A phase Ib trial of LY2584702 tosylate,a p70 S6 inhibitor,in combination with erlotinib or everolimus in patients with solid tumours

BackgroundLY2584702 tosylate (hereafter referred to as LY2584702) is an oral, selective ATP competitive inhibitor of p70 S6 kinase. Preclinical studies with LY2584702 demonstrated significant synergistic activity with erlotinib and everolimus. The primary objective was to determine a phase II dose and schedule. Secondary objectives included evaluation of safety, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of LY2584702 in combination with erlotinib or everolimus.MethodsPatients with advanced solid tumours were treated with a total daily dose of 50–200 mg of LY2584702 in combination with erlotinib 150 mg once daily (Arm A) or everolimus 10 mg once daily (Arm B). Dose escalation was based on 3+3 design and used the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0.ResultsTwenty-nine patients were enrolled, 17 in Arm A and 12 in Arm B. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1 were observed in Arm A in four patients and consisted of Grade 3 vomiting, hypophosphataemia, pulmonary embolism and decreased clotting factor V. No DLTs were observed in Arm B at cycle 1, and the most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events related to study drug were: fatigue, anorexia, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Seven patients received ⩾4 cycles (3 in A, 4 in B). Best overall response was stable disease. Exposure accumulation of LY2584702 occurred with BID (twice daily) dosing. Exposure of erlotinib increased when administered in combination with LY2584702.ConclusionLY2584702 was not well tolerated when administered with erlotinib, therefore this combination is not feasible. The combination with everolimus was better tolerated but yielded very limited clinical benefit.     

Safety,tolerability and antitumour activity of LY2780301 (p70S6K/AKT inhibitor) in combination with gemcitabine in molecularly selected patients with advanced or metastatic cancer: a phase IB dose escalation study

BackgroundLY2780301, a dual inhibitor of protein kinase B (AKT) and the downstream effector p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), may inhibit progression in tumours relying on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway activation. This phase IB trial investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumour activity of LY2780301 plus gemcitabine in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumours.MethodsThis was a non-randomised, open-label, dose escalation and dose expansion trial. Patients harbouring molecular alterations of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway received once daily (QD) oral LY2780301 (400 or 500 mg) in combination with intravenous gemcitabine (750 or 1000 mg/m²) on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-d cycle. Dose escalation followed a 3 + 3 design. Assessments included adverse events (AEs), PK and preliminary antitumour activity.ResultsFifty patients (median age, 53 years; 74% female) predominantly with mutations/amplifications of PI3K (60%) and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) gene/protein inactivation (42%) were treated for up to 14 cycles. The MTD was LY2780301 500 mg QD with gemcitabine 750 mg/m². DLTs during cycle 1 were grade IV thrombocytopenia, grade III skin rash and grade III increase in alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase and alanine aminotransferase, occurring in one patient each. Most common AEs were anaemia (84%), fatigue (84%), transaminase increase (74%), thrombocytopenia (74%), nausea/vomiting (70%), neutropenia (68%) and lymphopenia (56%). Among the efficacy-evaluable population, two patients (5%) had a partial response; the disease control rate was 74% at cycle 2.ConclusionsAddition of LY2780301 to gemcitabine showed manageable toxicity and encouraging antitumour activity in patients with molecular alterations of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Clinical trial registration numberNCT02018874.     

Phase I dose-escalation studies of SNX-5422, an orally bioavailable heat shock protein 90 inhibitor,in patients with refractory solid tumours

BackgroundOrally administered SNX-5422, a novel, selective prodrug of the Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor SNX-2112, was investigated in two sequential phase I studies to determine the safety, maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and pharmacokinetic profile of SNX-5422.MethodsUsing a dose-escalation design, 3–6 adults with advanced solid tumours received SNX-5422 every-other-day (QOD) or once-daily (QD) 3 weeks on/1 week off or QD continuously, with disease assessments every 8 weeks. Single-dose and steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of SNX-2112 were determined.ResultsIn total, 56 patients were enrolled: QOD 3 weeks on/1 week off, n = 36; QD 3 weeks on/1 week off, n = 17; QD continuous, n = 3. Doses ranged from 4 to 133 mg/m² QOD and 50 to 89 mg/m² QD. The MTDs were defined as 100 mg/m² QOD and 67 mg/m² QD, respectively, with diarrhoea being dose-limiting on both 3 weeks on/1 week off schedules. Overall, treatment-related adverse events were mainly low grade, including diarrhoea (64%), nausea (39%), fatigue (28%), and vomiting (28%). Reversible grade 1–3 nyctalopia (night blindness) was reported by four patients (dose: 50–89 mg/m² QD; 100 mg/m² QOD). Exposure was generally linear, though greater than dose-proportional. Of 32 evaluable patients on QOD dosing, there was one durable complete response (prostate cancer), one confirmed (HER2 + breast cancer) and one unconfirmed partial response (adrenal gland cancer). Three patients (QOD schedule) had stable disease for ⩾6 months.ConclusionsThe dose and schedule recommended for further study with SNX-5422 is 100 mg/m² QOD 3 weeks on/1 week off based on improved tolerability and preliminary evidence of clinical activity.     

A phase I dose-finding,safety and tolerability study of AZD8330 in patients with advanced malignancies

ObjectiveThis is the first clinical study of the MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD8330 (ARRY-424704). This phase I study defined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AZD8330 in patients with advanced malignancies.MethodsPatients with refractory cancer or cancer with no standard therapy received either once-daily (OD) or twice-daily (BID) oral AZD8330 on day 1 followed by a 7-day washout period and continuous dosing from day 8. The starting dose was 0.5 mg with dose escalations in subsequent cohorts until a non-tolerated dose was reached.ResultsEighty-two patients received AZD8330 across 11 cohorts. The most frequent AZD8330-related adverse events were acneiform dermatitis (13/82, 16%), fatigue (11/82, 13%), diarrhoea (11/82, 13%) and vomiting (9/82, 11%). Four patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities: mental status changes (40 mg OD; 2/9 patients and 60 mg OD; 1/3) and rash (20 mg BID; 1/9). The MTD was defined as 20 mg BID. AZD8330 exposure increased approximately proportionally with dose across the dose range 0.5–60 mg OD. Dose-dependent modulation of phosphorylated ERK in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was observed at doses ?3 mg. One patient had a partial response and thirty-two (39%) had stable disease, with a duration >3 months in 22 patients, assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.ConclusionAZD8330 has a manageable toxicity profile at the MTD of 20 mg BID, and target inhibition was confirmed in PBMCs. One patient with malignant melanoma had a partial response.     

A phase 1 study of OSI-930 in combination with erlotinib in patients with advanced solid tumours

AimTo determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of OSI-930 that can be combined with erlotinib, and establish recommended phase 2 doses when both agents are administered daily in patients with advanced solid tumours.Patients and methodsEligible patients with advanced solid tumours were enrolled into this standard “three + three” dose escalation study. Study treatment commenced on day 1 with OSI-930, and erlotinib was introduced on day 8. PK profiles of OSI-930, erlotinib and its active metabolite, OSI-420, were determined. Changes in sVEGFR2 as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of OSI-930 activity were assessed.ResultsTwenty one patients were enrolled to 1 of 3 cohorts: 200 mg OSI-930 BID + 100 mg erlotinib QD; 200 mg OSI-930 BID + 150 mg erlotinib QD; 300 mg OSI-930 BID + 150 mg erlotinib QD. The most common adverse events were anorexia (85%), diarrhoea (75%), rash (70%) and lethargy (65%). The MTD was not reached but the onset of cumulative toxicity necessitating dose modification after the 28-d DLT assessment period was common at the highest dose level. A PK interaction was identified with co-administration of both agents resulting in a two-fold increase in OSI-930 exposure. Pharmacodynamic activity was observed with a decline in sVEGFR levels detected in all patients. Ten patients had disease stabilization (median duration 119 d).Conclusions200 mg OSI-930 BID + 150 mg erlotinib QD were the recommended doses for further evaluation of this combination.     

A phase I study of sunitinib in combination with FOLFIRI in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer

BackgroundThis study evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of sunitinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, combined with FOLFIRI (irinotecan 180 mg/m² given over 90 min i.v. and l-leucovorin 200 mg/m² given over 120 min on day 1, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m² bolus and then 2400 mg/m² infused over 46 h) in untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).Patients and methodsIn this multicentre, phase I, open-label, dose-finding trial, FOLFIRI was administered every 2 weeks. Two sunitinib regimens were explored: Schedule 4/2 (4 weeks on, 2 weeks off; 37.5 and 50 mg/day) and continuous daily dosing (CDD; 37.5 and 25 mg/day). Dose-limiting toxic toxicities (DLTs) were evaluated during weeks 1–6. Efficacy was a secondary objective.ResultsThirty-seven patients were enrolled. The 37.5 mg/day Schedule 4/2 cohort had zero of six DLTs, was expanded by 15 patients and declared the MTD. The MTD was exceeded at all other sunitinib doses and schedules; DLTs included febrile neutropenia (n = 1), grade 4 neutropenia (n = 4) and grade 3 deep vein thrombosis with grade 4 neutropenia (n = 1). At the MTD, non-haematologic grade 3/4 adverse events with a frequency of >10% were diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy, and the objective response rate was 57.9% (95% confidence interval 33.5–79.7).ConclusionsThe MTD of sunitinib combined with FOLFIRI in chemotherapy-naive mCRC was 37.5 mg/day on Schedule 4/2. CDD of sunitinib at 37.5 or 25 mg/day plus FOLFIRI was not feasible.     

Regorafenib as second-line therapy for intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Multicentre,open-label,phase II safety study

PurposeWe assessed the safety of the multikinase inhibitor regorafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that had progressed following first-line sorafenib.Patients and methodsThirty-six patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B or C HCC and preserved to mildly impaired liver function (Child–Pugh class A) received regorafenib 160 mg once daily in cycles of 3 weeks on/1 week off treatment until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death or patient/physician decision to discontinue. The primary end-point was safety; secondary end-points included efficacy (including time to progression and overall survival).ResultsThe median treatment duration was 19.5 weeks (range 2–103). At data cutoff, three patients remained on treatment. Reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (n = 20), disease progression (n = 10), consent withdrawal (n = 2) and death (n = 1). Seventeen patients required dose reductions (mostly for adverse events [n = 15]); 35 patients had treatment interruption (mostly for adverse events [n = 32] or patient error [n = 11]). The most frequent treatment-related adverse events were hand–foot skin reaction (any grade n = 19; grade ?3 n = 5), diarrhoea (n = 19; n = 2), fatigue (n = 19; n = 6), hypothyroidism (n = 15; n = 0), anorexia (n = 13; n = 0), hypertension (n = 13; n = 1), nausea (n = 12; n = 0) and voice changes (n = 10; n = 0). Disease control was achieved in 26 patients (partial response n = 1; stable disease n = 25). Median time to progression was 4.3 months. Median overall survival was 13.8 months.ConclusionRegorafenib had acceptable tolerability and evidence of antitumour activity in patients with intermediate or advanced HCC that progressed following first-line sorafenib.     

Phase I study of the HER3-targeted antibody patritumab (U3-1287) combined with erlotinib in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer

ObjectivesHuman epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is a key dimerization partner for HER family members and is associated with resistance to other HER family receptor-targeted therapeutics. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of patritumab (U3-1287), a fully human anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody, in combination with erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Patients and methodsThis study enrolled patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1, life expectancy >3 months and who had progressed after at least one prior course of chemotherapy (excluding erlotinib). This open-label study included two parts: dose escalation (Part 1) and dose expansion (Part 2). In Part 1, patients received intravenous patritumab 9 or 18 mg/kg every 3 weeks in addition to per-oral erlotinib 150 mg/day daily. In Part 2, patients received the recommended dose of patritumab as determined in Part 1. Adverse event rates, pharmacokinetics and tumor responses were determined.ResultsTwenty-four Japanese patients received patritumab at 9 mg/kg (n = 3) or 18 mg/kg (n = 21), and erlotinib. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported, indicating the maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal or skin toxicities, which were generally mild and manageable. Patritumab pharmacokinetics were similar to those reported in previous studies. The median progression-free survival (95% confidence interval) was 44.0 (22.0–133.0) days for the EGFR wild-type group (n = 9) and 107.0 (74.0–224.0) days for the EGFR-activating mutation group (n = 13). Evaluation of biomarkers by immunohistochemical analysis did not indicate a relationship between efficacy and HER3 expression in tumor tissues.ConclusionPatritumab in combination with erlotinib was well tolerated and the efficacy of the combination was encouraging, especially in patients where prior gefitinib treatment failed.     

Phase I–IIa study of BMS-690514, an EGFR,HER-2 and -4 and VEGFR-1 to -3 oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor,in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours

PurposeBMS-690514 is a potent, reversible oral inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER-1), HER-2 and -4, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs)-1 to -3 offering targeted inhibition of tumour growth and vascularisation in a single agent. This phase I–IIa study was designed to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and assess safety, antitumour activity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BMS-690514.Patients and methodsIn phase I, patients with advanced solid tumours received escalating doses of once-daily BMS-690514. In phase IIa, erlotinib-naïve (cohort A) or erlotinib-resistant (cohort B) patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) received BMS-690514 once-daily at the MTD.ResultsIn phase I (n = 28), the MTD was determined to be 200 mg daily. BMS-690514 was rapidly absorbed and highly metabolised after repeated oral administration with minimum drug accumulation. In phase IIa (n = 62), the most frequent treatment-related adverse events were diarrhoea and acneiform rash. Adverse events that led to >1 discontinuation were diarrhoea (n = 4; 4%) and rash (n = 2; 2%). Disease control (?4 months) and objective response rates, respectively, were 43.3% and 3.3% (cohort A) and 22.6% and 3.2% (cohort B). Six of 21 (29%) NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR achieved disease control versus seven of 10 (70%) patients with EGFR mutations (including T790M). At MTD, BMS-690514 modulated pharmacodynamic biomarkers associated with inhibition of VEGFR- and EGFR-signalling pathways.ConclusionThis phase I–IIa study suggests that BMS-690514 has manageable safety profile and antitumour activity in patients with NSCLC at 200 mg/d, including those with EGFR mutations conferring resistance to erlotinib.     

First-time-in-man and pharmacokinetic study of weekly oral perifosine in patients with solid tumours

AimTo identify the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics of oral perifosine.MethodsPatients with solid tumours received perifosine at dosages ranging from 100–800 mg/week. Eligibility criteria included life expectancy > 12 weeks, WHO performance status ? 2, normal blood, liver and renal functions and no recent anticancer treatment. Drug concentrations were analysed by HPLC–MS/MS.ResultsThirty six patients were recruited (75% males, mean age 54.7 years, performance status 1 in 72.2%). Adverse events included nausea (69.4%), diarrhoea (55.6%), vomiting (52.8%) and abdominal pain (13.9%). Antiemetic regimens including glucocorticoids, dopamine antagonists and 5-HT3-antagonists were used as treatment and/or prophylaxis in 50% of the patients. Though MTD was formally not reached with 800 mg/week, the treatment discontinuation due to diarrhoea and vomiting likely related to perifosine in two cases led to the decision to stop further dose escalation. Pharmacokinetics after a single dose were median t_max = 8.0–24.2 h, median t_1/2 = 81.0–115.9 h and mean_geo CL/f = 0.28–0.43 mL/min/kg. Urinary excretion was below 1%. Perifosine slightly accumulated and steady state was nearly reached after 2–3 weeks.ConclusionOral perifosine was tolerable up to 600 mg/week in cancer patients when administered with meal and prophylactic antiemetics. Based on its half-life of about 4 days, a weekly regimen may be appropriate.     

A phase I study of daily afatinib,an irreversible ErbB family blocker,in combination with weekly paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumours

BackgroundThis phase I study evaluated afatinib, an irreversible ErbB family blocker, plus paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumours likely to express human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR) or HER2.MethodsOral afatinib was combined with intravenous paclitaxel (80 mg/m²; days 1, 8 and 15 every four weeks) starting at 20 mg once daily and escalated to 40 and 50 mg in successive cohorts of ⩾3 patients. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of afatinib combined with paclitaxel. Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumour activity.ResultsSixteen patients were treated. Dose-limiting toxicities with afatinib 50 mg were fatigue and mucositis. The MTD was determined as afatinib 40 mg with paclitaxel 80 mg/m², which proved tolerable with repeated dosing. Frequent adverse events (AEs) included diarrhoea (94%), fatigue (81%), rash/acne (81%), decreased appetite (69%) and inflammation of mucosal membranes (69%); no grade 4 treatment-related AEs were observed. Five (31%) confirmed partial responses were observed in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (n = 3), oesophageal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma; eight (50%) patients remained on study for ⩾6 months. Pharmacokinetic parameters of afatinib and paclitaxel were similar for single administration or in combination.ConclusionsThe MTD and recommended phase II dose of once-daily afatinib combined with paclitaxel 80 mg/m² (days 1, 8 and 15 every four weeks) was 40 mg. AEs at or below this dose were generally manageable with repeated dosing. No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed. This combination demonstrated promising antitumour activity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00809133.     

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling-based optimisation of administration schedule for the histone deacetylase inhibitor abexinostat (S78454/PCI-24781) in phase I

Abexinostat, an oral pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), was evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumours in two single agent phase I studies (PCYC-402 and CL1-78454-002). In PCYC-402 study testing four different administration schedules, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was established at 75 mg/m² BID (twice daily) and the recommended dose at 60 mg/m² BID regardless of the schedule tested. The dose limiting toxicity (DLT), consistently observed across all these schedules, was reversible thrombocytopenia.The CL1-78454-002 study was initially investigating an additional schedule of 14 days on/7 days off. While testing two first cohorts, thrombocytopenia was observed without reaching DLT. To address this issue, a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was used to predict the optimal schedule allowing higher doses with minimal thrombocytopenia. Several administration schedules were simulated using this model. A 4 days on/3 days off schedule was associated with the smallest platelet decrease. Accordingly, the CL1-78454-002 study was amended. After reaching MTD1 (75 mg/m² BID) with the initial schedule, subsequent cohorts received abexinostat on a revised schedule of 4 days on/3 days off, starting at one dose level below MTD1 (60 mg/m² BID). As expected, the dose-escalation continued for two more dose levels beyond MTD1. The MTD2 reached for this optimised schedule was 105 mg/m² BID and the recommended dose 90 mg/m² BID.In conclusion, early understanding of toxicities and PK determination allowed us to build a PK/PD model of thrombocytopenia, which predicted the optimal administration schedule. This optimised schedule is currently used in the trials in solid tumours with abexinostat.     

Long-term outcome in BRAFV600E melanoma patients treated with vemurafenib: Patterns of disease progression and clinical management of limited progression

IntroductionVemurafenib induces tumour regression in most patients with BRAF^V600E-mutant melanoma; eventually, most experience progressive disease (PD). Long-term follow-up of patients with BRAF^V600E melanoma treated in the phase 1 vemurafenib trial is reported.MethodsPatients received vemurafenib 240–1120 mg (dose escalation cohort) or 960 mg (extension cohort) orally twice daily. Clinical response was evaluated every 8 weeks by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST). Patients with PD amenable to local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) were allowed to continue vemurafenib after progression. Overall survival (OS) from time of treatment initiation and from PD was estimated. Sites of PD were recorded.ResultsForty-eight patients (escalation cohort, n = 16; extension cohort, n = 32) received therapeutic doses of vemurafenib (⩾240 mg twice daily). Forty-four patients had PD by the time of this analysis and four remained progression free (follow-up time, 1.2–56.1 months). Median OS was 14 months (range, 1.2–56.1); 3- and 4-year melanoma-specific survival rate in the extension cohort was 26% and 19%, respectively. Median OS was 26.0 months (range, 7.7–56.1) among 20 patients who continued vemurafenib after local therapy. Median treatment duration beyond initial PD was 3.8 months (range, 1.1–26.6). In the extension cohort, six and five patients were alive after 3 and 4 years, respectively, on vemurafenib monotherapy.ConclusionsSome patients with melanoma achieved long-term survival with vemurafenib monotherapy. Continuation of vemurafenib after PD might be beneficial in some patients because remaining disease might continue to respond to BRAF inhibition.     

Venetoclax,bendamustine, and rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL: a phase Ib dose-finding study

BackgroundVenetoclax is a selective, potent inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 protein approved for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We conducted a dose-finding study of venetoclax in combination with bendamustine–rituximab (BR) in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).Patients and methodsBR was given for six cycles at standard doses. Intermittent and continuous oral venetoclax administration was explored at 50–1200 mg daily doses. Co-primary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics (PKs), maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended phase II dose (RP2D); secondary objective was preliminary efficacy.ResultsSixty patients were enrolled: 32 with follicular lymphoma, 22 with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and 6 with marginal zone lymphoma. Nausea (70%), neutropenia (68%), diarrhea (55%), and thrombocytopenia (52%) were the most frequent adverse events (AEs). Most common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia (60%) and lymphopenia (38%). Serious AEs were reported in 24 patients; the most frequent were febrile neutropenia and disease progression (8% each). Five patients died from either disease progression (n = 4) or respiratory failure (n = 1). MTD was not reached; RP2D for venetoclax-BR combination was established as 800 mg daily continuously. Venetoclax PK exposure with and without BR was comparable. For all patients, overall response rate was 65%. Median duration of overall response, overall survival, and progression-free survival was 38.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.4–NR], not yet reached, and 10.7 months (95% CI 4.3–21.0), respectively.ConclusionsThis study established the safety profile of venetoclax in combination with BR, and results demonstrated tolerability and preliminary efficacy of the combination. Additional follow-up is needed to better determine the future role of BR plus venetoclax in the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL.Trial registeredClinicaltrials.gov, NCT01594229.     

A randomised,open-label phase II trial of afatinib versus cetuximab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

PurposeThis randomised phase II trial aimed to compare efficacy of the irreversible ErbB family blocker, afatinib, with cetuximab in patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (mCRC) with progression following oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based regimens. Efficacy in patients with KRAS mutations was also evaluated.Patients and methodsPatients with KRAS wild-type tumours were randomised 2:1 to afatinib (40 mg/day, increasing to 50 mg/day if minimal toxicity) or cetuximab weekly (400 mg/m² loading dose, then 250 mg/m²/week) according to number of previous chemotherapy lines. All patients with KRAS-mutated tumours received afatinib. Primary end-points were objective response (OR) for the wild-type group and disease control for the KRAS-mutated group. Secondary end-points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsPatients with KRAS wild-type tumours (n = 50) received afatinib (n = 36) or cetuximab (n = 14). Unconfirmed and confirmed ORs were 3% and 0% for afatinib versus 20% and 13% for cetuximab (odds ratio: 0.122 [P = 0.0735] and <0.001, respectively). Median PFS was 46.0 and 144.5 days for afatinib and cetuximab, respectively. Median OS was 355 days with afatinib but not reached for cetuximab. In the KRAS-mutated group (n = 41), five (12%) patients achieved confirmed disease control (stable disease; P = 0.6394 [comparison versus 10%]); no ORs were reported. Median PFS and OS were 41.0 and 173 days, respectively. Most frequent treatment-related adverse events were diarrhoea and rash across groups.ConclusionsThe efficacy of afatinib was inferior to cetuximab in patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC. In patients with KRAS-mutated tumours, disease control was modest with afatinib. Afatinib had a manageable safety profile.     

Safety and efficacy of neratinib (HKI-272) plus vinorelbine in the treatment of patients with ErbB2-positive metastatic breast cancer pretreated with anti-HER2 therapy

BackgroundNeratinib (HKI-272) is a potent irreversible pan-ErbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor with clinical activity in patients with ErbB2/HER2-positive breast cancer.Patients and methodsPhase I of this open-label, phase I/II study investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral neratinib (160 or 240 mg/day) plus vinorelbine (25 mg/m²; days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle) in patients with solid tumors. Phase II assessed the safety, clinical activity, and pharmacokinetics of the combination in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer; the primary efficacy end point was objective response (OR).ResultsIn phase I (n = 12), neratinib (240 mg) plus vinorelbine (25 mg/m²) was established as the MTD. In phase II, 79 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer were treated at the MTD. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (96%), neutropenia (54%), and nausea (50%). Three patients discontinued treatment due to diarrhea. No clinically important skin side-effects were observed. The OR rate in assessable phase II patients was 41% (no prior lapatinib) and 8% (prior lapatinib). There was no evidence of pharmacokinetic interaction between neratinib and vinorelbine.ConclusionNeratinib plus vinorelbine showed promising antitumor activity and no unexpected toxic effects in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00706030.     

Phase I evaluation of cediranib,a selective VEGFR signalling inhibitor,in combination with gefitinib in patients with advanced tumours

AimCediranib is a highly potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signalling. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that inhibition of the VEGFR and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways may be synergistic. Combination treatment with cediranib and gefitinib, an EGFR signalling inhibitor, was evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumours.Patients and methodsNinety patients received treatment in this four-part, open-label study (NCT00502060). The patients received once-daily oral doses of cediranib (20–45 mg) and gefitinib 250 mg (part A1; n = 16) or 500 mg (part B1; n = 44). A cohort expansion phase investigated the potential pharmacokinetic interaction of cediranib 30 mg with gefitinib 250 mg (part A2; n = 15) or 500 mg (part B2; n = 15). The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of cediranib with gefitinib. Secondary assessments included pharmacokinetics, efficacy and pharmacodynamics.ResultsCombination treatment was generally well tolerated; the protocol-defined maximum-tolerated dose of cediranib was 30 mg/day with gefitinib 250 mg/day (part A1) and cediranib 45 mg/day was the maximum dose investigated with gefitinib 500 mg/day (part B1). The most common adverse events were diarrhoea (84 [93%]), anorexia (63 [70%]) and fatigue (60 [67%]). Cediranib pharmacokinetic parameters were not substantially different when given alone or in combination with gefitinib. Gefitinib pharmacokinetic parameters were similar to those seen previously with gefitinib monotherapy. Efficacy results included eight (9%) confirmed partial responses (6 renal; 1 lung; 1 osteosarcoma) and 38 (42%) patients with stable disease. Pharmacodynamic assessments demonstrated changes in levels of VEGF and soluble VEGFR-2 following treatment.ConclusionsCombination treatment was generally well tolerated and showed encouraging antitumour activity in patients with advanced solid tumours. These results merit further exploration.     

Bortezomib in combination with CHOP as first-line treatment for patients with stage III/IV peripheral T-cell lymphomas: A multicentre,single-arm,phase 2 trial

BackgroundWe performed a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of bortezomib in combination with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) as first-line treatment for patients with stage III/IV peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) based on our phase I study results.MethodsPatients received bortezomib on days 1 and 8 at a dose of 1.6 mg/m² in addition to CHOP every 3 weeks for a total of six cycles.ResultsForty-six patients were enrolled: PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS, n = 16), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL, n = 10), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL, n = 8), ALK-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL, n = 6), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, n = 5) and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (n = 1). Thirty patients achieved complete response (CR, 65%) and the overall response rate was 76% (35/46). Although the CR rate of ENKTL was only 30% (3/10), three subtypes of PTCLs (PTCL-NOS, AITL and ALCL) showed 87% of overall response rate (ORR) (26/30) and 73% of CR rate (22/30). However, the 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 47% and 35%, respectively due to frequent relapse after remission. Grade 3/4 leucopenia was the most frequent toxicity whereas neurotoxicity was tolerable: grade 1 or 2 of peripheral neuropathy.ConclusionsThe combined treatment of bortezomib and CHOP is an effective and feasible regimen for advanced-stage PTCLs other than ENKTL, with acceptable toxicity. However, future studies exploring new drug combinations are warranted to overcome relapse after remission.     

EORTC study 26041-22041: Phase I/II study on concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) with PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma

BackgroundGlioblastoma is a highly vascularised tumour with a high expression of both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGFR. PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK, vatalanib), a multiple VEGF receptor inhibitor, blocks the intracellular tyrosine kinase activity of all known VEGF receptors and is therefore suitable for long-term therapy of pathologic tumour neovascularisation.Patients and methodsThe study was designed as an open-label, phase I/II study. A classic 3 + 3 design was selected. PTK/ZK was added to standard concomitant and adjuvant treatment, beginning in the morning of day 1 of radiotherapy (RT), and given continuously until disease progression or toxicity. PTK/ZK doses started from 500 mg with subsequent escalations to 1000 and 1250 mg/d. Adjuvant or maintenance PTK after the end of radiochemotherapy was given at a previously established dose of 750 mg twice daily continuously with TMZ at the standard adjuvant dose.ResultsTwenty patients were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicities at a once daily dose of 1250 mg were grade 3 diarrhoea (n = 1), grade 3 ALT increase (n = 2), and myelosuppression with grade 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia (n = 1). The recommended dose of PTK/ZK in combination with radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) is 1000 mg once a day. This treatment is safe and well tolerated.ConclusionIn our phase I study once daily administration of up to 1000 mg of PTK/ZK in conjunction with concomitant temozolomide and radiotherapy was feasible and safe. Prolonged administration of this oral agent is manageable. The planned randomised phase II trial was discontinued right at its onset due to industry decision not to further develop this agent.     

Results of a phase 1 trial combining ridaforolimus and MK-0752 in patients with advanced solid tumours

BackgroundThe phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) signalling pathway is aberrantly activated in several cancers. Notch signalling maintains cell proliferation, growth and metabolism in part by driving the PI3K pathway. Combining the mTOR inhibitor ridaforolimus with the Notch inhibitor MK-0752 may increase blockade of the PI3K pathway.MethodsThis phase I dose-escalation study (NCT01295632) aimed to define the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of combination oral ridaforolimus (rising doses starting at 20 mg, 5 days/week) and oral MK-0752 (1800 mg once weekly) in patients with solid tumours. No intrapatient dose escalation was permitted.ResultsTwenty eight patients were treated on study. Ridaforolimus doses were escalated from 20 to 30 mg/day. Among 14 evaluable patients receiving ridaforolimus 20 mg, one DLT (grade 2 stomatitis, second episode) was reported. Among eight evaluable patients receiving ridaforolimus 30 mg, three DLTs were reported (one each grade 3 stomatitis, grade 3 diarrhoea, and grade 3 asthenia). The MTD was 20 mg daily ridaforolimus 5 days/week + 1800 mg weekly MK-0752. The most common drug-related adverse events included stomatitis, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, hyperglycaemia, thrombocytopenia, asthenia and rash. Two of 15 (13%) patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) had responses: one with complete response and one with partial response. In addition, one patient experienced stable disease ⩾6 months.ConclusionsCombined ridaforolimus and MK-0752 showed activity in HNSCC. However, a high number of adverse events were reported at the MTD, which would require careful management during future clinical development.