Phase 1 study of erlotinib HCl alone and combined with temozolomide in patients with stable or recurrent malignant glioma

The purpose of this study was to define the maximum tolerated dose of erlotinib and characterize its pharmaco-kinetics and safety profile, alone and with temozolomide, with and without enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs), in patients with malignant gliomas. Patients with stable or progressive malignant primary glioma received erlotinib alone or combined with temozolomide in this dose-escalation study. In each treatment group, patients were stratified by coadministration of EIAEDs. Erlotinib was started at 100 mg orally once daily as a 28-day treatment cycle, with dose escalation by 50 mg/day up to 500 mg/day. Temozolomide was administered at 150 mg/m2 for five consecutive days every 28 days, with dose escalation up to 200 mg/m2 at the second cycle. Eightythree patients were evaluated. Rash, fatigue, and diarrhea were the most common adverse events and were generally mild to moderate. The recommended phase 2 dose of erlotinib is 200 mg/day for patients with glioblastoma multiforme who are not receiving an EIAED, 450 mg/day for those receiving temozolomide plus erlotinib with an EIAED, and at least 500 mg/day for those receiving erlotinib alone with an EIAED. Of the 57 patients evaluable for response, eight had a partial response (PR). Six of the 57 patients had a progression-free survival of longer than six months, including four patients with a PR. Coadministration of EIAEDs reduced exposure to erlotinib as compared with administration of erlotinib alone (33%-71% reduction). There was a modest pharmacokinetic interaction between erlotinib and temozolomide. The favorable tolerability profile and evidence of antitumor activity indicate that further investigation of erlotinib is warranted.     

Phase-1 trial of gefitinib and temozolomide in patients with malignant glioma: a North American brain tumor consortium study

Purpose This is a phase-I study of gefitinib in combination with temozolomide in patients with gliomas. The goal of the study was to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and to characterize the pharmacokinetics of gefitinib when combined with temozolomide. Patients and methods Patients were stratified according to co-administration of enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs (EIAEDs). There were 26 evaluable patients enrolled (16 on EIAEDs, 10 not on EIAEDs). All but seven patients had Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), and only six cases had a Karnosfsky Performance Status (KPS) of less than 80; median age was 51 years. All had received prior radiotherapy and 14 patients had no prior chemotherapy. The starting dose of temozolomide was 150 mg/m²/day for 5 days every 28 days and could be escalated to a maximum dose of 200 mg/m²/day in subsequent cycles. The starting dose of gefitinib was 500 mg/day given by mouth on a continuous basis. Dose-limiting toxicity was assessed in cycle one only. Results For patients on EIAEDs, the MTD of gefitinib was 1,000 mg/day in combination with temozolomide. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was due to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. For patients not on EIAEDs, the MTD was 250 mg/day in combination with temozolomide. The DLT was due to increases in liver transaminases. Rash was not a significant toxicity at these dose levels. The peak concentration and AUC_0-24hr at the 500 mg dose level was 1.8 and 2.5-fold lower, respectively, in the EIAED group compared to the non-EIAED group; trough levels of gefitinib increased in both groups consistent with the reported terminal half-life ranging from 27 to 51 h. Conclusion The recommended phase-2 dose of gefitinib when used in combination with temozolomide is 1,000 and 250 mg/day, respectively, for patients on or not on EIAEDs.     

Phase 1 trial of dasatinib plus erlotinib in adults with recurrent malignant glioma

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of dasatinib, an inhibitor of the Src family kinase proteins, with erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, among recurrent malignant glioma patients. Once daily dasatinib was escalated in successive cohorts while erlotinib was administered daily at established doses based on concurrent CYP3A-inducing anticonvulsant (EIAEDS) use. Dasatinib pharmacokinetic analyzes were performed. Forty-seven patients enrolled including 37 (79 %) with grade IV and 10 (21 %) with grade III malignant glioma. Thirty patients (64 %) were at ≥second recurrence, while 27 (57 %) had received prior bevacizumab. The dasatinib MTD was 180 mg when combined with either 150 mg of erlotinib for patients not on EIAEDs, or 450 mg of erlotinib for patients on EIAEDs. The most common DLTs were diarrhea and fatigue, while most adverse events were grade 2. Pharmacokinetic data suggests that dasatinib exposure increased with increased dasatinib dose and concurrent erlotinib administration, while concurrent EIAED use diminished dasatinib exposure. No radiographic responses were observed, and only one patient (2 %) remained progression-free at 6 months. We demonstrate that dasatinib plus erlotinib can be safely co-administered on a continuous, daily dosing schedule with erlotinib, and established the recommended dose level of this combination.     

Phase I trial of irinotecan plus temozolomide in adults with recurrent malignant glioma

BACKGROUND: The authors determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of irinotecan (CPT-11), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, when administered with temozolomide among patients with recurrent malignant glioma (MG). METHODS: Patients with MG at any recurrence received temozolomide (TMZ) at a dose of 200 mg/m(2)/day on Days 1-5 plus CPT-11 administered as a 90-minute intravenous infusion during Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 5 of each 6-week cycle. Patients were stratified based on concurrent administration of CYP3A4-inducing anticonvulsants (enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs [EIAEDs]). The CPT-11 dose was escalated in successive cohorts of patients independently for each stratum. RESULTS: CPT-11, at doses ranging from 40 mg/m(2) to 375 mg/m(2), was administered with TMZ to 107 patients. Ninety-one patients (85%) had recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and 16 (15%) had recurrent anaplastic glioma. Sixty-eight patients (64%) were given EIAEDs. The MTD of CPT-11 for patients concurrently receiving and not receiving EIAEDs was 325 mg/m(2) and 125 mg/m(2), respectively. The DLTs were hematologic, gastrointestinal, and hepatic. Fifteen patients (14%) achieved either a radiographic complete (n = 5) or partial (n = 10) response across a wide range of CPT-11 dose levels. Patients with recurrent GBM who achieved radiographic response had a median time to disease progression of 54.9 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The current study built on preclinical observations designed to increase the clinical activity of topoisomerase I inhibitors. CPT-11, administered at full dose levels, was well tolerated in combination with TMZ. Furthermore, durable responses were observed in this recurrent population. Ongoing Phase II studies will evaluate the efficacy of this regimen and its application to other malignancies.     

Phase I trial of erlotinib with radiation therapy in patients with glioblastoma multiforme: results of North Central Cancer Treatment Group protocol N0177

PURPOSE: To evaluate the toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of erlotinib plus radiation therapy (RT) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in a multicenter phase I trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients were stratified on the basis of the use of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (EIACs). After resection or biopsy, patients were treated with erlotinib for 1 week before concurrent erlotinib and 6 weeks (60 Gy) of RT and maintained on erlotinib until progression. The erlotinib dose was escalated in cohorts of 3 starting at 100 mg/day. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled and 19 were evaluable for the MTD and efficacy endpoints. Of these patients, 14 were males and 5 were females, with a median age of 54 years. Seven had undergone biopsy only, 5 had subtotal resections, and 7 had gross total resections. The highest dose level was 150 mg/day erlotinib for patients not on EIACs (Group 1) and 200 mg/day for patients on EIACs (Group 2). MTD was not reached in either group. In Group 1 at 100 mg (n=6) and at 150 mg (n=4), only 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred (stomatitis at 100 mg). No DLTs have occurred in Group 2 at 100 mg (n=3), 150 mg (n=3), and 200 mg (n=3). With a median follow-up of 52 weeks, progression was documented in 16 patients and 13 deaths occurred. Median time to progression was 26 weeks, and median survival was 55 weeks. CONCLUSION: Toxicity is acceptable at the current doses of erlotinib plus RT. The study was modified to include concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide, and accrual is in progress.     

A phase I/II trial of vandetanib for patients with recurrent malignant glioma

Vandetanib is a once-daily multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–2, epidermal growth factor receptor, and the rearranged-during-transfection oncogene. A phase I trial was conducted to describe the pharmacokinetics of vandetanib in patients with recurrent glioma on enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs (EIAEDs) and to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in this population. A phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of vandetanib in patients with recurrent malignant glioma not on EIAEDs as measured by 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6). In the phase I trial, 15 patients were treated with vandetanib at doses of 300, 400, and 500 mg/day, in a standard dose-escalation design. The MTD in patients on EIAEDs was 400 mg/day, and steady-state levels were similar to those measured in patients not on EIAEDs. Dose-limiting toxicities were prolonged QTc and thromboembolism. Thirty-two patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and 32 patients with recurrent anaplastic gliomas (AGs) were treated in the phase II trial, at a dosage of 300 mg/day on 28-day cycles. Six patients (4 GBM, 2 AG) had radiographic response. PFS6 was 6.5% in the GBM arm and 7.0% in the AG arm. Median overall survival was 6.3 months in the GBM arm and 7.6 months in the AG arm. Seizures were an unexpected toxicity of therapy. Vandetanib did not have significant activity in unselected patients with recurrent malignant glioma.     

Phase I pharmacokinetic study of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor vatalanib (PTK787) plus imatinib and hydroxyurea for malignant glioma

BACKGROUND:

This study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) of the oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor, vatalanib, when administered with imatinib and hydroxyurea on a continuous daily schedule among recurrent malignant glioma patients.

METHODS:

All patients received 500 mg of hydroxyurea twice daily. Imatinib was dosed at 400 mg per day for patients not taking enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs; stratum A) and at 500 mg twice‐a‐day for patients taking EIAEDs (stratum B). Vatalanib was escalated from 500 mg to 1250 mg twice daily in successive cohorts, independently for each stratum. Pharmacokinetics of each drug were assessed.

RESULTS:

A total of 37 recurrent patients, 34 (92%) with glioblastoma and 3 (8%) with grade 3 malignant glioma, were enrolled. Nineteen patients (51%) were taking EIAEDs. The MTD of vatalanib for all patients was 1000 mg twice‐a‐day. DLTs were hematologic, gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic. No patients developed intracranial hemorrhage. Concurrent administration of imatinib and hydroxyurea did not affect vatalanib exposure, but EIAEDs decreased vatalanib and imatinib plasma exposures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vatalanib doses up to 1000 mg twice‐a‐day combined with imatinib and hydroxyurea were well tolerated. Strategies to target tumor blood vessel endothelial cells and pericytes by inhibiting VEGFR and platelet‐derived growth factor, respectively, were safe among recurrent malignant glioma patients and may enhance antiangiogenesis activity. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.     

A phase I trial of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor,SCH 66336, with temozolomide for patients with malignant glioma

We conducted a phase I clinical trial of the combination of SCH 66336 with temozolomide administered on the standard 5-day dosing schedule. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of twice daily SCH 66336 when administered with temozolomide to adults with malignant glioma previously treated with radiation therapy. Patients were enrolled to two strata: stratum A, patients not on enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs); stratum B, patients receiving EIAEDs. Temozolomide was administered at a dose of 150 mg/m² daily for five days for the first 28-day cycle and escalated to 200 mg/m², during subsequent cycles. SCH 66336 was administered twice daily on a continuous daily dosing schedule. The starting dose of SCH 66336 was 75 mg twice daily for stratum A and 125 mg twice daily for stratum B. Cohorts of 3–6 patients were treated per dose level until DLT was observed. Thirty six patients were enrolled on study, including 21 patients on stratum A and 15 on stratum B. All DLTs were grade 3 events and included hepatic, gastrointestinal, renal, thrombotic and constitutional events. No grade 4 or 5 toxicities were observed. The phase II dose of SCH 66336 when combined with temozolomide is 150 mg twice daily for patients not on EIAEDs and 175 mg twice daily for patients on EIAEDs.     

Phase I trial of tipifarnib in patients with recurrent malignant glioma taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs: a North American Brain Tumor Consortium Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), toxicities, and clinical effect of tipifarnib, a farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor, in patients with recurrent malignant glioma taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs). This study compares the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tipifarnib at MTD in patients on and off EIAEDs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Recurrent malignant glioma patients were treated with tipifarnib using an interpatient dose-escalation scheme. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three assessable patients taking EIAEDs received tipifarnib in escalating doses from 300 to 700 mg bid for 21 of 28 days. The dose-limiting toxicity was rash, and the MTD was 600 mg bid. There were significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters at 300 mg bid between patients on and not on EIAEDs. When patients on EIAEDs and not on EIAEDs were treated at MTD (600 and 300 mg bid, respectively), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC)(0-12 hours) was approximately two-fold lower in patients on EIAEDs. Farnesyltransferase inhibition was noted at all tipifarnib dose levels, as measured in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). CONCLUSION: Toxicities and pharmacokinetics differ significantly when comparing patients on or off EIAEDs. EIAEDs significantly decreased the maximum concentration, AUC(0-12 hours), and predose trough concentrations of tipifarnib. Even in the presence of EIAEDs, the levels of tipifarnib were still sufficient to potently inhibit FTase activity in patient PBMCs. The relevance of these important findings to clinical activity will be determined in ongoing studies with larger numbers of patients.     

Phase 1 trial of irinotecan plus BCNU in patients with progressive or recurrent malignant glioma

Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor previously shown to be active in the treatment of malignant glioma. We now report the results of a phase 1 trial of irinotecan plus BCNU, or 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, for patients with recurrent or progressive MG. Irinotecan dose escalation occurred independently within 2 strata: patients receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) and patients not receiving EIAEDs. BCNU was administered at a dose of 100 mg/m2 over 1 h every 6 weeks on the same day as the first irinotecan dose was administered. Irinotecan was administered intravenously over 90 min once weekly. Treatment cycles consisted of 4 weekly administrations of irinotecan followed by a 2-week rest with dose escalation in cohorts of 3 to 6 patients. Seventy-three patients were treated, including 49 patients who were on EIAEDs and 24 who were not on EIAEDs. The maximum tolerated dose for patients not on EIAEDs was 125 mg/m2. The maximum tolerated dose for patients on EIAEDs was 225 mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicity was evenly distributed among the following organ systems: pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurologic, infectious, and hematologic, without a clear predominance of toxicity involving any one organ system. There was no evidence of increasing incidence of toxicity involving one organ system as irinotecan dose was escalated. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the recommended doses of irinotecan for a phase 2 clinical trial when given in combination with BCNU (100 mg/m2) are 225 mg/m2 for patients on EIAEDs and 125 mg/m2 for patients not on EIAEDs.     

Safety and pharmacokinetics of dose-intensive imatinib mesylate plus temozolomide: phase 1 trial in adults with malignant glioma

We determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of imatinib mesylate, an inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinases platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), the proto-oncogene product c-kit, and the fusion protein Bcr-Abl, when administered for 8 days in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) to malignant glioma (MG) patients. MG patients who had not failed prior TMZ were eligible to receive TMZ at a dose of 150-200 mg/m(2) per day on days 4-8 plus imatinib mesylate administered orally on days 1-8 of each 4-week cycle. Patients were stratified based on concurrent administration of CYP3A4-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs). The imatinib dose was escalated in successive cohorts of patients independently for each stratum. Imatinib, at doses ranging from 400 mg to 1,200 mg, was administered with TMZ to 65 patients: 52 (80%) with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and 13 (20%) with grade III MG. At enrollment, 34 patients (52%) had stable disease, and 33 (48%) had progressive disease; 30 patients (46%) were on EIAEDs. The MTD of imatinib for patients concurrently receiving or not receiving EIAEDs was 1,000 mg. DLTs were hematologic, gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed lowered exposures and enhanced clearance among patients on EIAEDs. Among GBM patients with stable disease at enrollment (n=28), the median progression-free and overall survival times were 41.7 and 56.1 weeks, respectively. Imatinib doses up to 1,000 mg/day for 8 consecutive days are well tolerated when combined with standard TMZ dosing for MG patients. A subsequent phase 2 study is required to further evaluate the efficacy of this regimen for this patient population.     

A dose escalation trial for the combination of erlotinib and sirolimus for recurrent malignant gliomas

In order to achieve higher dosages than previously used in clinical trials, we conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for the combination of erlotinib and sirolimus for the treatments of recurrent malignant gliomas. Patients with pathologically proven World Health Organization (WHO) grade III glioma and grade IV glioblastoma and radiographically proven tumor recurrence were eligible for this study. Treatments included once daily erlotinib, which was given alone for the first 7?days of treatments, then in combination with once daily sirolimus. Sirolimus was given with a loading dose on day?8 followed by a maintenance dose starting on day?9. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was determined over the first 28?days of treatments, and the MTD was determined in a 3?+?3 classic study design. 19 patients were enrolled, and 13 patients were eligible for MTD determination. The MTD was determined to be 150?mg daily for erlotinib and 5?mg daily (after a 15?mg loading dose) for sirolimus. The DLTs included rash and mucositis (despite maximal medical managements), hypophosphatemia, altered mental status, and neutropenia. The combination of erlotinib and sirolimus is difficult to tolerate at dosages higher than previously reported in phase II trials.     

Phase I trial of oxaliplatin, infusional 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFOX4) with erlotinib and bevacizumab in colorectal cancer

RationaleThis phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of erlotinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Bevacizumab was later included as standard of care at the MTD.Patients and MethodsPatients received FOLFOX4 with escalating doses of erlotinib: dose level (DL) 1, 50 mg; DL 2, 100 mg; and DL 3, 150 mg once daily continuously. Bevacizumab 5 mg/kg days 1 and 15 was added at the MTD upon Food and Drug Administration approval. Correlative studies included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics was assessed in paired skin biopsies, and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans.ResultsFifteen patients received 60 cycles (120 FOLFOX treatments). Two dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were seen at DL 3: intolerable grade 2 rash (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 2) lasting > 1 week, and grade 4 neutropenia. Dose level 2 was expanded to 6 more patients, this time adding bevacizumab, and 1 DLT of grade 3 mucositis occurred. As expected, the primary toxicities were cytopenias, diarrhea, rash, and fatigue. There were 2 occurrences of pneumatosis. One patient experienced an unrelated grade 4 myocardial infarction before starting chemotherapy. No pharmacokinetic drug interactions were observed. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response rate was 11 of 14 (78%), median progression-free survival was 9.5 months, and median overall survival was 30 months. Three patients are currently alive > 3 years, with 1 having no evidence of disease.ConclusionThe MTD of erlotinib with FOLFOX4 with or without bevacizumab is 100 mg daily. The regimen appeared to increase toxicity but showed activity in patients with CRC.     

Phase I trial of sorafenib in patients with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma

Sorafenib is an inhibitor of multiple kinases that has demonstrated antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activity in a number of in vitro and in vivo model systems. A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of sorafenib in patients with recurrent malignant glioma. Sorafenib was given orally, twice a day (BID), continuously in 28-day cycles. The dose was escalated in 2 groups of patients stratified by use of enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs (± EIASDs). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as any grades 3-4 nonhematological toxicity, grade 4 hematological toxicity, and febrile neutropenia. The number of evaluable patients enrolled in the +EIASD and -EIASD arms were 23 and 24, respectively. DLTs were predominantly dermatological and gastrointestinal effects, as observed in previous clinical trials of sorafenib. The MTD was 600 mg BID for patients receiving EIASDs and 800 mg BID for those who were not. The plasma pharmacokinetics of sorafenib were not significantly affected by the concurrent administration of EIASDs. The MTD of sorafenib given orally BID on a continuous basis was established as 600 mg BID in patients with malignant glioma who were concurrently receiving EIASDs and 800 mg BID in those who were not. Further evaluation is warranted of sorafenib at the recommended MTD against recurrent or progressive malignant glioma in combination with other molecularly targeted drugs or in the newly diagnosed setting concurrent with chemoradiation.     

Dose finding study of erlotinib combined to capecitabine and irinotecan in pretreated advanced colorectal cancer patients

Purpose  This study evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of erlotinib when combined to irinotecan and capecitabine in pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Methods  Five dose level combinations with irinotecan (from 180 to 240 mg/m², day 1, q21), capecitabine (1,500–2,000 mg/m² per day, days 2–15, q21) and erlotinib (50–150 mg per day, continuously) were planned. Patients were enrolled in cohorts of three, and evaluated for first cycle acute toxicity. Results  Twenty-one patients were treated. In the first cohort, no DLT was reported, in the second: one DLT (G4 neutropenic fever associated with G3 cutaneous rash and mucositis); in the third dose level: two DLT (G3 diarrhea and G4 neutropenic fever). To confirm these results, other six patients were additionally included and no DLT was observed. Conclusions  The results documented that erlotinib at the dose of 100 mg per day, irinotecan 180 mg/m² and capecitabine 1,500 mg/m² per day for 14 days has an acceptable safety profile and appears suitable for further phase II studies.     

Phase I trial of imatinib in children with newly diagnosed brainstem and recurrent malignant gliomas: a Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium report

This study estimated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of imatinib with irradiation in children with newly diagnosed brainstem gliomas, and those with recurrent malignant intracranial gliomas, stratified according to use of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant drugs (EIACDs). In the brainstem glioma stratum, imatinib was initially administered twice daily during irradiation, but because of possible association with intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) was subsequently started two weeks after irradiation. The protocol was also amended to exclude children with prior hemorrhage. Twenty-four evaluable patients received therapy before the amendment, and three of six with a brainstem tumor experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT): one had asymptomatic ITH, one had grade 4 neutropenia and, one had renal insufficiency. None of 18 patients with recurrent glioma experienced DLT. After protocol amendment, 3 of 16 patients with brainstem glioma and 2 of 11 patients with recurrent glioma who were not receiving EIACDs experienced ITH DLTs, with three patients being symptomatic. In addition to the six patients with hemorrhages during the DLT monitoring period, 10 experienced ITH (eight patients were symptomatic) thereafter. The recommended phase II dose for brainstem gliomas was 265 mg/m(2). Three of 27 patients with brainstem gliomas with imaging before and after irradiation, prior to receiving imatinib, had new hemorrhage, excluding their receiving imatinib. The MTD for recurrent high-grade gliomas without EIACDs was 465 mg/m(2), but the MTD was not established with EIACDs, with no DLTs at 800 mg/m(2). In summary, recommended phase II imatinib doses were determined for children with newly diagnosed brainstem glioma and recurrent high-grade glioma who were not receiving EIACDs. Imatinib may increase the risk of ITH, although the incidence of spontaneous hemorrhages in brainstem glioma is sufficiently high that this should be considered in studies of agents in which hemorrhage is a concern.     

A phase Ib dose-escalation study of erlotinib, capecitabine and oxaliplatin in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR) has been reported in colorectal cancer (CRC). Erlotinib is a potent inhibitor of HER1/EGFR-mediated signaling. This trial of patients with metastatic CRC (MCRC) examined the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) of erlotinib in combination with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX), a regimen with established efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients previously untreated or treated with one line of 5-fluorouracil and/or irinotecan received escalating oral doses of erlotinib (daily), capecitabine (days 1-14) and i.v. oxaliplatin (day 1 of a 21-day cycle). RESULTS: The first six patients in cohort 1 (erlotinib 100 mg/day, capecitabine 825 mg/m(2) twice daily, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2)) had no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). In cohort 2 (capecitabine increased to 1000 mg/m(2) twice daily), two of six patients had DLTs. When cohort 2 was expanded to 11 patients two further DLTs occurred, exceeding the definition of MTD. Cohort 1 was expanded to 12 patients, and no DLTs occurred. The most common adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea and rash. There was a trend for reduced capecitabine concentrations in the presence of erlotinib. While this was not statistically significant, the possibility of an interaction affecting capecitabine PK cannot be excluded. Antitumor activity was observed in both cohorts (one complete and four partial responses, and stable disease in 11 patients). CONCLUSION: The MTD for this combination in MCRC is capecitabine 825 mg/m(2) twice daily days 1-14, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) day 1 and erlotinib 100 mg/day of a 21-day cycle. The combination was well tolerated at the MTD, with no unexpected AEs. The use of this combination in MCRC warrants further investigation.     

A phase I/II trial of GW572016 (lapatinib) in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme: clinical outcomes, pharmacokinetics and molecular correlation

Purpose

We undertook a phase I/II study of the EGFR/erbB2 inhibitor lapatinib in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) to determine response rate, pharmacokinetics (PK) and recommended dose in patients taking enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs (EIAEDs) and to explore relationships of molecular genetics to outcome.

Methods

Recurrent GBM patients taking EIAEDs were enrolled on the phase I portion (starting dose of lapatinib 1,000 mg po bid). In the absence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), escalation continued in cohorts of three patients. Patients not on EIAEDs enrolled in the phase II arm (lapatinib 750 mg bid po). Immunohistochemical and quantitative RT PCR studies were performed on tumor to determine PTEN and EGFRvIII status, respectively. Lapatinib PK was analyzed using HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Phase II: Of 17 patients, 4 had stable disease and 13 progressed. Accrual ceased because of no responses. Phase I: Four patients received 1,000 mg bid and three, 1,500 mg bid. No DLT occurred, but escalation stopped because of lack of phase II efficacy. Lapatinib apparent oral clearance in patients taking EIAEDs was 106.9 L h^?1 m^?2 in comparison to 12.1 L h^?1 m^?2 in those not on EIAEDs. In 16 phase II patients, PTEN loss was seen in 6 and EGFRvIII expression in 4. No correlation was seen with outcome and molecular results.

Conclusions

Lapatinib apparent oral clearance increased by approximately tenfold when given with EIAEDs. In this small sample, EGFRvIII expression and PTEN loss did not predict a favorable subtype. Overall, lapatinib did not show significant activity in GBM patients.     

卡培他滨二线治疗非小细胞肺癌的剂量递增研究

目的 探讨卡培他滨(capecitabine,CAPE)联合多西紫杉醇(docetaxel,TXT)二线治疗非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)时卡培他滨的最大耐受剂量(maximum-tolerated dose,MTD).方法 应用改良的Fibonacci法给予复治的NSCLC患者递增剂量的CAPE联合固定剂量TXT化疗,剂量Ⅰ(625 mg/m2,每天2次)和剂量Ⅱ(7 50 mg/m2,每天2次),两组1 8例患者共接受了67周期化疗.起始剂量为CAPE625 mg/m2,每天2次,d5～d18,TXT 30 mg/m2,d1,d8,每21天重复.如果没有剂量限制性毒性(dose limiting toxicity,DLT)出现,则升至下一剂量组,直至出现DLT.MTD定义为DLT出现的剂量水平的低一剂量.结果 主要的不良反应为粒细胞减少症、手足综合征、乏力和恶心.全组共5例发生8个DLT,剂量Ⅰ组1个(1例患者),剂量Ⅱ组7个(4例患者).由于在剂量Ⅱ组6例患者中4例出现了DLT,根据定义笔者确定剂量T为MTD.结论 此剂量递增试验的MTD是:卡培他滨1 250 mg/(m2·d)(625 mg/m2,每天2次)联合多西紫杉醇30mg/m2,d1,d8,每21天重复.复治NSCLC患者对此联合方案耐受性良好.     

Safety and efficacy of erlotinib in first-relapse glioblastoma: a phase II open-label study

Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is active in glioblastoma. We evaluated erlotinib efficacy in patients with first-relapse glioblastoma and assessed whether response was related to EGFR amplification and/or concomitant use of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) in a phase II open-label study of glioblastoma patients in first relapse. Patients took erlotinib daily until progression. Starting dose was 150 mg for patients not taking EIAEDs and 300 mg for patients taking EIAEDs. Tumors were radiographically assessed every 8 weeks. Response was evaluated by investigators and confirmed by an independent radiology facility (IRF). The primary efficacy outcome was the objective response (OR) rate, according to the modified WHO criteria. Enrollment (n = 48) was terminated after a planned interim analysis due to an insufficient number of responses. The IRF confirmed 1 complete and 2 partial responses (PRs), for an OR rate of 6.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–17.0). Investigators determined 1 complete response and 3 PRs, median response duration of 7.0 months, 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) of 20% (95% CI: 10.0–32.4), and median survival of 9.7 months (95% CI: 5.9–11.6). Outcomes were not related to EGFR amplification or EIAED status. Diarrhea and rash were the most common adverse events (AEs); 23% of patients experienced grade 3–4 drug-related AEs. Despite the limited number of responses, 6-month PFS and median survival reached or exceeded the previously reported values for patients undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent glioblastoma. EGFR amplification was not associated with erlotinib activity. Given the large CIs and nonrandomized nature of the study, results should be interpreted cautiously.