical database. 
 
Summaries of unique adverse events will include 
 
 
all treatment emergent adverse events, 
 
all treatment emergent adverse events  by the worst grade, 
 
all related treatment emergent adverse events, 
 
all related treatment emergent adverse events by the worst grade, 
 
all adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation  
 
Treatment emergent adverse events are 
 
Events with onset dates on or after the start of treatment and up to 30 days after the permanent discontinuation of the study medication 
 
Continuing adverse events diagnosed before the start of treatment and getting worse in grade or relationship to treatment after the start of 
treatment. 
 
Related adverse events include all those classified by the investigator as definitely, probably, or possibly related to the study drugs. Events for which the 
investigator did not record relationship to study drug will be considered related to study drug. 
 
Multiple events will be counted once only per patient in each summary.  In the presentation, Adverse Event Categories will be sorted in alphabetical 
order. Within Categories adverse events will be sorted in descending order of total events.  For summaries by severity, the most severe event will be 
selected. 
 
Deaths and serious adverse events 
 
Serious adverse events and deaths will be listed.  Data from the adverse event page that specify the event is serious will be used to generate the listing.   
 
Summaries of serious unique adverse events will include: 


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 
all serious treatment emergent adverse events, 
 
all related serious treatment emergent adverse events by the worst grade, 
 
               11.3      Patient Reported Outcomes. 
 
The sample size for this trial was based on the primary endpoint of the study.  
 
Received MDASI-BT forms will be checked versus the timing schedule and considered as valid if they fall within 14 days of the scheduled assessment. 
Compliance rates will be calculated as the number of received valid forms over the number of expected forms. Differences between groups in compliance 
will be tested by use of Fisher’s exact test at every time point. We will use descriptive statistics to describe how patients rate symptom severity and 
interference with function at each time point. Error bar graphs for each of the symptoms will be constructed at each time point. The proportion of patients 
rating their symptoms to be 7 or greater (on a 0-10 scale) will also be reported. Differences of at least 2 points will be classified as the minimum clinically 
meaningful change in the symptom severity and symptom interference measures. For example, an increase of 2 points or more would mean a moderate 
improvement, whereas a decrease of 2 points or more would be interpreted as moderate worsening. For individual symptoms, a rise in a symptom score 
means deterioration, whereas a reduced score means improvement of the specific symptom. 
 
Our primary analytic strategy involves the use of a random-effects (or latent growth curve) model to evaluate patient individual and overall longitudinal 
changes in symptom measures, and determine the impact of the use of AEDs on these parameters.  The random-effects model approach provides a 
generalization to the classic linear regression model. It is ideally suited for analysis of repeated measures data in that it allows for more specific estimation 
of the correlation structure of the residuals, and more efficiently handles unbalanced designs and is very robust to missing data, without excluding 
participants or imputing values. In the model, we will include measure time, treatment indicator and their interaction as random effects (i.e., random 
slopes or latent growth curves). Such a model allows us to evaluate both patient individual and overall longitudinal trajectories of the symptom burden, 
and also determine the heterogeneity among patient’s trajectories (i.e., variance of the random effects).  Fit statistics, such as Akaike's Information 
Criterion (AIC) will be used to select appropriate covariance structure of the dataset. We will use a computer program, PROC MIXED (SAS v9.1 SAS 
Institute Inc, Cary, NC) to estimate and to test the models with continuous dependent measures. For binary symptom measures, we will use SAS PROC 
GLMIMX, which provides an adaptation to the mixed model approach for categorical data. To further investigate whether the patient population is 
consisted of several subpopulations characterized by different longitudinal trajectories. We will also conduct a latent class analysis based on the random-
effects model. We allow different latent classes (or subpopulations) have different regression coefficients (i.e., different shapes of growth curves). The 
AIC will be used to determine the number of latent class and the maximum likelihood method will be used to estimate the unknown model parameters. 
 
              11.4       EEG 
 
Because EEGs are optional and are intended to provide exploratory information only, no formal statistical analysis is planned. The analysis will depend 
on the amount and quality of data obtained.   
 
12.0 
DISCIPLINE REVIEW  
 
See sections 9.2 and 9.4. 


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13.0 
PHARMACOKINETICS 
 
 
Not applicable. 
 
14.0 
LABORATORY CORRELATES 
  
Not applicable. 
 
15.0 
MULTICENTER PROCEDURES 
 
15.1 
General Procedures 
 
The BTTC Operations Manual and Data Submission Forms, on file at all BTTC institutions, document the data management and quality assurance 
programs for this collaboration.  BTTC institutions will follow the guidelines as addressed below and throughout this protocol. 
 
15.2 
Principal Investigators 
 
The principal investigator(s) will be responsible for the conduct of the study and monitoring its progress.  The responsibility for all reports and forms 
required by BTTC will be that of the principal investigator(s). 
 
15.3 
Procedures for Patient Entry 
 
15.3.1 
Centralized Patient Registrations 
 
Patients who are candidates for the study will first be evaluated for eligibility by the local investigator. All patients must be registered both locally and 
centrally with BTTC. 
 
Before an institution may begin participating in a BTTC protocol, they must complete the following steps: 
 
 
Submit all required regulatory documents to the MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research (OMCR) as outlined in the BTTC Operations 
Manual 
 
Participate in a site initiation visit, webcast, or conference call 
 
Receive training regarding study specific CRF’s and/or databases 
 
After these requirements have been fulfilled, the participating institution will receive by fax, e-mail, or hard copy memo a Site Activation Notification.  
Once the Site Activation Notification has been received, the participating institution may begin to register patients to the protocol 
 
 
15.3.2 
Patient Registration/Randomization  


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BTTC patients will be registered with the MD Anderson OMCR by fax & phone at UT MD Anderson.  All eligibility requirements will be checked prior 
to registration.  The status of all regulatory documents will be checked prior to registration. No patient will be entered on protocol if they do not satisfy all 
regulatory document and eligibility requirements. Generic MD Anderson OMCR registration procedures are also described in the BTTC Operations 
Manual. 
 
Informed Consent/Authorization 
 
Prior to protocol enrollment and initiation of treatment, subjects must sign and date an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved consent form. 
 
Patient Registration/Randomization Procedures 
 
Participating institutions must register patients via EDMS, phone, and/or fax with the MD ANDERSON Office of Multicenter Clinical Research at: 
EDMS: https://iview.mdanderson.org/ 
Fax: (713) 794-1902 
Phone: (713) 792-8519 
Email: OMCR_BTTC@mdanderson.org 
 
Registration hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday, except holidays. 
 
Registrations must be completed after the patient has signed the informed consent and has been determined to be eligible by the local investigator.  
 
At the time of registration the following information will be requested by the MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research (OMCR): 
 
 
A faxed copy of a completed and signed, protocol specific, Eligibility Checklist form  
 
One copy of a Pathology report from the patient’s most recent surgery or biopsy 
 
One copy of the signed and dated Informed Consent/Authorization.  
 
The eligibility checklist form should be prepared and signed prior to faxing to the MD Anderson OMCR. The fax should be followed by a phone call to 
the MD Anderson OMCR to verify receipt. If the patient fails eligibility screening do not proceed to the registration process.  
 
Patient Number for Participating Institutions 
 
Once eligibility has been established during Registration, the patient from the participating institution is assigned a six character MD Anderson OMCR 
patient ID number and a protocol specific Accession Number.  The patient ID number is unique to the patient and, except for SAE reports, must be used 


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for registrations onto subsequent protocols and written on all data and correspondence for the patient. The SAE reports must use the protocol specific 
Accession Number. 
 
Verification of Registration/Randomization 
 
For participating institutions, a Registration Verification Letter for patients registered to BTTC protocols will be faxed or emailed to the registering 
institution within one working day after the registration is received. The OMCR must be notified in advance of patient cases that may require an expedited 
registration.   
 
Drug/Placebo Supply and Ordering 
 
This protocol will use the DMI Drug Ordering /Randomization database housed at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Initial drug/placebo supply will be 
ordered by the Office of Multicenter Clinical Research (OMCR) after the pharmacist has submitted a Pharmacy Initiation Worksheet and the site have 
been activated for patient enrollment. Drug is ordered from Uintavision (UVI), a drug distributor.  Once drug has been received the pharmacist must then 
send an email to the OMCR acknowledging receipt.  When the supply is low for that institution, an automatic email is generated by the DMI Drug 
Ordering /Randomization database.  The email is sent to the pharmacist as well as the OMCR.  The OMCR will request re-supply from UVI.  Again, the 
pharmacist must send the OMCR an email when drug is received. 
 
When a site has been activated for patient enrollment, the pharmacist(s) receives a unique User Name and Password from the OMCR IT group that allows 
access to the DMI Drug Ordering/Randomization database.  The pharmacist(s) must not share this information. After a patient has been enrolled, the 
OMCR also randomizes the patient to drug or placebo. This will also assign bottle numbers for that patient.  The pharmacist receives an automatic email 
from the DMI Drug Ordering /Randomization database.  The email contains a link to the database which allows the pharmacist to view the bottle 
numbers.  When a patient is returning to clinic and needs a re-supply, the pharmacist notifies the OMCR via email or fax.  The OMCR will then access the 
database and “request”   bottle numbers.  Again, the pharmacist is sent a link to the database which will allow them to view the bottle numbers assigned.   
 
Contact information for OMCR: 
MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research 
Attn: BTTC Project 
Fax:  713-794-1902. 
Email:  OMCR_BTTC@mdanderson.org.  
 
Initiation of Therapy 
 
Treatment may not be initiated until the participating institution receives a faxed or emailed copy of the patient’s Registration Verification Letter from the 
MDACC OMCR.  
 
All Patients that are eligible to receive therapy must initiate treatment within 14 days after the registration.   
 
The MD Anderson OMCR must be notified in writing of any exceptions to this policy.  


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Eligibility Exceptions 
 
Eligibility Exceptions will not be granted. 
 
15.4 
Data Management 
 
All data will be entered remotely into the computerized data management system located at the MD Anderson OMCR at UT MD Anderson.  Designated 
research staff from the registering institution will enter the data via remote electronic data entry.  The protocol specific electronic forms are to be used by 
the participating sites.  All investigators will utilize these forms for Baseline, Treatment, Tumor Evaluation, Off Treatment, Survival, and Off-study data.   
 
Confidentiality  
 
All documents, investigative reports, or information relating to the patient are strictly confidential. Any patient specific reports (i.e. Pathology Reports, 
MRI Reports, Operative Reports, etc.) submitted to the MD Anderson OMCR must have the patient’s full name & social security number “blacked out” 
and the assigned MD Anderson patient ID number and protocol number written in. Patient initials may be included or retained for cross verification of 
identification. 
 
15.5 
Data Monitoring 
 
All submitted data will be monitored by the MD Anderson Protocol Manager specifically assigned to this protocol. Requests for correction of data 
deficiencies will be sent via mail to the Institutional Coordinator.  Any major deficiencies will be corrected by telephone communication.  All data will be 
monitored for completeness. Key parameters such as drug dosages including attenuations and escalations, toxicity documentation and tumor 
measurements will be analyzed.  All data deficiencies will be corrected within two weeks. 
 
The schedule for data & source document submission is outlined as follows. 
  
Data Set / Source Documents 
Schedule for Submission 
Regulatory Documents 
(as described in the BTTC Operations 
Manual) 
Prior to Patient Registration 
Eligibility Checklist  
Prior to Patient Registration  
Copy of signed & dated Informed Consent w/ 
HIPAA Authorization 
Prior to Patient Registration  
Baseline Data 
(To include prior disease/treatment history, 
and baseline clinical evaluation information) 
Within 14 days after the registration date 
Baseline Source Documents 
Within 14 days after the registration date 
Baseline MDASI – BT Questionnaire 
Within 14 days after the registration date 


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Treatment Data 
(To include treatment (reported in weekly 
increments), con meds, AE, and clinical 
evaluation information) 
Within 14 days after each quarterly visit 
Follow Up Data ( the patient interim 
telephone contact) 
Within 14 days after each follow up 
telephone call or clinic visit (includes the 
source document for  patient interim 
telephone contact  checklist form) 
Treatment Source Documents (pill diaries, 
pill counts, physician orders/prescriptions) 
Within 28 days after each quarterly visit 
Off Treatment Data 
Within 10 days after the last date of protocol 
treatment 
Off Treatment Source Documents (if 
applicable) 
Within 10 days after the last date of protocol 
treatment 
Non-Treatment Data 
(May include Quality of Life questionnaires, 
EEG report, etc.) 
Within 10 days after each scheduled 
assessment, event, or activity 
Off Study Data 
Within 10 days after the date the patient is 
removed from the study 
Off Study Source Documents 
Within 10 days after the date the patient is 
removed from the study 
Pharmacy Drug Accountability Record Form 
Source Document 
Within 10 days after the date the patient is 
removed from the study 
Serious Adverse Events  
Within 10 days after notification of SAE 
 
15.6 
Safety Assessments and Toxicity Monitoring 
 
All patients receiving study agents will be evaluated for safety.  The safety parameters include all laboratory tests and hematological abnormalities, CNS 
observations, physical examination findings, and spontaneous reports of adverse events reported to the investigator by patients.  All toxicities encountered 
during the study will be evaluated according to the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0 and recorded quarterly 
or more often.  Life-threatening toxicities that are unexpected and assessed to be possibly related to the study agent/s should be reported immediately to 
the study Coordinator, Institutional Review Board (IRB), and those that are unexpected and assessed to be possibly related to the study agents should also 
be reported to the FDA. 
 
Information about all adverse events, whether volunteered by the subject, discovered by investigator questioning, or detected through physical 
examination, laboratory test or other means, will be collected and recorded on the Adverse Event Case Report Form and followed as appropriate. An 
adverse event is any undesirable sign, symptom or medical condition occurring after starting study drug (or therapy) even if the event is not considered to 
be related to study drug. 
 


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Medical conditions/diseases present before starting study treatment are only considered adverse events if they worsen after starting study treatment (any 
procedures specified in the protocol). Adverse events occurring before starting study treatment but after signing the informed consent form are recorded 
on the Baseline Evaluations Adverse Events Case Report Form. Abnormal laboratory values or test results constitute adverse events only if they induce 
clinical signs or symptoms or require therapy, and are also recorded on the Adverse Events Case Report Form. 
 
Adverse events will be reported at least quarterly. In addition all serious adverse events will be reported to the study chair, and the MD Anderson OMCR 
as directed in section 15.7. 
 
The MD Anderson Cancer Center DSMB will provide oversight for this protocol. 
 
A serious adverse event is any adverse drug experience at any dose that results in any of the following outcomes: Death, a life-threatening adverse drug 
experience, inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, a persistent or significant disability/incapacity, or a congenital 
anomaly/birth defect.  Important medical events that may not result in death, be life-threatening, or require hospitalization may be considered serious 
when, based upon appropriate medical judgment, they may jeopardize the patient or may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the 
outcomes listed in this definition.  Examples of such medical events include allergic bronchospasm requiring intensive treatment in an emergency room or 
at home, blood dyscrasias or convulsions in a patient who has never had seizure activity in the past that do not result in inpatient hospitalization, or the 
development of drug dependency or abuse. 
 
Events not considered to be serious adverse events are hospitalizations for the purposes of this protocol and include:  
 
 
Routine treatment or monitoring of the studied indication not associated with any deterioration in condition.  
 
treatment, which was elective or pre-planned, for a pre-existing condition that did not worsen 
 
treatment on an emergency, outpatient basis for an event not fulfilling any of the definitions of serious given above and not resulting in hospital 
admission. 
 
Pregnancy, although not itself a serious adverse event, should also be reported on a serious adverse event form and be followed up to determine 
outcome, including spontaneous or voluntary termination, details of birth, and the presence or absence of any birth defects or congenital 
abnormalities. 
 
The study will utilize the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 4.0 for 
Toxicity and Adverse Event reporting.  A copy of the CTCAE version 4.0 can be downloaded from the BTTC home page 
((http://BTTC.cancer.gov/reporting/ctc.html).  All appropriate treatment areas should have access to either a hard copy of the CTCAE version 4.0 or the 
www version. 
 
Serious Adverse Events will be reported via the BTTC SAE reporting process. See section 15.7 for BTTC SAE reporting guidelines. 
 
Notification of Investigators of Expedited Adverse Events Reported to the FDA 
 


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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations require sponsors of clinical studies conducted under a U.S. IND to notify the FDA and all 
participating investigators of any serious and unexpected adverse experiences that are possibly related to the investigational agent. In compliance with 
these FDA regulations, BTTC will notify the BTTC affiliate investigators, via the MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research, by the following 
methods: 
 
IND Safety Reports –Investigators will be sent a copy of expedited adverse events, which BTTC has sent to the FDA. BTTC will notify consortium 
investigators via the MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research. Within 7 business days of receipt of the notification the MDACC OMCR will 
forward the reports to the participating members with protocol specific instructions for IRB submissions, patient notifications, etc. For routine IND Safety 
Reports BTTC does not generally require an immediate revision to the master protocol and/or model informed consent documents maintained at the 
MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research. The investigators are to file a copy with their protocol file and send a copy to their IRB according to 
their local IRB’s policies and procedures. 
 
IND AE Action Letters - These letters are issued by BTTC for those serious adverse events, which warrant an immediate change in the informed consent 
form and/or protocol. Investigators will be sent a copy of expedited adverse events, which BTTC has sent to the FDA. BTTC will notify consortium 
investigators via the MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research with the requirement that the model informed consent and or master protocol be 
amended to include the new event. Immediately upon receipt of the notification the MDACC OMCR will forward the letters to the participating members 
with protocol specific instructions for IRB submissions, patient notifications, etc. BTTC provides a time frame for which to submit the amendment to the 
BTTC Protocol and Information Office. The letter from BTTC will specify if accrual to the protocol is to be suspended until the revision is made and 
whether patients already on study require re-consenting.  
 
Pharmaceutical 
Company or 
Sponsor
Lead PI
BTTC
Coordinating 
Center
(MDACC)
Participating 
Institution
Local IRBs
Lead IRB)
IND 
Safety Reports
IND Safety Reports
Action Letters
Instructions
IND Safety Reports
Action Letters
Instructions
IND Safety Reports
Action Letters
Instructions
IND Safety Reports
Action Letters
BTTC
IND Safety Report 
Processing WorkFlow
 
15.7 
Guidelines for Reporting Serious Adverse Events to BTTC 
 


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All patients receiving agents will be evaluated for safety. Local IRB SAE reporting procedures are to be followed by all Institutions. At the same time all 
SAEs must also be reported to the Lead Principal Investigator and the BTTC Coordinating Center. 
 
 
 
Participating 
Institution
 Coordinating 
Center
(MDACC)
Lead PI
Sponsor or 
Pharma
(If applicable)
MDACC IRB
(Lead IRB)
Participating IRB
All SAE
Reports
All SAE 
Reports
SAE Reports
Unexpected & Related SAEs
SAEs per
Local SOP
BTTC 
Routine SAE Report 
Processing WorkFlow
Unexpected & 
Related SAEs
FDA
(If Applicable)
Unexpected & 
Related SAEs
Lead IRB
All SAE
Reports
 
BTTC SAE reporting requirements and time frames for reporting to the BTTC Coordinating Center are described below: 
 
Adverse Event Reporting for Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials 
UNEXPECTED EVENT 
EXPECTED EVENT 
Grade 2 & 3 
Attribution of 
Possible, Probable 
or Definite  
Grades 4 and 5 
Regardless of 
Attribution  
Grades 1-3  
Grades 4 and 5 
Regardless of 
Attribution  


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Expedited report to  
MDACC OMCR 
within  
5 working days.  
Report by phone to 
MDACC OMCR 
Within 24 hrs. 
Expedited report to 
follow within 5 
Working days. 
 
This includes deaths 
within 30 days of the 
last dose of treatment 
with an investigational 
agent regardless of 
attribution. Any late 
death attributed to the 
agent (possible, 
probable, or definite) 
should be reported 
within 5 working days.  
Adverse Event  
Expedited  
Reporting is NOT 
required.  
Expedited report,  
including Grade 5  
Aplasia in leukemia 
patients, within 5  
Working days.  
 
This includes deaths 
within 30 days of the 
last dose of treatment 
with an investigational 
agent regardless of 
attribution. Any late 
death attributed to the 
agent (possible, 
probable, or definite) 
should be reported 
within 5 working days. 
Grade 4 
Myelosuppression or 
other Grade 4 events 
that do not require 
expedited reporting will 
be specified in the 
protocol.  
Grade 1 – Adverse  
Event Expedited  
Reporting not 
required. 
For Hospitalization Only – Any medical event equivalent to CTC Grade 3, 4, 5 which 
precipitated hospitalization (or prolongation of existing hospitalization) must be reported 
regardless of requirements for phase of study, expected or unexpected and attribution.  
 
Expedited reporting may not be appropriate for specific expected AEs for certain later Phase II 
and Phase III protocols. In those situations the AE that will not have expedited reporting must 
be specified in the text of the approved protocol.  
 
The BTTC Coordinating Center will maintain documentation of all Serious Adverse Events from each institution. The BTTC Coordinating Center will 
notify all investigators of any serious and unexpected adverse experiences that are possibly related to the study agent/s.  The investigators are to file a 
copy with their protocol file and send a copy to their IRB according to their local IRB’s policies and procedures.  
 
All serious adverse events that are unexpected and assessed to be possibly related to the study agents must be reported to the FDA by the lead investigator 
(or their designee) as a 15-day post-marketing ‘Alert Report’. An unexpected adverse event is one that is not already described in the study agent 
Investigator Brochure(s). The lead principal investigator (or their designee) also has the obligation to report serious adverse events to their IRB, and UCB.  
This includes serious, related, labeled (expected) and serious, related, unlabeled (unexpected) adverse experiences. 


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The BTTC Coordinating Center will forward all SAE reports to the lead IRB via the lead investigator, FDA (when applicable), and UCB within 2 
business days after sending to the lead PI. 
 
UCB, S.A. 
FDA Med Watch 15-day Alert Report       
 
FAX:  (919) 767-3175 
 
Telephone:  (866) 822-0068 x Option 4 
E-mail:  ds.us@ucb.com 
Phone: 1-800-FDA-1008 
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178 or by mail to MedWatch 
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research  
Food and Drug AdministrationSuite 200N 1401 Rockville Pike Rockville, 
MD 20852-1448  
FAX: 1-800-FDA-0178 or by mail to MedWatch, Food and Drug 
Administration, 
5600 Fishers Lane,  
Rockville, MD 20857-9787 
 
SAEs should be recorded on a Multicenter SAE Form (Appendix 17.8). Multicenter SAE forms are to be submitted via EDMS or faxed to: 
 
MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research 
Attn: BTTC Project 
Fax: 713-794-1902 
EDMS: https://iview.mdanderson.org/ 
Phone: (713) 792-8519 
 
Follow-up information:   
 
Additional information may be added to a previously submitted report by any of the following methods: 
 
 
Adding to the original  Multicenter SAE  SAE report and submitting it as follow-up 
 
Adding supplemental summary information and submitting it as follow-up with the original  Multicenter SAE form.  
 
Summarizing new information and faxing it with a cover letter including subject identifiers (i.e. D.O.B. initial, subject number), protocol 
description and number, if assigned, suspect drug, brief adverse event description, and notation that additional or follow-up information is being 
submitted  (The subject identifiers are important so that the new information is added to the correct initial report) 
 


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Occasionally BTTC may contact the reporter for additional information, clarification, or current status of the subject for whom an adverse event was 
reported.  
 
Assessing Causality: 
 
Investigators are required to assess whether there is a reasonable possibility that the study agent/s caused or contributed to an adverse event.  The 
following general guidance may be used. 
 
Yes: 
If the temporal relationship of the clinical event to the study agent/s administration makes a causal relationship possible, and other drugs, 
therapeutic interventions or underlying conditions do not provide a sufficient explanation for the observed event. 
 
No: 
If the temporal relationship of the clinical event to the study agent/s administration makes a causal relationship unlikely, or other drugs, 
therapeutic interventions or underlying conditions provide a sufficient explanation for the observed event. 
 
15.8 
Guidelines & Procedures for reporting Violations, Deviations and Unanticipated Problems 
 
Neither the FDA nor the ICH GCP guidelines define the terms “protocol violation” or “protocol deviation.”  The definition is often left to the Lead 
Institution IRB.  Accordingly, since MDACC is the Coordinating Center and the Protocol Chair must adhere to those policies set by the MDACC IRB, the 
definitions for protocol violation and deviation as described by the MDACC IRB will be applied for reporting purposes for all institutions participating in 
the MDACC Multi-center Project. Definitions, reporting guidelines and procedures for reporting violations, deviations and/or unanticipated problems are 
described in the BTTC Operations Manual. 
 
Protocol violations/deviations/unanticipated problems occurring at a participating institution will be submitted to that institution’s own IRB. A copy of the 
participating institution’s IRB violation/deviation/unanticipated problem report will be forwarded to the BTTC Coordinating Center by mail, facsimile, or 
via email (password protected document) within 7 calendar days after the original submission.  
 
MDACC Office of Multicenter Clinical Research 
Attn: BTTC Project 
Fax: 713-794-1902 
Email: OMCR_BTTC@mdanderson.org 
 
BTTC Coordinating Center:  Upon receipt of the violation/deviation/unanticipated problem report from the participating institution, the BTTC 
Coordinating Center will submit the report to the lead Protocol Chair for review. Subsequently, the participating institution’s IRB 
violation/deviation/unanticipated problem report will be submitted to the MD Anderson Cancer Center IRB for review. 
 
15.9 
Institutional Review 
 


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Each cooperating center will submit the protocol to its own IRB.  Documentation of the IRB approval will be forwarded to the MDACC OMCR at UT 
MDACC before a patient from that institution can be registered on protocol.  No changes in the protocol will be allowed unless approved by the principal 
investigator and BTTC. 
 
15.10 
Protocol Revisions and Closure 
 
Non life-threatening revisions: BTTC investigators will receive written notification of protocol revisions regarding non life-threatening events. 
 
Life-threatening revisions: BTTC investigators will receive telephone notification of life-threatening revisions with follow-up by fax and/or e-mail.  Life-
threatening protocol revisions will be implemented immediately. 
 
Protocol closures and temporary holds: BTTC investigators will receive email notification of protocol closures and holds.  Closures and holds will be 
effective immediately.  Centers will be updated on an ongoing basis about protocol accrual data so that they will be aware of imminent protocol closures. 
 
15.11 
Quality Assurance 
 
The BTTC Quality Assurance procedures and reports are described in detail in the BTTC Operations Manual. However, an abbreviated description is 
provided below. 
 
BTTC Quality assurance measures are provided by three mechanisms: ongoing in-house monitoring of protocol compliance, on-site audits, and response 
reviews.  All data submitted to the MD Anderson OMCR at UT MD Anderson will be monitored in-house for timeliness of submission, completeness, 
and adherence to protocol requirements.  Data monitoring will begin at the time of patient registration and will continue during protocol performance and 
completion.  The MD Anderson Protocol Manager will perform the ongoing protocol compliance monitoring with the support of the BTTC study 
investigators. 
 
In the absence of a sponsor monitoring requirement, or agency, institutions participating in BTTC Protocols may be subject to on-site auditing conducted 
by the MD Anderson OMCR as described in the MD Anderson OMCR’s Multi-Center Audit Plan for the BTTC consortium.  The Multi-Center Audit 
Plan does not replace the in-house monitoring described in this manual. On-Site auditing combined with the in-house monitoring are intended to enhance 
the reliability and validity of clinical trial data from BTTC institutions through the use of routine monitoring & auditing procedures. 
 
          15.12.  Guidelines and Procedure for Unblinding Treatment 
 
The site/treating Principal Investigator may request unblind the patient’s treatment under certain circumstances:  
 
(1) A life –threatening event;  
(2) protocol-defined seizure activity;  
(3) An AE that is concerning to the site Primary Investigator  
(4) At the time study treatment is discontinued.  
 


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The unblinding procedure is outlined below.  All parties must strictly adhere to the procedure in 
order to maintain protocol integrity. 
 
 
1. The treating physician will call and email Dr. Norden and/or his back up to request the unblinding.  
2. The treating physician completes the Unblinding Request form:    
3. The treating physician will sign and date the completed request form. 
4. The  treating physician will scan and e-mail the completed unblinding request form to Dr. Norden  or designee and cc MDA Anderson OMCR BTTC 
Staff (omcr_bttc@mdanderson.org) 
5.  If Dr Norden, or his back-up, approves the unblinding, he will sign, date, scan, and email the Unblinding Request form to the study statistician, Dr Ying 
Yuan, Dr. Yuan’s back-up, and cc the M.D. Anderson OMCR and the requesting physician. 
6.   Dr Yuan, and/or his back-up, will unblind the patient, and email the treatment assignment to the treating physician only.   Dr. Yuan will follow up by 
sending the completed patient unblinding notification memo to the requesting physician. 
      
7. The treating physician will document the unblinding request and outcome in the patient’s chart following their institution’s policy and procedures within 
24 hours of the unblinding. 
8. The OMCR will notify the MDA IRB and the MD Anderson DSMB of routine patient unblindings at the time of the annual protocol approval. The 
OMCR will notify the DSMB of each emergency unblinding as they occur.    
9. All research staff involved in the activity for this protocol should continue to remain blinded to drug assignment/randomization. 
10. If the unblinded patient experienced an SAE, the SAE is to be processed per the protocol, BTTC Operation’s Manual, and the institution’s policy and 
procedure.  Patient will be taken off treatment and followed for 30 days after last dose or until the event has been resolved.  
 
 
Contact Information: 
 
 
 
 
 
16.0 
REFERENCES 
 
1. 
American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts 
and Figures 2009. American Cancer Society, Atlanta 
2. 
Bromfield EB: Epilepsy in patients with 
brain tumors and other cancers. Rev Neurol Dis 1 Suppl 1: 
S27-33, 20043. 
van Breemen MS, Wilms EB, Vecht CJ: 
Epilepsy in patients with brain tumours: epidemiology,  
mechanisms, and management. Lancet Neurol 6: 421-430, 2007 
4. 
Rossetti AO, Stupp R: Epilepsy in brain tumor patients. Curr Opin Neurol, 2010 (Epub ahead of print) 
NAME 
- 
PHONE 
NUMB
ER 
- 
EMAIL ADDRESS 
- 
Andrew Norden, M.D. (study 
chair) 
617-632-2166 
anorden@partners.org 
Mark Gilbert, M/D. (Dr. Norden’s back-up) 
 
 
Ying Yuan, Ph.D. (study biostatistician) 
713-563-4271 
yyuan@mdanderson.org 
Jean Caputo ( 1st back up to Dr Yuan) 
713-794-4164 
jcaputo@mdanderson.org 
Tim Newell  (2nd back up for Dr. Yuan) 
713-792-8391 
renewell@mdanderson.org 
MD Anderson OMCR Sr. CRS 
713-792-8519 
OMCR_BTTC@mdanderson.org 


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5. 
Glantz MJ, Cole BF, Friedberg MH, Lathi E, Choy H, Furie K, Akerley W, Wahlberg L, Lekos A, Louis S: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled 
trial of divalproex sodium prophylaxis in adults with newly diagnosed brain tumors. Neurology 46: 985-991, 1996 
6. 
Vogelbaum MA: personal communication.  
7. 
Boarini DJ, Beck DW, VanGilder JC: Postoperative prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in cerebral gliomas. Neurosurgery 16: 290-292, 1985 
8. 
Moots PL, Maciunas RJ, Eisert DR, Parker RA, Laporte K, Abou-Khalil B: The course of seizure disorders in patients with malignant gliomas. Arch 
Neurol 52: 717-724, 1995 
9. 
Mahaley MS, Jr., Dudka L: The role of anticonvulsant medications in the management of patients with anaplastic gliomas. Surg Neurol 16: 399-401, 1981 
10. 
Franceschetti S, Binelli S, Casazza M, Lodrini S, Panzica F, Pluchino F, Solero CL, Avanzini G: Influence of surgery and antiepileptic drugs on seizures 
symptomatic of cerebral tumours. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 103: 47-51, 1990 
11. 
Forsyth PA, Weaver S, Fulton D, Brasher PM, Sutherland G, Stewart D, Hagen NA, Barnes P, Cairncross JG, DeAngelis LM: Prophylactic 
anticonvulsants in patients with brain tumour. Can J Neurol Sci 30: 106-112, 2003 
12. 
North JB, Penhall RK, Hanieh A, Frewin DB, Taylor WB: Phenytoin and postoperative epilepsy. A double-blind study. J Neurosurg 58: 672-677, 1983 
13. 
Foy PM, Chadwick DW, Rajgopalan N, Johnson AL, Shaw MD: Do prophylactic anticonvulsant drugs alter the pattern of seizures after craniotomy? J 
Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 55: 753-757, 1992 
14. 
Kuijlen JM, Teernstra OP, Kessels AG, Herpers MJ, Beuls EA: Effectiveness of antiepileptic prophylaxis used with supratentorial craniotomies: a meta-
analysis. Seizure 5: 291-298, 1996 
15. 
Glantz MJ, Cole BF, Forsyth PA, Recht LD, Wen PY, Chamberlain MC, Grossman SA, Cairncross JG: Practice parameter: anticonvulsant prophylaxis in 
patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors. Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 54: 
1886-1893, 2000 
16. 
Tremont-Lukats IW, Ratilal BO, Armstrong T, Gilbert MR: Antiepileptic drugs for preventing seizures in people with brain tumors. Cochrane Database 
Syst Rev: CD004424, 2008 
17. 
Mamon HJ, Wen PY, Burns AC, Loeffler JS: Allergic skin reactions to anticonvulsant medications in patients receiving cranial radiation therapy. 
Epilepsia 40: 341-344, 1999 
18. 
Delattre JY, Safai B, Posner JB: Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in patients receiving cranial irradiation and phenytoin. Neurology 
38: 194-198, 1988 
19. 
Hoang-Xuan K, Delattre JY, Poisson M: Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a patient receiving cranial irradiation and carbamazepine. Neurology 40: 1144-
1145, 1990 
20. 
Taylor LP, Posner JB: Phenobarbital rheumatism in patients with brain tumor. Ann Neurol 25: 92-94, 1989 
21. 
Werk EE, Jr., Choi Y, Sholiton L, Olinger C, Haque N: Interference in the effect of dexamethasone by diphenylhydantoin. N Engl J Med 281: 32-34, 
1969 
22. 
Chalk JB, Ridgeway K, Brophy T, Yelland JD, Eadie MJ: Phenytoin impairs the bioavailability of dexamethasone in neurological and neurosurgical 
patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 47: 1087-1090, 1984 
23. 
Lawson LA, Blouin RA, Smith RB, Rapp RP, Young AB: Phenytoin-dexamethasone interaction: a previously unreported observation. Surg Neurol 16: 
23-24, 1981 
24. 
Grossman SA, Sheidler VR, Gilbert MR: Decreased phenytoin levels in patients receiving chemotherapy. Am J Med 87: 505-510, 1989 
25. 
Baker DK, Relling MV, Pui CH, Christensen ML, Evans WE, Rodman JH: Increased teniposide clearance with concomitant anticonvulsant therapy. J 
Clin Oncol 10: 311-315, 1992 
26. 
Chang TK, Chen G, Waxman DJ: Modulation of thiotepa antitumor activity in vivo by alteration of liver cytochrome P450-catalyzed drug metabolism. J 
Pharmacol Exp Ther 274: 270-275, 1995 


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27. 
Fetell MR, Grossman SA, Fisher JD, Erlanger B, Rowinsky E, Stockel J, Piantadosi S: Preirradiation paclitaxel in glioblastoma multiforme: efficacy, 
pharmacology, and drug interactions. New Approaches to Brain Tumor Therapy Central Nervous System Consortium. J Clin Oncol 15: 3121-3128, 1997 
28. 
Grossman SA, Hochberg F, Fisher J, Chen TL, Kim L, Gregory R, Grochow LB, Piantadosi S: Increased 9-aminocamptothecin dose requirements in 
patients on anticonvulsants. NABTT CNS Consortium. The New Approaches to Brain Tumor Therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 42: 118-126, 1998 
29. 
Chang SM, Kuhn JG, Rizzo J, Robins HI, Schold SC, Jr., Spence AM, Berger MS, Mehta MP, Bozik ME, Pollack I, Gilbert M, Fulton D, Rankin C, 
Malec M, Prados MD: Phase I study of paclitaxel in patients with recurrent malignant glioma: a North American Brain Tumor Consortium report. J Clin 
Oncol 16: 2188-2194, 1998 
30. 
Muller PJ, Tator CH, Bloom M: The effect of phenobarbital on the toxicity and tumoricidal activity of CCNU in a murine brain tumor model. J Neurosurg 
52: 359-366, 1980 
31. 
Armstrong TS, Kanusky JT, Gilbert MR: Seize the moment to learn about epilepsy in people with cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 7: 163-169, 2003 
32. 
Carmichael J, Fink U, Russell RC, Spittle MF, Harris AL, Spiessi G, Blatter J: Phase II study of gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. 
Br J Cancer 73: 101-105, 1996 
33. 
Armstrong TS, Mendoza T, Gning I, Coco C, Cohen MZ, Eriksen L, Hsu MA, Gilbert MR, Cleeland C: Validation of the M.D. Anderson Symptom 
Inventory Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT). J Neurooncol 80: 27-35, 2006 
34. 
Armstrong C, Mollman J, Corn BW, Alavi J, Grossman M: Effects of radiation therapy on adult brain behavior: evidence for a rebound phenomenon in a 
phase 1 trial. Neurology 43: 1961-1965, 1993 
35. 
Chow SC, Shoa J, Wang H: Sample Size Calculations in Clinical Research. Chapman & Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, 2008 
36. 
Peace, K.E. (2009) Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials with Time-to-Event Endpoints, Chapman & Hall/CRC. 
37.  
Lan KKG, Simon R, Halperin M. (1982) Stochastically curtailed tests in long-term clinical trials. Communications in Statistics  Sequential Analysis 
1:207219. 
 
 
 
 


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17.0 
 APPENDICES 
 
17.1 
NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 
 
17.2 
Karnofsky Performance Status  
 
17.3        MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Brain Tumors (MDASI – BT) 
 
17.4 
Sample Drug Diary and Pill Count 
 
17.5 
Patient Education Sheet 
 
17.6 
 Patient Unblinding Request Memo     
                                                                                                                                                                        
17.7       Patient Unblinding Notification Memo 
 
17.8       Multicenter SAE Form   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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17.1 
NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 
 
This study will utilize the CTCAE version 4.0 for Toxicity and Adverse Event reporting.  A copy of the CTCAE version 4.0 can be downloaded at 
http://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/ctc.htm 
 
 
 
 


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17.2 
Karnofsky Performance Status and Neurological Exam 
 
Patient's performance status and Neurologic Exam will be graded according to the following scales: 
 
Karnofsky Performance Status 
 
KPS 100 
Normal; no complaints; no evidence of disease 
KPS   90 
Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms of disease 
KPS   80 
Normal activity with effort; some sign or symptoms of disease 
KPS   70 
Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or do active work 
KPS   60 
Requires occasional assistance, but is able to care for most personal needs 
KPS   50 
Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care 
KPS   40 
Disabled; requires special care and assistance 
KPS   30 
Severely disabled; hospitalization is indicated, although death no imminent 
KPS   20 
Very sick; hospitalization necessary; active support treatment is necessary 
KPS   10 
Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly 
KPS     0 
Dead 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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17.3 
MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Brain Tumors (MDASI-BT) 
 
 
(The MDASI – BT is created by the OMCR programming staff upon request for each protocol. The standard MDASI – BT questionnaire is used as a 
template. This form will contain coding “landmarks” that enable the data to be scanned into the MDACC data repository for MDASI results. Please 
contact the OMCR to obtain the questionnaire that is to be attached to the protocol.) 
 
 
 
 
 


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17.4  Pill Diary          Patient Initial:________________                 BTTC ID #:_______________        Bottle #:______________       Month #:___________ 
 
This calendar is for you to indicate that you took the drug(s) according to the instructions.  Please put a check mark  after each dose.   
Please sign this calendar at the end of the cycle and bring the calendar and all study drug bottle(s) back to your next clinic visit. 
DOSES:  Lacosamide/Placebo ______mg by mouth twice a day as close to 12 hours apart as possible. 
 
Day 1 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______ p.m._______ 
Day 2 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______ p.m._______ 
 
Day 3  __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
Day  4 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
Day 5 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
Day 6 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
Day 7 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 8 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 9 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 10 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
  
 
Day 11 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 12 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
 
Day 13 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 14 __________ 
 
______________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 15 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 16 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
 
Day 17 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 18 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
   
 
Day 19 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 20 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 21 __________ 
 
___________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 22 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 23 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 24 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 25 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 26 ___________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 27 ___________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
Day 28 __________ 
 
__________ mg 
 
a.m ______  p.m._______ 
 
 
 
 
 
Patient Signature:_____________________________                        Date:______________________ 
 


PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION                                     BTTC11-01                                                                   
FOR INVESTIGATIONAL USE ONLY   
 
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BTTC11 - 01 
 
PILL COUNT DOCUMENTATION: 
 
 
 
 
 
TO BE COMPLETED BY CLINICAL RESEARCH STAFF 
 
PATIENT INITIAL: __________  BTTC I.D. # _________      Bottle #________________  MONTH # _____ 
 
DOSE OF LACOSAMIDE PRESCRIBED: __________ MG,  PO   
 
LACOSAMIDE tablets are available in 50, 100, mg strengths. The study will provide drug adequate for 3 months of treatment. 
 
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
 
 
DATE DISPENSED: _____________     (mm/dd/yy)        QUANTITY OF BOTTLES DISPENSED: ________   
 
QUANTITY OF 50 MG TABLETS DISPENSED: ________________        
 
QUANTITY OF 100 MG TABLETS DISPENSED:  _______________     
 
 
NUMBER OF _____   MG TABLETS PER DAY REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE PRESCRIBED DOSE: ___________ 
 
 
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
 
 
**********DO NOT RETURN UNUSED TABLETS TO THE PATIENT************* 
 
 
RETURN PILL/BOTTLE COUNT DATE: ___________         (mm/dd/yy) 
 Has the patient taken the dose scheduled for this date?      YES     NO    
 
 
QUANTITY OF BOTTLES RETURNED: _____________ 
 
 
QUANTITY OF 50 MG TABLETS RETURNED: ______________       QUANTITY OF 100 MG TABLETS RETURNED:_______________ 


PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION                                     BTTC11-01                                                                   
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Version Date:   May 30, 2014 
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BTTC11 - 01 
 
 
17.5  Patient Education Sheet Seizure Information Sheet 
 
You are part of a study looking at prevention of seizures with lacosamide (Vimpat). It is 
important that you understand what a seizure is, what to do if one occurs, and what to 
report to the health care team.   
 
What is a seizure? 
 
The brain is the control center of the body. Cells in the brain send electrical signals out to other 
parts of the body to make them work together with the brain. Brain cells work like little switches 
to turn off and on the signals that control movement, sensation, and consciousness. When someone 
has a seizure, it’s as if some of the cells get stuck in the “on” position and cause signals that make 
parts of the body shake. A person having a seizure may lose awareness of surroundings, have 
uncontrollable, jerky movements, or experience visual changes. 
 
Are all seizures the same? 
 
No. There are two major kinds of seizures: 
 
Partial seizures happen when only one side of the brain is affected, usually the side where the 
tumor is located. It then affects one side of the body, opposite the side of the tumor. There are two 
general types of partial seizures, simple and complex partial. 
 
 
Simple partial seizures: the person will stay awake and can usually respond to you. 
They may experience any of the following based on the location of the tumor: 
o 
Jerking or twitching of the arm, leg or face 
o 
Numbness or tingling of the arm, leg or face 
o 
Blinking lights or objects on one side of their vision 
 
 
Complex partial seizures: most commonly occur with tumors in the temporal lobe. The 
person is awake, but may not be able to respond. They may also experience any of the 
following: 
o 
Brief staring spells, like in a trance 
o 
Unable to speak or have garbled speech 
o 
Lip smacking, chewing 
o 
Experience a déjà vu sensation 
o 
Doing repetitive motions 
 
Generalized seizures happen when the whole brain is suddenly swamped with electrical signals. 
The person will have loss of consciousness. The person may experience a simple partial seizure or 
complex partial seizure that then becomes a generalized seizure, or they may experience only a 
generalized seizure.  They may also experience any of the following symptoms: 
 
 
Arms and legs stiffen. Then they may begin jerking 
 
Loss of control of urine or bowels 
 
Biting of the tongue or sides of the mouth 
 
Decreased breathing 
 
What are the stages of a seizure? 
 
Seizures often occur suddenly and are unexpected.  Some common stages are: 
 


PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION                                     BTTC11-01                                                                   
FOR INVESTIGATIONAL USE ONLY   
 
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 
Preictal:  Sometimes the person will experience a period of time before the seizure 
(minutes to days in length), in which they feel differently. This is called a preictal period. Not 
everyone has a preictal period. Some common symptoms are: 
o 
An aura in which the person tastes, smells or hears something that is not there 
o 
Sense of déjà vu 
o 
Unusual sensation in the stomach or nausea 
 
 
 
 


PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION                                     BTTC11-01                                                                   
FOR INVESTIGATIONAL USE ONLY   
 
Version Date:   May 30, 2014 
                                                                                                                     Page  57 of 58 
 
BTTC11 - 01 
 
17.5  Patient Education Sheet Seizure Information Sheet 
 
You are part of a study looking at prevention of seizures with lacosamide (Vimpat). It is 
important that you understand what a seizure is, what to do if one occurs, and what to 
report to the health care team.   
 
What is a seizure? 
 
The brain is the control center of the body. Cells in the brain send electrical signals out to other 
parts of the body to make them work together with the brain. Brain cells work like little switches 
to turn off and on the signals that control movement, sensation, and consciousness. When someone 
has a seizure, it’s as if some of the cells get stuck in the “on” position and cause signals that make 
parts of the body shake. A person having a seizure may lose awareness of surroundings, have 
uncontrollable, jerky movements, or experience visual changes. 
 
Are all seizures the same? 
 
No. There are two major kinds of seizures: 
 
Partial seizures happen when only one side of the brain is affected, usually the side where the 
tumor is located. It then affects one side of the body, opposite the side of the tumor. There are two 
general types of partial seizures, simple and complex partial. 
 
 
Simple partial seizures: the person will stay awake and can usually respond to you. 
They may experience any of the following based on the location of the tumor: 
o 
Jerking or twitching of the arm, leg or face 
o 
Numbness or tingling of the arm, leg or face 
o 
Blinking lights or objects on one side of their vision 
 
 
Complex partial seizures: most commonly occur with tumors in the temporal lobe. The 
person is awake, but may not be able to respond. They may also experience any of the 
following: 
o 
Brief staring spells, like in a trance 
o 
Unable to speak or have garbled speech 
o 
Lip smacking, chewing 
o 
Experience a déjà vu sensation 
o 
Doing repetitive motions 
 
Generalized seizures happen when the whole brain is suddenly swamped with electrical signals. 
The person will have loss of consciousness. The person may experience a simple partial seizure or 
complex partial seizure that then becomes a generalized seizure, or they may experience only a 
generalized seizure.  They may also experience any of the following symptoms: 
 
 
Arms and legs stiffen. Then they may begin jerking 
 
Loss of control of urine or bowels 
 
Biting of the tongue or sides of the mouth 
 
Decreased breathing 
 
What are the stages of a seizure? 
 
Seizures often occur suddenly and are unexpected.  Some common stages are: 
 
 
Preictal:  Sometimes the person will experience a period of time before the seizure 
(minutes to days in length), in which they feel differently. This is called a preictal period. Not 
everyone has a preictal period. Some common symptoms are: 


PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION                                     BTTC11-01                                                                   
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BTTC11 - 01 
o 
An aura in which the person tastes, smells or hears something that is not there 
o 
Sense of déjà vu 
o 
Unusual sensation in the stomach or nausea 
 
Ictal:  This is the time when a seizure is occurring. Typically lasts seconds to minutes 
 
Postictal:  After the seizure has occurred, the person may have time when they still 
cannot respond or may need to sleep.  With a complex partial or generalized seizure, the person 
may not remember what has happened during the ictal phase. 
 
Can a seizure cause injury to the brain or body? 
 
The average seizure does not have any lasting effects on the brain. However, it can be a warning 
sign and can cause damage if it is uncontrolled. If you have a seizure, you need to let your doctor 
know about it. A seizure is seldom a cause of injury, but there is greater danger if it occurs while 
swimming, driving, or near a place where a fall could cause an injury. 
 
What is first aid for a seizure? 
 
For a focal seizure, watch the person carefully and guide them away from anything that may be 
harmful. 
 
Remain calm and stay with the person until the seizure has passed. 
 
Keep track of time and what symptoms the person has and part of the body involved. 
 
If the person loses consciousness during a focal seizure or has a generalized seizure: 
 
Try to help them gently to the floor. 
 
Turn the person on his or her side if they begin to choke or vomit. 
 
Place something soft under the head to protect it. 
 
Loosen any tight clothing. 
 
Do not try to hold the person down to stop the shaking. The movements will stop on their 
own. 
 
After the seizure is over 
 
 
Let the person rest; stay with them and reassure them. 
 
Try to write some notes about the seizure to share with the doctor. Describe how long the 
seizure lasted, the area or areas of the body that were shaking, and whether or not there 
wasloss of consciousness or loss of bladder control. 
 
When to call 911 
 
Most seizures do not last long. However get immediate medical help if: 
 
The seizure is generalized and lasts for more than 5 minutes 
 
The person does not wake up after the seizure is over. 
 
Another seizure occurs shortly after the first one. 
 
What special instructions should the seizure patient follow? 
 
 
Many state laws keep you from driving for up to 12 months after you have had a seizure. 
Check with your local authorities and your local physician about when you can begin 
driving again. 
 
If medications have been prescribed for seizures, take them exactly as ordered by your 
doctor. 
– 
Try to take them around the same time(s) each day. 
– 
Do not stop taking the medications without first talking to your doctor. 
– 
Report any unusual side effects to your doctor. 
– 
Always check with your doctor before taking any other type of medicine. 
 
Report any signs of infection, such as a sore throat or a fever of 101oF (38.3oC) or higher. 


PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION                                     BTTC11-01                                                                   
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BTTC11 - 01 
 
 
 
 
 
Practice moderation. Try to spread your daily activities out throughout the day. Don't try 
to do everything at once. 
 
Try to avoid extremes of physical or mental stress. 
 
Avoid alcoholic drinks. An occasional drink may be permitted, but be sure to check with 
your doctor. 
 
Study your feelings and your surroundings after a seizure to see if something might have 
triggered it or if you may have had some warning that it was coming.