Effect of Concomitant Proton Pump Inhibitors with Pazopanib on Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Accumulated evidence shows that co-prescribing proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with major anticancer drugs is frequently harmful. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cancer patients treated with pazopanib in our health center. In this cohort of 147 patients, both the efficacy and the toxicity of pazopanib decreased in patients taking concomitant PPIs. ABSTRACT: The absorption of pazopanib depends on gastric pH. PPIs are frequently prescribed for cancer patients to modify gastric acidity, decreasing pazopanib absorption. The aim of our study was, retrospectively, to investigate the impact of PPIs on the clinical efficacy and safety of pazopanib in a cohort of patients treated in our health center. Of the 147 patients who were included retrospectively, 79 (54%) did not take PPIs concomitantly with pazopanib (cohort 1), while 68 (46%) patients did take PPIs concomitantly with pazopanib (cohort 2). The efficacy parameters were lower in patients taking pazopanib and PPIs: the i/tumor response was statistically different between the two cohorts (p = 0.008), in particular, with 19% vs. 3% of the objective response and 24% vs. 43% of progression in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively; ii/median overall survival was 17.6 (95% CI: 12.5–32.8) months in cohort 1 and 8.6 months (95% CI: 5.9–18.6) in cohort 2 (HR = 1.7 [95% CI: 1.2–2.5]; p < 0.006); on multivariable analysis, overall survival was associated with performance status, PPI intake, tumor location, hemoglobin, and PMN/lymphocyte ratio. In contrast, the dose reduction for toxicity and severe adverse events were (non-significantly) less frequent in cohort 1. To conclude, our study shows that combining PPIs with pazopanib has an adverse effect on overall survival. The clinical modifications that were observed are in line with a decrease in pazopanib absorption due to PPIs. This co-medication should be avoided.