Phase 3, open-label,randomized study comparing 3-monthly with monthly goserelin in pre-menopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive advanced breast cancer

Background

Monthly goserelin 3.6 mg dosing suppresses estradiol (E2) production and has proven efficacy in pre-menopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. This non-inferiority study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 3-monthly goserelin 10.8 mg compared with monthly goserelin 3.6 mg.

Methods

This was a Phase 3, open-label, multicenter trial. Pre-menopausal women with ER-positive advanced breast cancer were randomized to 3-monthly goserelin 10.8 mg or monthly goserelin 3.6 mg; all patients received concomitant tamoxifen (20 mg daily). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 24 weeks; non-inferiority was to be confirmed if the entire 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the treatment difference was above ?17.5 %. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), serum E2 levels, safety, and tolerability.

Results

In total, 222 patients were randomized (goserelin 10.8 mg, n = 109; goserelin 3.6 mg, n = 113). PFS rate at week 24 was 61.5 % (goserelin 10.8 mg) and 60.2 % (goserelin 3.6 mg); treatment difference (95 % CI) was 1.3 % (?11.4, 13.9), confirming non-inferiority of goserelin 10.8 mg compared with goserelin 3.6 mg. ORR was 23.9 % (goserelin 10.8 mg) and 26.9 % (goserelin 3.6 mg); treatment difference (95 % CI) was ?3.0 % (?15.5, 9.7). At week 24, mean serum E2 concentrations were similar in the goserelin 10.8 mg and goserelin 3.6 mg groups (20.3 pg/mL and 24.8 pg/mL, respectively).

Conclusion

A regimen of 3-monthly goserelin 10.8 mg demonstrated non-inferiority compared with monthly goserelin 3.6 mg for PFS rate at 24 weeks, with similar pharmacodynamic and safety profiles, in pre-menopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer.

     

Estrogen suppression in premenopausal women following 8 weeks of treatment with exemestane and triptorelin versus triptorelin alone

Introduction Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists (e.g., triptorelin) reduce ovarian estrogen production in premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., exemestane) inhibit extraovarian production of estrogen and may further reduce circulating estrogens when combined with an LHRH agonist. Methods Healthy premenopausal women were randomized to receive 3.75 mg triptorelin (T) on days 1 and 29 with 25 mg exemestane (EX) or matched placebo once daily for 8 weeks, from day 1 to day 56. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of T ± EX on estradiol (E₂) suppression by comparing the AUC_day36–57 for the 2 treatments. Secondary objectives included evaluation of estrone (E₁), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) suppression; effects of EX on the T-induced gonadotrophin and estrogen flare; pharmacokinetics (PK); and safety. Results Twenty-eight (14 in each arm) were evaluable for efficacy and PK. Mean plasma estrogen levels (AUC_day36–57) were significantly lower for subjects who received T + EX than for subjects who received T alone (20.6 vs. 54.0 pg d/ml [−62%; P < 0.05], and 38.9 vs. 198.0 pg d/ml [−80%; P < 0.01] for E₂ and E₁, respectively). Coadministration of EX did not affect the initial flare or subsequent suppression of LH and FSH following the first dose of T, or the PK of T. Both treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions Coadministration of T and EX resulted in greater estrogen suppression than when T was given alone. These findings could translate into improved clinical outcomes for premenopausal breast cancer patients receiving LHRH agonists.     

Interaction between goserelin and tamoxifen in a prospective randomised clinical trial of adjuvant endocrine therapy in premenopausal breast cancer

Ovarian ablation improves survival in premenopausal early breast cancer, but the potential added value by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists to tamoxifen is still not clear. The purpose of our study is to examine the efficacy of the LHRH agonist goserelin for adjuvant therapy of premenopausal breast cancer, the role of interaction between goserelin and tamoxifen and the impact of estrogen receptor (ER) content. A total of 927 patients were included in the Stockholm part of the Zoladex in Premenopausal Patients (ZIPP) trial. They were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial study design to goserelin, tamoxifen, the combination of goserelin and tamoxifen or no endocrine therapy for 2 years, with or without chemotherapy. This is formally not a preplanned subset analysis presenting the end point first event. In this Stockholm sub-study, at a median follow-up of 12.3 years, goserelin reduced the risk of first event by 32% (P = 0.005) in the absence of tamoxifen, and tamoxifen reduced the risk by 27% (P = 0.018) in the absence of goserelin. The combined goserelin and tamoxifen treatment reduced the risk by 24% (P = 0.021) compared with no endocrine treatment. In highly ER-positive tumours, there were 29% fewer events among goserelin treated (P = 0.044) and a trend towards greater risk reduction depending on the level of ER content. The greatest risk reduction from goserelin treatment was observed among those not receiving tamoxifen (HR: 0.52, P = 0.007). In conclusion, goserelin as well as tamoxifen reduces the risk of recurrence in endocrine responsive premenopausal breast cancer. Women with strongly ER-positive tumours may benefit more from goserelin treatment. The combination of goserelin and tamoxifen is not superior to either modality alone. With the limitations of a subset trial, these data have to be interpreted cautiously.     

Efficacy and safety of 3‐month dosing regimen of degarelix in Japanese subjects with prostate cancer: A phase III study

Non‐inferiority in the cumulative castration rate of the 3‐month formulation of degarelix compared with the 3‐month formulation of goserelin was evaluated in subjects with prostate cancer. A phase III, open‐label, parallel‐arm study was carried out. An initial dose of 240 mg degarelix or 3.6 mg goserelin was given s.c.; after day 28, a maintenance dose of 480 mg degarelix or 10.8 mg goserelin was given once every 84 days. Non‐inferiority in castration rate and safety of degarelix to goserelin were evaluated. The primary end‐point was the cumulative castration rate from day 28 to day 364 and the non‐inferiority margin was set to be 10%. A total of 234 subjects with prostate cancer were randomized to the degarelix group (n = 117) and the goserelin group (n = 117). The cumulative castration rate was 95.1% in the degarelix group and 100.0% in the goserelin group. As there were no events in the goserelin group, an additional analysis was carried out using 95% confidence intervals of the difference in the proportion of subjects with castration. Analyses indicated the non‐inferiority of the 3‐month formulation of degarelix to goserelin. Degarelix showed more rapid decreases in testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and prostate‐specific antigen levels compared with goserelin. The most common adverse events in the degarelix group were injection site reactions. Non‐inferiority of the 3‐month formulation of degarelix to goserelin was shown for testosterone suppression. The 3‐month formulation of degarelix was also found to be tolerated as an androgen deprivation therapy for patients with prostate cancer. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT01964170).     

Short term results from GHRH analogue use in pre-menopausal breast cancer in Korea

Background

Hormone receptor-positive, pre-menopausal breast cancer patients can be treated by chemotherapy and/or ovarian suppression therapy. We reported our experience of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue plus tamoxifen (GnRHa + T) or adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by tamoxifen (AC → T) in pre-menopausal women with hormone-response, node-negative breast cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 587 pre-menopausal women with hormone-responsive, node-negative breast cancer. Of these, 269 were treated with adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by tamoxifen (AC → T), and 318 were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue plus tamoxifen (GnRHa + T). Among them, 151 patients were treated by goserelin acetate 3.6 mg/kg and 125 patients were treated by leuprorelin acetate 3.75 mg/kg every 28 days subcutaneously.

Findings

At a median follow-up time of 30 months, eight patients had relapsed and three had died. DFS did not differ between the AC → T and GnRHa + T groups. Of the three deaths, two were not related to breast cancer. The third patient, in the AC → T group, died because of brain metastasis. GnRHa + T treatment had no effect on blood profile and did not cause the development of detrimental symptoms but decreased bone mineral density. The efficacy of leuprorelin was similar to that of goserelin.

Interpretation

GnRHa + T treatment can be an alternative treatment option in pre-menopausal women with endocrine-responsive, node-negative, breast cancer patients. The efficacy and tolerability of leuprorelin were similar to that of goserelin.     

Survival analyses from the ZEBRA study. goserelin (Zoladex) versus CMF in premenopausal women with node-positive breast cancer

The Zoladex Early Breast Cancer Research Association (ZEBRA) trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of goserelin (Zoladex) with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy in pre-/perimenopausal women with node-positive early breast cancer. The results of disease-free survival (DFS) analyses have already been published. Here we present an update including data on overall survival (OS) from the ZEBRA trial at a median follow-up of 7.3 years. In patients with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumours, non-inferiority of goserelin versus CMF for OS was shown; goserelin was again shown to be equivalent to CMF for DFS. This updated analysis has demonstrated that the two treatments are also equivalent for distant disease-free survival (DDFS). In patients with ER-negative disease, goserelin was inferior to CMF for DFS, DDFS and OS. This follow-up analysis confirms the previously reported outcomes from the ZEBRA trial and demonstrates that goserelin offers an effective alternative to CMF chemotherapy for adjuvant therapy of premenopausal patients with ER-positive, node-positive early breast cancer.     

Effects of estrogen on breast cancer development: Role of estrogen receptor independent mechanisms

Development of breast cancer involves genetic factors as well as lifetime exposure to estrogen. The precise molecular mechanisms whereby estrogens influence breast tumor formation are poorly understood. While estrogen receptor α (ERα) is certainly involved, nonreceptor mediated effects of estradiol (E₂) may also play an important role in facilitating breast tumor development. A “reductionist” strategy allowed us to examine the role of ERα independent effects of E₂ on mammary tumor development in ERα knockout (ERKO) mice bearing the Wnt‐1 oncogene. Exogenous E₂ “clamped” at early follicular and midluteal phase levels (i.e., 80 and 240 pg/ml) accelerated tumor formation in a dose‐related fashion in ERKO/Wnt‐1 animals (p = 0.0002). Reduction of endogenous E₂ by oophorectomy (p < 0.001) or an aromatase inhibitor (AI) (p = 0.055) in intact ERKO/Wnt‐1 animals delayed tumorigenesis as further evidence for an ER‐independent effect. The effects of residual ERα or β were not involved since enhancement of tumor formation could not be blocked by the antiestrogen fulvestrant. 17α‐OH‐E₂, a metabolizable but ER‐impeded analogue of E₂ stimulated tumor development without measurable uterine stimulatory effects. Taken together, our results suggest that ER‐independent actions of E₂ can influence breast tumor development in concert with ER dependent effects. These observations suggest 1 mechanism whereby AIs, which block E₂ synthesis, would be more effective for breast cancer prevention than use of antiestrogens, which only block ER‐mediated effects.     

Phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of sagopilone (ZK-EPO) in patients with metastatic breast cancer that has progressed following chemotherapy

Sagopilone is a novel, fully synthetic epothilone that has shown promising preclinical activity in a range of tumor models, including platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This open-label, multicenter, Phase II study investigated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sagopilone administered to patients with MBC. Women with MBC whose previous chemotherapy regimen included a taxane and an anthracycline received sagopilone 16 or 22 mg/m² as a 3-h intravenous infusion every 21 days. Efficacy (using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), safety, and tolerability were assessed in this population. A total of 65 patients received sagopilone at either 16 mg/m² (N = 39) or 22 mg/m² (N = 26). Patients received a median of two cycles of sagopilone. Among the 65 patients who were evaluable for efficacy, there were three confirmed tumor responses over both treatment arms; however, the primary target of the study was not reached. The main treatment-related adverse events were sensory neuropathy (81.5%) and fatigue (44.6%). There were no deaths related to the study drug. Sagopilone was moderately tolerated in both treatment arms and showed limited activity in heavily pre-treated patients with MBC.     

In vitro andin vivo modulation of growth regulation in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by estradiol metabolites

Background  The natural estrogen 17β-estradiol (E₂) functions as a potent tumor promoter during tumorigenic transformation of the mammary gland. From amongst the various pathways of E₂ metabolism upregulation of C16α-hydroxylation of E₂ has been associated with carcinogenesis. In the present studyin vitro andin vivo experiments were performed on estrogen receptor positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells to examine whether the natural estrogen E₂ and its metabolites 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHEi) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE₁) function as modulators of tumor cell growth. Methods  An anchorage-independent growth assay was used forin vitro study by counting the number of tri-dimensional colonies formed by MCF-7 cells suspended in 0.33% agar.In vivo experiments examined the effect of implanting metabolite material pellets into female nude mice. Results  In the anchorage-independent growth assay (AIG), continuous 14-day exposure to E₂ and to 16α-OHE₁ at 200 ng/ml induced a 59.4% and a 105.9% increase (P=0.001) respectively in the number of colonies of MCF-7 cells. Identical treatment with 2-OHE₁, however, failed to increase AIG relative to that seen in the solvent treated control cultures. In thein vivo tumorigenicity assay, treatment of nude mice with 1.5 mg E₂ or 16α-OHE₁ resulted in a 335.4% and a 384.1% increase (P<0.0002) in tumor growth, while identical treatment with 2-OHE₁ failed to exhibit any increase relative to the control group. Conclusions  These results suggest that the 16α- and 2-hydroxylated metabolites of E₂ may directly affectin vitro growth of MCF-7 cells via an autocrine mechanism andin vivo growth via paracrine mechanisms. Thus, E2-mediated growth regulation in MCF-7 cells may in part be due to distinct effects of specific E₂ metabolites on the breast cancer cells.     

A Phase II trial of Zoladex combined with CEF chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy in premenopausal women with hormone-responsive,operable breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Zoladex combined with CEF chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy in hormone-responsive, premenopausal, operable breast cancer. One hundred and nineteen patients with hormone-responsive, premenopausal, operable breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Zoladex at 3.6 mg was given by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks for 3 cycles. CEF (cyclophosphamide, 600 mg/m², epirubicin, 60–90 mg/m², and fluorouracil 500 mg/m²) was administered every 3 weeks for 4 cycles as neoadjuvant therapy. The primary objective was a pathologic complete response (PCR) rate in the breast. Thirty-one patients (26.1%) achieved a clinical complete response, and 76 patients (63.9%) achieved a clinical partial response; the clinical response rate was 90.0%. Fourteen patients (11.8%) achieved a pathologic complete response (T0/Tis, N0), and 20 patients (16.8%) achieved a pathologic complete response (T0/Tis, Nx). When stratified by the clinical lymph node status, the clinical partial response rate in the clinical lymph node negative group was significantly higher than in the clinical lymph node positive group (P = 0.02). When stratified by hormonal status, the clinical partial response rate in the ER and PR + group was significantly better than the ER or PR− group (P = 0.0471). There were no treatment-related deaths and no grades 3 or 4 toxicity. The most common adverse event was nausea (grade 1 65.5%, grade 2 18.5%), vomiting (grade 1 58.8%, grade 2 13.4%), and alopecia (grade 1 45.4%, grade 2 54.6%). Zoladex combined with CEF chemotherapy was effective as neoadjuvant therapy in hormone-responsive, premenopausal breast cancer. This regimen was particularly effective in the clinical lymph node negative group and in the ER/PR double positive group. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00488722).     

A phase two randomised trial of neratinib monotherapy versus lapatinib plus capecitabine combination therapy in patients with HER2+ advanced breast cancer

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of neratinib monotherapy were compared with that of lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive (HER2+), locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer and prior trastuzumab treatment.MethodsPatients received neratinib 240 mg/d continuously (n = 117) or lapatinib 1250 mg/d continuously plus capecitabine 2000 mg/m² per day on days 1–14 of each 21-d cycle (n = 116). The primary aim was to demonstrate non-inferiority of neratinib for progression-free survival (PFS).FindingsThe non-inferiority of neratinib was not demonstrated when compared with lapatinib plus capecitabine (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.60; non-inferiority margin, 1.15). Median PFS for neratinib was 4.5 months versus 6.8 months for lapatinib plus capecitabine and median overall survival was 19.7 months versus 23.6 months. Objective response rate (neratinib, 29% versus lapatinib plus capecitabine, 41%; P = 0.067) and clinical benefit rate (44% versus 64%; P = 0.003) were lower for the neratinib arm but consistent with previously reported results. In both treatment arms, diarrhoea was the most frequently reported treatment-related adverse event of any grade (neratinib, 85% versus lapatinib plus capecitabine, 68%; P = 0.002) and of grade 3/4 (28% versus 10%; P < 0.001), but was typically managed with concomitant anti-diarrhoeal medication and/or study treatment modification. Importantly, neratinib had no significant skin toxicity.InterpretationThe results are considered as inconclusive since neither inferiority nor non-inferiority of treatment with neratinib versus lapatinib plus capecitabine could be demonstrated. The study confirmed relevant single-agent clinical activity and acceptable overall tolerability of neratinib in patients with recurrent HER2+ advanced breast cancer.     

The utility of anti-Müllerian hormone in the diagnosis and prediction of loss of ovarian function following chemotherapy for early breast cancer

AimChemotherapy results in permanent loss of ovarian function in some premenopausal women. Accurate identification in women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer (eBC) would allow optimisation of subsequent endocrine treatment. We sought to assess whether analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) using a sensitive automated assay could identify women who would not regain ovarian function after chemotherapy.MethodsData from women in the Ovarian Protection Trial in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients (OPTION) trial of goserelin (a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue) for ovarian protection were analysed. Women were assessed for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI: amenorrhoea with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) at 24 months after diagnosis. The accuracy of AMH for the diagnosis of POI and its prediction from measurement at the end of chemotherapy was calculated.ResultsAMH below the level of detection showed good diagnostic accuracy for POI at 24 months (n = 73) with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve of 0.86, sensitivity 1.0 and specificity 0.73 at the assay limit of detection. In women aged >40 at diagnosis who did not receive goserelin, AMH measured at end of chemotherapy also gave good prediction of POI at 24 months (area under the curve (AUC) 0.89 95% CI 0.75–1.0, n = 32), with sensitivity 0.91, specificity 0.82, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 42.8. FSH gave slightly lower AUC, and specificity was low at 0.55. Age but not tamoxifen impacted on AMH levels.ConclusionUsing this sensitive AMH assay, the finding of an undetectable AMH level in women aged >40 at the end of chemotherapy for eBC gave a good prediction that ovarian function would not return. This may allow alterations in post-chemotherapy endocrine management.     

Phase 1 study of capmatinib in MET‐positive solid tumor patients: Dose escalation and expansion of selected cohorts

Capmatinib is an oral, ATP‐competitive, and highly potent, type 1b MET inhibitor. Herein, we report phase 1 dose‐escalation results for capmatinib in advanced MET‐positive solid tumor patients and dose expansion in advanced non‐lung tumors. Capmatinib was well tolerated with a manageable safety profile across all explored doses. Dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) occurred at 200 mg twice daily (bid), 250 mg bid, and 450 mg bid capsules; however, no DLT were reported at 600 mg bid (capsules). Capmatinib tablets at 400 mg bid had comparable tolerability and exposure to that of 600 mg bid capsules. Maximum tolerated dose was not reached; recommended phase 2 dose was 400 mg bid tablets/600 mg bid capsules; at this dose, C_trough >EC₉₀ (90% inhibition of c‐MET phosphorylation in animal models) is expected to be achieved and maintained. Among the dose‐expansion patients (N = 38), best overall response across all cohorts was stable disease (gastric cancer 22%, hepatocellular carcinoma 46%, other indications 28%); two other indication patients with gene copy number (GCN) ≥6 achieved substantial tumor reduction. Near‐complete immunohistochemically determined phospho‐MET inhibition (H‐score = 2) was shown following capmatinib 450 mg bid capsule in paired biopsies obtained from one advanced colorectal cancer patient. Incidence of high‐level MET GCN (GCN ≥6) and MET‐overexpressing (immunohistochemistry 3+) tumors in the expansion cohorts was 8% and 13%, respectively; no MET mutations were observed. Thus, the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of capmatinib was 600 mg bid capsule/400 mg bid tablet. Capmatinib was well tolerated and showed antitumor activity and acceptable safety profile at the RP2D. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01324479).     

A First-in-Human Phase 1 Study of a Novel Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), RAD140, in ER+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer

Introduction/BackgroundThis first-in-human, phase 1 study aimed to characterize the safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, and antitumor activity of RAD140, an oral selective androgen receptor (AR) modulator (SARM).Patients and MethodsThis dose-escalation study with a 3 + 3 design and PK expansion cohort enrolled postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were used as surrogate markers of AR engagement.ResultsTwenty-two (21 AR+) heavily pretreated mBC patients were enrolled. Dose levels included 50 mg (n = 6), 100 mg (n = 13), and 150 mg (n = 3) once daily (QD). Most frequent (> 10%) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were elevated AST (59.1%), ALT (45.5%), and total blood bilirubin (27.3%), and vomiting, dehydration, and decreased appetite and weight (27.3% each). Grade 3/4 TEAEs occurred in 16 (72.7%) patients and included elevations in AST/ALT and hypophosphatemia (22.7% each). Treatment-related TEAEs occurred in 17 per 22 patients (77.3%); 7 (31.8%) were Grade 3; none were Grade 4. The half-life (t_1/2) of 44.7 hours supported QD dosing. At the MTD of 100 mg/day, 1 patient with an ESR1 mutation at baseline had a partial response. Overall, clinical benefit rate at 24 weeks was 18.2%, and median progression-free survival was 2.3 months. SHBG decreased in 18 per 18 patients, and PSA increased in 16 per 20 patients. Paired baseline and on-treatment tumor biopsies demonstrated AR engagement.ConclusionRAD140 is a novel oral AR-targeted agent for the treatment of AR+/ER+/HER2- mBC with an acceptable safety profile and preliminary evidence of target engagement and antitumor activity.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MX2 hydrochloride in patients with advanced malignant disease

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the new morpholino anthracycline drug MX2. A total of 27 patients with advanced cancer participated in a dose-escalation study in the first cycle of treatment with drug given i.v. at doses of 10–50 mg/m² (total dose 16.8–107.5 mg). The mean total systemic plasma clearance (CL) of MX2 was 2.98 ± 1.68 l/min, the mean volume of distribution at steady state was 1460 ± 749 l and mean elimination half-life was 10.8 ± 5.1 h. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of MX2 was linearly related to the dose per kilogram and the dose per body surface area (r ² = 0.43, P < 0.01 and r ² = 0.44, P < 0.01, respectively). CL did not correlate with total body weight, lean body mass or body surface area. The mean elimination half-lives of the metabolites M1, M2, M3 and M4 were 11.8 ± 5.0, 21.9 ± 11.8, 19.0 ± 11.3 and 12.3 ± 6.3 h, respectively. The fractional E _max model produced a much better fit to the relative nadir neutrophil count versus dose data (r ² = 0.42) than to the relative nadir neutrophil count versus AUC or peak concentration (C _max) data (r ² = 0.15 and 0.09, respectively). There seemed to be a threshold dose of about 65 mg of MX2 at or above which a large proportion of patients had a nadir neutrophil count of less than 0.5 × 10⁹/l. This study shows that the pharmacokinetics of MX2 are similar to those of other anthracyclines. With other anthracyclines the degree of myelosuppression seems to depend more on the AUC and C _max than on the delivered dose; however, with MX2 the degree of myelosuppression depends more on the dose given than on drug exposure expressed as the AUC or C _max. Received: 18 February 1996 / Accepted: 20 December 1996     

A phase I study to determine the effect of tamoxifen on the pharmacokinetics of a single 250 mg oral dose of gefitinib (IRESSA) in healthy male volunteers

Objectives: To determine the effect of tamoxifen on the pharmacokinetics of a single 250 mg oral dose of gefitinib (IRESSA) in healthy volunteers. Methods: An open-label, single-center, phase I study in healthy male volunteers. Each volunteer received a single 250 mg oral dose of gefitinib on day 1. On days 11–14, oral loading doses of 60 mg tamoxifen were administered, followed by 20 mg tamoxifen for a further 16 days to maintain steady-state exposure. On day 24, volunteers received a second single 250 mg oral dose of gefitinib. The last dose of tamoxifen was given on day 30. Pharmacokinetic and safety assessments were conducted throughout the trial. Results: A total of 18 volunteers were recruited. The presence of tamoxifen did not have a clinically significant effect on the primary variables AUC and C_max of gefitinib, nor on the secondary variables AUC_(0-t), t_max, t_1/2, and _z. The geometric least square mean values for AUC were 3,407.6 versus 3,397.9 ng.h/ml in the absence and presence of tamoxifen, respectively (90% CL 0.894, 1.112) and for C_max were 110.8 versus 103.6 ng/ml, respectively (90% CL 0.786, 1.111). The combination of gefitinib with tamoxifen was generally well tolerated by the volunteers. There were no serious adverse events and no volunteer discontinued the study due to an adverse event. NCI-CTC grade 1/2 drug-related adverse events were observed in seven volunteers, including loose stools and skin events associated with gefitinib, and lethargy and headache, flushing, and dizziness associated with tamoxifen. Conclusions: This study suggests that tamoxifen has no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics, tolerability, or safety of a single 250 mg oral dose of gefitinib. Therefore, in clinical investigations of this combination, no dose adjustment of gefitinib is indicated.IRESSA is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies     

BEECH: a dose-finding run-in followed by a randomised phase II study assessing the efficacy of AKT inhibitor capivasertib (AZD5363) combined with paclitaxel in patients with estrogen receptor-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer,and in a PIK3CA mutant sub-population

BackgroundBEECH investigated the efficacy of capivasertib (AZD5363), an oral inhibitor of AKT isoforms 1–3, in combination with the first-line weekly paclitaxel for advanced or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer, and in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide mutation sub-population (PIK3CA+).Patients and methodsBEECH consisted of an open-label, phase Ib safety run-in (part A) in 38 patients with advanced breast cancer, and a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II expansion (part B) in 110 women with ER+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer. In part A, patients received paclitaxel 90 mg/m² (days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle) with capivasertib taken twice daily (b.i.d.) at two intermittent ascending dosing schedules. In part B, patients were randomly assigned, stratified by PIK3CA mutation status, to receive paclitaxel with either capivasertib or placebo. The primary end point for part A was safety to recommend a dose and schedule for part B; primary end points for part B were progression-free survival (PFS) in the overall and PIK3CA+ sub-population.ResultsCapivasertib was well tolerated, with a 400 mg b.i.d. 4 days on/3 days off treatment schedule selected in part A. In part B, median PFS in the overall population was 10.9 months with capivasertib versus 8.4 months with placebo [hazard ratio (HR) 0.80; P = 0.308]. In the PIK3CA+ sub-population, median PFS was 10.9 months with capivasertib versus 10.8 months with placebo (HR 1.11; P = 0.760). Based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event v4.0, the most common grade ≥3 adverse events in the capivasertib group were diarrhoea, hyperglycaemia, neutropoenia and maculopapular rash. Dose intensity of paclitaxel was similar in both groups.ConclusionsCapivasertib had no apparent impact on the tolerability and dose intensity of paclitaxel. Adding capivasertib to weekly paclitaxel did not prolong PFS in the overall population or PIK3CA+ sub-population of ER+/HER2− advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01625286.     

Phase I study of tivantinib in Japanese patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Distinctive pharmacokinetic profiles from other solid tumors

A c‐Met inhibitor tivantinib is a candidate anticancer agent for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and CYP2C19 is the key metabolic enzyme for tivantinib. Previous Japanese phase I studies in patients with solid tumors (except HCC) recommend 360 mg twice daily (BID) and 240 mg BID for CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EM) and poor metabolizers (PM), respectively. In this study, Japanese patients with HCC in whom sorafenib treatment has failed were enrolled to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of oral tivantinib as a single agent. The dose was escalated separately in EM and PM, from 120 mg BID to 240 mg BID, in both capsule and tablet formulations. A total of 28 patients (EM: 21, PM: 7) received tivantinib. At a dose of 120 mg BID, dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) did not develop in 12 EM (capsule: 6, tablet: 6) and 7 PM (capsule: 4, tablet: 3) during the DLT‐observation period (for 29 days after first dosing). At this dose, the pharmacokinetic profiles of tivantinib (AUC_0–12 and C_max) did not remarkably differ between EM and PM. When treated with 240 mg BID, 5 of 9 EM (capsule: 4 of 6, tablet: 1 of 3) developed neutropenia‐related DLT accompanying plasma tivantinib concentration higher than expected from the previous studies. Consequently, PM did not receive 240 mg BID. In conclusion, 120 mg BID of tivantinib is recommended among Japanese patients with HCC regardless of CYP2C19 phenotype.     

Pharmacokinetics of a HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor CP-724,714 in patients with advanced malignant HER2 positive solid tumors: correlations with clinical characteristics and safety

Purpose CP-724,714 is an orally available, small molecule, potent HER-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor under development for the treatment of advanced HER2-overexpressing cancers. In this study, the influence of baseline clinical characteristics and pathophysiological variables on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of CP-724,714, and the correlation between PK exposure and safety were examined in patients treated in the First-in-Human trial. PK and safety were also simulated for a Phase 2 trial at the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) to assess if the simulated PK exposures of CP-724,714 covered the preclinically predicted efficacious concentrations, and if the predicted incidence of hepatic toxicities (≥CTC grade 3) was acceptable. Methods Patients (n = 30) with advanced malignant HER2 positive solid tumors were enrolled in this open label dose-escalation study, and treated with daily oral dosing of CP-724,714 in 21-day cycles at the following dose levels: 250 mg QD, 250 mg BID, 400 mg BID, and 250 mg TID. PK parameter values were estimated using noncompartmental techniques. PK exposure parameters were correlated with the baseline pathophysiological variables, clinical characteristics, and safety. The simulations of PK exposures and the incidence of ≥grade 3 liver toxicity at the recommended Phase 2 dose were performed by nonparametric bootstrap (n = 1,000). Results C _max and AUC increased in an approximate dose proportional manner. The terminal t _1/2 was approximately 4.5 h, and was constant across the dose range from 250 to 400 mg. There was some accumulation with BID and TID dosing with a mean AUC accumulation ratio ∼1.2–1.5, consistent with the t _1/2. Inter-patient variability in PK parameters was 31–65%, resulting in a considerable overlap of systemic exposure parameters (C _max and AUC) at higher doses (i.e., 250 mg TID and 400 mg BID), as expected for the narrow dose range. Significant correlations were observed for body size and oral clearance (CL/F) (r = 0.574, P = 0.001) and oral steady-state volume of distribution (V _dss/F) (r = 0.669, P = 0.0001). The most frequently encountered toxicities were elevated ALT and AST, hyperbilirubinemia, rash, asthenia, and nausea/vomiting (N/V). The steady-state AUC0-24 h was significantly correlated with the elevation of total bilirubin (r = 0.670, P = 0.001), ALT (r = 0.548, P = 0.002), and AST (r = 0.461, P = 0.010). The simulation of the Phase 2 trial at 250 mg BID predicted that the 95% confidence interval of the simulated mean concentrations of CP-724,714 were above the preclinically predicted efficacious concentrations throughout the majority of the dosing interval. The probability for ≥33% incidence of grade 3 or greater elevations of liver function test (LFT) was low (1.1%). Conclusions CP-724,714 demonstrates linear single-dose and multiple-dose PK. Both CL/F and V _dss/F correlate with body size. Elevations of ALT, AST, and total bilirubin positively correlate with the steady-state AUC0-24 h. The Phase 2 trial simulation suggests that CP-724,714 will be well tolerated and that PK exposures will exceed the preclinically predicted efficacious level at the recommended Phase 2 dose (250 mg BID), supporting further evaluation of CP-724,714 in the Phase 2 trial.