Optimally tolerated dose of lapatinib in combination with docetaxel plus trastuzumab in first-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

BackgroundThis phase IB, open-label, dose-escalation study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and optimally tolerated regimen (OTR) of lapatinib in combination with docetaxel and trastuzumab in patients with previously untreated stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC) tumors overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).Patients and methodsEvaluated dose regimens included lapatinib (500–1500 mg/day), docetaxel (triweekly; 60–100 mg/m²), and trastuzumab (weekly; 2 mg/kg fixed dose); prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was included with regimens with ≥750 mg/day lapatinib. End points included OTR and safety/tolerability (primary), overall response rate (ORR), and pharmacokinetics (secondary).ResultsNone of the patients (N = 53) experienced dose-limiting toxic effects (DLTs) at the highest dose level; thus, the OTR of lapatinib with 100 mg/m² docetaxel was not determined. Common adverse events included diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, fatigue, and rash; grade 3/4 (≥2 patients) were neutropenia, diarrhea, leukopenia, peripheral neuropathy, and rash. Seven patients had DLTs (cycle 1). In 45 patients with measurable disease confirmed by bone scan, investigator-assessed ORR was 31%; without bone scan, confirmation was 64%; 8 patients without measurable disease were evaluated as stable. Lapatinib/docetaxel plasma concentrations were positively associated with complete response.ConclusionsLapatinib/docetaxel/trastuzumab is a feasible and well-tolerated treatment of untreated HER2-positive stage IV MBC. Two lapatinib/docetaxel OTR doses were recommended (1250 mg/75 mg/m²; 1000 mg/100 mg/m²).Clinical trial numberNCT00251433.     

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 pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of lapatinib in combination with sorafenib in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors

BackgroundThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERBB2 (HER2) pathways and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent angiogenesis have a pivotal role in cancer pathogenesis and progression. Robust experimental evidence has shown that these pathways are functionally linked and implicated in acquired resistance to targeted therapies making them attractive candidates for joined targeting. We undertook this phase I trial to assess the safety, the recommended dose for phase II trials (RPTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and the preliminary antitumour activity of the combination of lapatinib and sorafenib in patients with advanced refractory solid tumours.MethodsFour cohorts of at least three patients each received lapatinib once daily and sorafenib twice daily together on a continuous schedule. Doses of lapatinib and sorafenib were escalated based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in the first treatment cycle following a traditional 3 + 3 design until the RPTD was reached. Additional patients were treated at the RPTD to characterise PK profiles of this combination and to investigate the potential interaction between lapatinib and sorafenib. Serum samples were collected at baseline and then prospectively every two cycles to assess changes in PD parameters. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00984425.FindingsThirty patients with advanced refractory solid tumours were enroled. DLTs were grade three fatigue and grade 3 atypical skin rash observed at dose levels 3 and 4, respectively. The higher dose level explored (lapatinib 1250 mg/day and sorafenib 400 mg twice daily) represented the RPTD of the combination. The most common drug-related adverse events were fatigue (68%), hypocalcemia (61%), diarrhoea (57%), lymphopaenia (54%), anorexia (50%), rash (50%), and hypophosphatemia (46%). PK analysis revealed no significant effect of sorafenib on the PK profile of lapatinib. Of the 27 assessable patients for clinical activity, one achieved a confirmed complete response, four (15%) had a partial response, and 12 (44%) achieved disease stabilisation. The disease control rate overall was 63%.InterpretationCombination treatment with lapatinib and sorafenib was feasible with promising clinical activity and without significant PK interactions. Long term tolerability seems to be challenging.     

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.     

A dose finding,safety and pharmacokinetic study of AVE1642, an anti-insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R/CD221) monoclonal antibody,administered as a single agent and in combination with docetaxel in patients with advanced solid tumours

PurposeAVE1642, a humanised mAb, binds the human IGF-1R specifically and with high affinity. This study aimed to select the dose of AVE1642 alone and then combined with docetaxel 75 mg/m² (D).Material and methodsAVE1642 was administered alone at cycle (cy) 1 and then combined with D from cy2, q3w.ResultsA total of 27 patients received a median number of 5 cy (range, 1–10). The most common tumour types were sarcoma (18.5%), osseous tumours (11.1%) and colon cancer (11.1%). Two DLTs were reported in cy1 at dose level (DL) 18 mg/kg and dose escalation was stopped. No major safety issue was observed. No anti-drug antibodies were detected. The Maximal Tolerated Dose of AVE1642 was 12 mg/kg. The dose selected for further combinations is 6 mg/kg, based on PK/PD data. Three objective responses, (two in sarcoma and one breast cancer) were observed but only one was confirmed. Eleven patients appeared to benefit from treatment with prolonged disease stabilisation ?4 months.ConclusionAVE1642 is well tolerated as a single agent and combined with D. The selected dose of AVE1642 combined with D is 6 mg/kg. Promising activity was seen in sarcoma and breast cancer patients.     

Phase 1 study of nab-paclitaxel,cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil as induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

BackgroundInduction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) (sequential therapy) has been evaluated in the treatment of locoregionally-advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN), with docetaxel, cisplatin (P) and 5-flurouracil (F) shown to be superior to PF doublet. Nab-paclitaxel (A) is a novel albumin-bound paclitaxel with a superior therapeutic index to docetaxel.MethodsA phase I trial [Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT00731380] to assess the safety and efficacy of nab-paclitaxel + cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil (APF) as induction chemotherapy for three cycles, followed by concurrent carboplatin (area-under-curve (AUC) 1.5 weekly) with radiation therapy (RT) (70 Gy/35 fractions), was conducted using a 3+3 design in patients with previously untreated LA-SCCHN. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included: standard haematologic and non-haematologic toxicities, treatment delays, inability to complete ⩾95% of RT and skin/mucosal toxicity related to RT assessed from day 1 of treatment to 8 weeks after completion of CRT.Results17 patients with oropharyngeal cancer were enrolled in three dose levels, with 15 patients evaluable for DLT. The median age was 54 years (range, 44–65 years), 14 patients were male, and 11 patients’ tumours were p16 positive and four negative. Grade 3/4 adverse events during APF (%total number of cycles) were hyponatraemia (14%) neutropenia (10%), lymphopaenia (4%) and thrombocytopenia (2%) during 49 evaluable APF cycles. Febrile neutropenia occurred during one cycle of treatment.ConclusionThe recommended phase 2 dose of APF is nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m² days 1 and 8, cisplatin 75 mg/mg² day 1 and 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/m²/day × 96 h days 1–4, every 3 weeks, for three cycles prior to CRT.     

Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) plus docetaxel with or without pertuzumab in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: results from a phase Ib/IIa study

BackgroundTrastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) exhibited enhanced antitumor activity when combined with docetaxel or pertuzumab in preclinical studies. This phase Ib/IIa study assessed the feasibility of T-DM1 + docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and T-DM1 + docetaxel ± pertuzumab in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).Patients and methodsPhase Ib (part 1) explored dose escalation, with T-DM1 + docetaxel administered for greater than or equal to six cycles in patients with MBC. Phase Ib (part 2) began with the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) identified in part 1. Patients with LABC were administered less than or equal to six cycles of T-DM1 + docetaxel or T-DM1 + docetaxel + pertuzumab. Phase IIa explored the MTDs identified in phase Ib.ResultsAdministered with T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg), the docetaxel MTD was 60 mg/m² in MBC. In LABC, the MTD was 100 mg/m² docetaxel in combination with T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg), given with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Administered with T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg) + pertuzumab (840 mg, cycle 1; 420 mg, subsequent cycles), the docetaxel MTD in LABC was 75 mg/m² with G-CSF support. Neutropenia was the most common grade 3–4 adverse event (AE; MBC, 72% and LABC, 29%). In total, 48% (12/25) of MBC patients and 47% (34/73) of LABC patients experienced AEs requiring dose modification. In MBC (median prior systemic agents = 5), the objective response rate was 80.0% (20/25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 59.3–93.2) and the median progression-free survival was 13.8 months (range, 1.6–33.5). The pathologic complete response (ypT0/is, ypN0) rate in LABC was 60.3% (44/73; 95% CI 48.1–71.5). Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated a low risk of drug–drug interaction between T-DM1 and docetaxel.ConclusionsT-DM1 combined with docetaxel ± pertuzumab appeared efficacious in MBC or LABC; however, nearly half of patients experienced AEs requiring dose reductions with these T-DM1 combinations.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT00934856.     

Cabazitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumours: Results of a Phase I and pharmacokinetic study

BackgroundAlthough the taxanes paclitaxel and docetaxel are among the most active agents for the treatment of a wide range of cancers, tumours often develop resistance to these treatments. Cabazitaxel is a novel taxane active in both preclinical models of chemotherapy-sensitive and -resistant human tumours and patients with advanced prostate cancer that progressed following docetaxel treatment.AimTo establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of cabazitaxel.Patients and methodsCabazitaxel was administered every 3 weeks to patients with advanced solid tumours. The design allowed intrapatient dose escalation. The primary objective was to determine the MTD. Secondary objectives were to describe the safety profile, establish an appropriate dose, determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of cabazitaxel, and assess antitumour activity.ResultsTwenty-one patients were recruited. The MTD was reached at 30 mg/m², at which three of five patients experienced haematologic DLTs during the first cycle. DLTs during subsequent cycles were mainly haematologic and reported at 25 and 30 mg/m² dosing levels. Nail disorders and severe alopecia were not reported, and neurotoxicity, fluid retention and hypersensitivity were mild and infrequent. Cabazitaxel demonstrated linear PK, a triphasic elimination profile, with a long half-life and high clearance. Of the 19 patients evaluable for response, one unconfirmed partial response and six occurrences of stable disease were reported.ConclusionsThe 25 mg/m² dose of cabazitaxel was recommended for use in future clinical studies. In this study, cabazitaxel had an acceptable tolerability profile and activity in cervical, colorectal, endometrial and lung cancers.     

Preliminary safety and efficacy of first-line pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and taxane therapy for HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (PERUSE)

BackgroundPertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and docetaxel is the standard first-line therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, based on results from the phase III CLEOPATRA trial. PERUSE was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of investigator-selected taxane with pertuzumab and trastuzumab in this setting.Patients and methodsIn the ongoing multicentre single-arm phase IIIb PERUSE study, patients with inoperable HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (locally recurrent/metastatic) (LR/MBC) and no prior systemic therapy for LR/MBC (except endocrine therapy) received docetaxel, paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel with trastuzumab [8 mg/kg loading dose, then 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks (q3w)] and pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose, then 420 mg q3w) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was safety. Secondary end points included overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsOverall, 1436 patients received at least one treatment dose (initially docetaxel in 775 patients, paclitaxel in 589, nab-paclitaxel in 65; 7 discontinued before starting taxane). Median age was 54 years; 29% had received prior trastuzumab. Median treatment duration was 16 months for pertuzumab and trastuzumab and 4 months for taxane. Compared with docetaxel-containing therapy, paclitaxel-containing therapy was associated with more neuropathy (all-grade peripheral neuropathy 31% versus 16%) but less febrile neutropenia (1% versus 11%) and mucositis (14% versus 25%). At this preliminary analysis (52 months’ median follow-up), median PFS was 20.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.9–22.7] months overall (19.6, 23.0 and 18.1 months with docetaxel, paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel, respectively). ORR was 80% (95% CI 78%–82%) overall (docetaxel 79%, paclitaxel 83%, nab-paclitaxel 77%).ConclusionsPreliminary findings from PERUSE suggest that the safety and efficacy of first-line pertuzumab, trastuzumab and taxane for HER2-positive LR/MBC are consistent with results from CLEOPATRA. Paclitaxel appears to be a valid alternative taxane backbone to docetaxel, offering similar PFS and ORR with a predictable safety profile.ClinicalTrials.govNCT01572038.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of docetaxel with or without ketoconazole modulation in chemonaive breast cancer patients

BackgroundWe previously found 70 mg flat-dose docetaxel coadministered with ketoconazole to modulate CYP3A4 to be the maximum tolerated dose that resulted in comparable docetaxel area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) as 75–100 mg/m² docetaxel.Patients and methodsWe compared cycle 1 docetaxel pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between ketoconazole-modulated (70 mg flat-dose docetaxel, n = 31) and conventional-dosed docetaxel (75 mg/m², n = 51) in chemonaive breast cancer patients in two sequential phase II studies.ResultsKetoconazole-modulated docetaxel resulted in reduced docetaxel clearance (22.05 ± 8.29 versus 36.52 ± 13.39 l/h, P < 0.001), similar docetaxel AUC (3.93 ± 2.77 versus 3.77 ± 2.70 mg/l·h, P = 0.794) and tumor efficacy (cycle 1 responder 52% versus 55%) and less day 8 neutrophil suppression (1.24 ± 1.02 × 10⁹/l versus 0.47 ± 0.56 × 10⁹/l, P < 0.001), grade 4 neutropenia (32.3% versus 72.0%, P < 0.001) and febrile neutropenia (3.2 versus 23.5%, P = 0.015), compared with conventional-dosed docetaxel. Chinese had the lowest docetaxel clearance, highest AUC and most myelosuppression, followed by Malays and Indians, in response to ketoconazole-modulated docetaxel, while no significant interethnic differences were observed with conventional-dosed docetaxel.ConclusionsKetoconazole-modulated docetaxel achieved similar docetaxel AUC and tumor efficacy but reduced neutrophil suppression and febrile neutropenia at ∼40% reduced dose, representing a feasible alternative to conventional-dosed docetaxel. Interethnic differences in CYP3A4 inhibition by ketoconazole exist and are important when evaluating the impact of concomitant medications.     

A phase II study of lapatinib monotherapy in chemotherapy-refractory HER2-positive and HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer

BackgroundThe efficacy and tolerability of the epidermal growth factor receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib in refractory metastatic breast cancer were assessed.Patients and methodsIn a phase II, open-label study, patients with previously treated HER2-positive (n = 140) or HER2-negative (n = 89) metastatic breast cancer received once-daily oral lapatinib 1500 mg/day.ResultsMost (76%) patients had received four or more lines of prior therapy. The response rate in the HER2-positive cohort was 4.3% by investigator assessment and 1.4% by independent assessment. Both assessments established that ∼6% of HER2-positive patients derived clinical benefit from lapatinib, being progression free for ≥6 months. No objective tumor responses occurred in the HER2-negative cohort. Independent review assessments of median time to progression and median progression-free survival were similar in the HER2-positive and HER2-negative cohorts (9.1 and 7.6 weeks, respectively). All responders exhibited HER2 overexpression (3+ by immunohistochemistry), and five of six responders were HER2 amplified by FISH. Lapatinib-related adverse events, including diarrhea (54%), rash (30%), and nausea (24%), were primarily mild to moderate in severity.ConclusionsLapatinib monotherapy had modest clinical activity in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer that progressed on prior trastuzumab regimens. No apparent clinical activity was observed in chemotherapy-refractory, HER2-negative disease.     

Phase I trial of olaparib in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of patients with advanced breast,ovarian and other solid tumors

BackgroundTo establish the maximum tolerated dose, determine safety/tolerability and evaluate the pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of olaparib in combination with cisplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors.Patients and methodsPatients aged ≥18 years with advanced solid tumors, who had progressed on standard treatment, were assigned to a treatment cohort and received oral olaparib [50–200 mg twice daily (bid); 21-day cycle] continuously or intermittently (days 1–5 or 1–10) in combination with cisplatin (60–75 mg/m² intravenously) on day 1 of each cycle.ResultsDose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of grade 3 neutropenia (cisplatin 75 mg/m² with continuous olaparib 100 mg bid or 200 mg bid; n = 1 each) and grade 3 lipase elevation (cisplatin 75 mg/m² with olaparib 100 mg bid days 1–10 or 50 mg bid days 1–5; n = 1 each) were reported. Olaparib and cisplatin doses were subsequently reduced to 50 mg bid days 1–5 and 60 mg/m², respectively; no DLTs were reported for patients receiving this regimen. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (16.7%), anemia (9.3%) and leucopenia (9.3%). Thirty patients (55.6%) received colony-stimulating factors for hematologic support. The overall objective response rate was 41% for patients with measurable disease, and 43% and 71% among patients with a BRCA1/2 mutation who had ovarian and breast cancer, respectively.ConclusionsOlaparib in combination with cisplatin 75 mg/m² was not considered tolerable; intermittent olaparib (50 mg bid, days 1–5) with cisplatin 60 mg/m² improved tolerability. Promising antitumor activity in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations was observed and warrants further investigation.     

A Phase 1 trial of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib (AZD2281) in combination with the anti-angiogenic cediranib (AZD2171) in recurrent epithelial ovarian or triple-negative breast cancer

BackgroundPoly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-inhibitors and anti-angiogenics have activity in recurrent ovarian and breast cancer; however, the effect of combined therapy against PARP and angiogenesis in this population has not been reported. We investigated the toxicities and recommended phase 2 dosing (RP2D) of the combination of cediranib, a multitargeted inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1/2/3 and olaparib, a PARP-inhibitor (NCT01116648).MethodsCediranib tablets once daily and olaparib capsules twice daily were administered orally in a standard 3+3 dose escalation design. Patients with recurrent ovarian or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer were eligible. Patients had measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 or met Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) CA125 criteria. No prior PARP-inhibitors or anti-angiogenics in the recurrent setting were allowed.Results28 patients (20 ovarian, 8 breast) enrolled to 4 dose levels. 2 dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) (1 grade 4 neutropenia ?4 days; 1 grade 4 thrombocytopenia) occurred at the highest dose level (cediranib 30 mg daily; olaparib 400 mg twice daily [BID]). The RP2D was cediranib 30 mg daily and olaparib 200 mg BID. Grade 3 or higher toxicities occurred in 75% of patients, and included grade 3 hypertension (25%) and grade 3 fatigue (18%). One grade 3 bowel obstruction occurred. The overall response rate (ORR) in the 18 RECIST-evaluable ovarian cancer patients was 44%, with a clinical benefit rate (ORR plus stable disease (SD) >24 weeks) of 61%. None of the seven evaluable breast cancer patients achieved clinical response; two patients had stable disease for >24 weeks.InterpretationThe combination of cediranib and olaparib has haematologic DLTs and anticipated class toxicities, with promising evidence of activity in ovarian cancer patients.     

Phase I/II trial of cabazitaxel plus abiraterone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) progressing after docetaxel and abiraterone

BackgroundAbiraterone and cabazitaxel improve survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We conducted an open-label phase I/II trial of cabazitaxel plus abiraterone to assess the antitumor activity and tolerability in patients with progressive mCRPC after docetaxel (phase I), and after docetaxel and abiraterone (phase II) (NCT01511536).Patients and methodsThe primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of cabazitaxel plus abiraterone (phase I), and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response defined as a ≥ 50% decrease confirmed ≥3 weeks later with this combination (phase II).ResultsTen patients were enrolled in the phase I component; nine were evaluable. No DLTs were identified. The MTD was established as the approved doses for both drugs (cabazitaxel 25 mg/m² every 3 weeks and abiraterone 1000 mg once daily). Daily abiraterone treatment did not impact on cabazitaxel clearance. Twenty-seven patients received cabazitaxel plus abiraterone plus prednisone (5 mg twice daily) in phase II. The median number of cycles administered (cabazitaxel) was seven (range: 1–28). Grade 3–4 treatment-emergent adverse events included asthenia (in 5 patients; 14%), neutropenia (in 5 patients; 14%) and diarrhea (in 3 patients; 8%). Nine patients (24%) required dose reductions of cabazitaxel. Of 26 evaluable patients, 12 achieved a PSA response [46%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 26.6–66.6%]. Median PSA-progression-free survival was 6.9 months (95% CI: 4.1–10.3 months). Of 14 patients with measurable disease at baseline, 3 (21%) achieved a partial response per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors.ConclusionsThe combination of cabazitaxel and abiraterone has a manageable safety profile and shows antitumor activity in patients previously treated with docetaxel and abiraterone.     

All-oral combination of lapatinib and capecitabine in patients with brain metastases from HER2-positive breast cancer – A phase II study

PurposeApproximately one-third of patients with advanced, HER2+ve breast cancer (BC) develop brain metastases (BMs). The aim of this study is to investigate efficacy and tolerability of the combination of lapatinib and capecitabine (LC) in HER2+ve BC patients with brain metastases (BCBM).Patients and methodsBetween January 2011 and January 2013, 21 patients with HER2+ve BCBM were included. Sixteen patients (76.19%) progressed after whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and 5 patients (23.81%) were treatment-naïve for BM. Patients received lapatinib (1250 mg/day continuously) and capecitabine (2000 mg/m² on days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle). All patients were treated with trastuzumab either in the adjuvant or metastatic setting. No patients had received prior lapatinib and/or capecitabine. End-points were response rate (RR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity.ResultsThe overall response rate (ORR) was 33.3% (7/21) and all were partial response. For patients receiving prior WBRT and patients receiving LC as first line treatment for BCBM the ORR was 31.2% (5/16) and 40.0% (2/5) respectively. Median PFS was 5.5 months. Median OS was 11 months. Treatment-related adverse events were manageable. Grade 3–4 toxicities were hand-foot syndrome (14.3%), diarrhea (14.3%), nausea/vomiting (9.5%), mucositis (4.8%), and skin rash (4.8%).ConclusionThe combination of LC is active and well-tolerated treatment in patients with HER2+ve BCBM.     

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.     

Randomized phase II non-inferiority study (NO16853) of two different doses of capecitabine in combination with docetaxel for locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer

BackgroundThis phase II study investigated whether a lower-than-approved dose of capecitabine, plus docetaxel (XT), would improve tolerability versus standard-dose XT without compromising efficacy.Patients and methodsWomen aged ≥18 years with locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer resistant to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the (neo)adjuvant, first- or second-line metastatic setting were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard-dose XT (capecitabine 1250 mg/m² twice daily, days 1–14; docetaxel 75 mg/m², day 1 every 3 weeks) or low-dose XT (capecitabine 825 mg/m² twice daily, days 1–14; docetaxel as above). The primary objective was to demonstrate non-inferiority of low-dose to standard-dose XT in terms of progression-free survival (PFS).Results470 patients were randomly allocated in a 1 : 1 ratio to standard-dose or low-dose XT. Median PFS was 7.9 versus 5.8 months [hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–1.43] in the standard-dose and low-dose arms, respectively. The upper limit of the 95% CI was above the predefined non-inferiority margin (1.35, P = 0.078). Secondary efficacy end points were consistent with PFS. The frequency and severity of adverse events was similar in both treatment arms.ConclusionsNon-inferiority of low-dose to standard-dose XT in terms of PFS was not demonstrated; this may be due to regional subgroup effects.     

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.     

Phase 1 dose-escalation study of S-222611, an oral reversible dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR and HER2, in patients with solid tumours

BackgroundS-222611 is a reversible inhibitor of EGFR, HER2 and HER4 with preclinical activity in models expressing these proteins. We have performed a Phase 1 study to determine safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetic profile (PK) and efficacy in patients with solid tumours expressing EGFR or HER2.Patients and methodsSubjects had advanced tumours not suitable for standard treatment, expressing EGFR or HER2, and/or with amplified HER2. Daily oral doses of S-222611 were escalated from 100 mg to 1600 mg. Full plasma concentration profiles for drug and metabolites were obtained.Results33 patients received S-222611. It was well tolerated, and the most common toxicities, almost all mild (grade 1 or 2), were diarrhoea, fatigue, rash and nausea. Only two dose-limiting toxicities occurred (diarrhoea and rash), which resolved on interruption. MTD was not reached. Plasma exposure increased with dose up to 800 mg, exceeding levels eliciting pre-clinical responses. The plasma terminal half-life was more than 24 h, supporting once daily dosing. Responses were seen over a wide range of doses in oesophageal, breast and renal tumours, including a complete clinical response in a patient with HER2-positive breast carcinoma previously treated with lapatinib and trastuzumab. Four patients have remained on treatment for more than 12 months. Downregulation of pHER3 was seen in paired tumour biopsies from a responding patient.ConclusionsContinuous daily oral S-222611 is well tolerated, modulates oncogenic signalling, and has significant antitumour activity. The recommended Phase 2 dose, based on PK and efficacy, is 800 mg/day.     

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel,cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy with cetuximab for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

PurposeTo determine the efficacy and feasibility of induction chemotherapy (ICT) with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy and cetuximab (C) in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.Patients and methodsForty-nine previously untreated patients with local advanced stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) received three courses of ICT consisting of docetaxel 75 mg/m² day 1, cisplatin 75 mg/m² day 1 and infusional 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m²/day on days 1–5 followed by radiotherapy plus C at 250 mg/m²/week (after an initial loading dose of 400 mg/m²).ResultsAfter completion of ICT 44 of 49 patients received radiotherapy plus C. Three months after therapy completion tumour response was observed in 33 patients and after two years, 25 patients were in complete remission (CR). The most common grade 4 toxicity during the whole treatment period was dermatitis (30%), followed by mucositis (27%) and neutropenia (17%) without fever. One toxic related death was observed during ICT. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 59% and two-year overall survival (OS) rate was 63%, respectively.ConclusionConcurrent radiotherapy plus C after three courses of ICT was feasible and was associated with promising CR, PFS and OS rates. Further optimisation of dose and sequence is warranted.