David Luo

Safety and Antitumor Activity of the Multitargeted Pan-TRK, ROS1, and ALK Inhibitor Entrectinib: Combined Results from Two Phase I Trials (ALKA-372-001 and STARTRK-1)

Entrectinib, a potent oral inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases TRKA/B/C, ROS1, and ALK, was evaluated in two phase I studies in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors, including patients with active central nervous system (CNS) disease. Here, we summarize the overall safety and report the antitumor activity of entrectinib in a cohort of patients with tumors harboring NTRK1/2/3, ROS1, or ALK gene fusions, naïve to prior TKI treatment targeting the specific gene, and who were treated at doses that achieved therapeutic exposures consistent with the recommended phase II dose. Entrectinib was well tolerated, with predominantly Grades 1/2 adverse events that were reversible with dose modification. Responses were observed in non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, mammary analogue secretory carcinoma, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma, as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment and lasting as long as >2 years. Notably, a complete CNS response was achieved in a patient with SQSTM1-NTRK1-rearranged lung cancer.Significance: Gene fusions of NTRK1/2/3, ROS1, and ALK (encoding TRKA/B/C, ROS1, and ALK, respectively) lead to constitutive activation of oncogenic pathways. Entrectinib was shown to be well tolerated and active against those gene fusions in solid tumors, including in patients with primary or secondary CNS disease. Cancer Discov; 7(4); 400-9. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 339.

What hides behind the MASC: clinical response and acquired resistance to entrectinib after ETV6-NTRK3 identification in a mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC)

Here, we describe the dramatic response of a patient with an ETV6-NTRK3-driven mammary analogue secretory carcinoma to treatment with a pan-Trk inhibitor, and the development of acquired resistance linked to a novel NTRK3 mutation that interferes with drug binding. This case emphasizes how molecular profiling can identify therapies for rare diseases and dissect mechanisms of drug resistance.

Durable Clinical Response to Entrectinib in NTRK1-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: Chromosomal rearrangements involving neurotrophic tyrosine kinase 1 (NTRK1) occur in a subset of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and other solid tumor malignancies, leading to expression of an oncogenic TrkA fusion protein. Entrectinib (RXDX-101) is an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor, including TrkA. We sought to determine the frequency of NTRK1 rearrangements in NSCLC and to assess the clinical activity of entrectinib. Methods: We screened 1378 cases of NSCLC using anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction (AMP). A patient with an NTRK1 gene rearrangement was enrolled onto a Phase 1 dose escalation study of entrectinib in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic tumors (NCT02097810). We assessed safety and response to treatment. Results: We identified NTRK1 gene rearrangements at a frequency of 0.1% in this cohort. A patient with stage IV lung adenocrcinoma with an SQSTM1-NTRK1 fusion transcript expression was treated with entrectinib. Entrectinib was well tolerated, with no grade 3–4 adverse events. Within three weeks of starting on treatment, the patient reported resolution of prior dyspnea and pain. Restaging CT scans demonstrated a RECIST partial response (PR) and complete resolution of all brain metastases. This patient has continued on treatment for over 6 months with an ongoing PR. Conclusions: Entrectinib demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in a patient with NSCLC harboring an SQSTM1-NTRK1 gene rearrangement, indicating that entrectinib may be an effective therapy for tumors with NTRK gene rearrangements, including those with central nervous system metastases.

Sensitivity to Entrectinib Associated With a Novel LMNA-NTRK1 Gene Fusion in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), actionable genetic lesions represent potential clinical opportunities. NTRK1, 2, and 3 gene rearrangements encode oncogenic fusions of the tropomyosin-receptor kinase (TRK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases in different tumor types. The TPM3-NTRK1 rearrangement is a recurring event in CRC that renders tumors sensitive to TRKA kinase inhibitors in preclinical models. We identified abnormal expression of the TRKA protein in tumor and liver metastases of a CRC patient refractory to standard therapy. Molecular characterization unveiled a novel LMNA-NTRK1 rearrangement within chromosome 1 with oncogenic potential, and the patient was treated with the pan-TRK inhibitor entrectinib, achieving partial response with decrease in hepatic target lesions from 6.8 and 8.2cm in longest diameter to 4.7 and 4.3cm, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical evidence of efficacy for therapeutic inhibition of TRKA in a solid tumor, illuminating a genomic-driven strategy to identify CRCs reliant on this oncogene to be clinically targeted with entrectinib.

Novel CAD-ALK gene rearrangement is drugable by entrectinib in colorectal cancer

Background:Activated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions are recurrent events in a small fraction of colorectal cancers (CRCs), although these events have not yet been exploited as in other malignancies.Methods:We detected ALK protein expression by immunohistochemistry and gene rearrangements by fluorescence in situ hybridisation in the ALKA-372-001 phase I study of the pan-Trk, ROS1, and ALK inhibitor entrectinib. One out of 487 CRCs showed ALK positivity with a peculiar pattern that prompted further characterisation by targeted sequencing using anchored multiplex PCR.Results:A novel ALK fusion with the carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase (CAD) gene (CAD-ALK fusion gene) was identified. It resulted from inversion within chromosome 2 and the fusion of exons 1–35 of CAD with exons 20–29 of ALK. After failure of previous standard therapies, treatment of this patient with the ALK inhibitor entrectinib resulted in a durable objective tumour response.Conclusions:We describe the novel CAD-ALK rearrangement as an oncogene and provide the first evidence of its drugability as a new molecular target in CRC.

Abstract CT007: Entrectinib, an oral pan-Trk, ROS1, and ALK inhibitor in TKI-naïve patients with advanced solid tumors harboring gene rearrangements: Updated phase I results

Background: Entrectinib is a potent oral inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases TrkA, TrkB, TrkC (encoded by the genes NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, respectively), ROS1, and ALK with IC50 Methods: A 3+3 dose escalation was used to assess safety, pharmacokinetics, and identify the RP2D of entrectinib. Here we provide an update on anti-tumor activity (RECIST v1.1) and safety with continued follow-up of the cohort of patients with gene rearrangements. Results: At a median follow-up of 11 months, 11 of the 18 patients remain on study. Objective responses were observed in 3 of 4 (75%) NTRK1/2/3, 6 of 8 (75%; 1 complete response) ROS1 and 4 of 6 (67%) ALK patients, respectively. Responses were observed in NSCLC, colorectal cancer, mammary analog secretory carcinoma, and other solid tumors, as early as cycle 1 and lasting as long as > 2 years. Notably, a 46-year old male patient with SQSTM1-NTRK1-rearranged NSCLC previously treated with 4 lines of chemotherapy and immunotherapy achieved an overall partial response with a complete response in the brain. He remains on study in response at 10 months. The most common (>10%) treatment-related adverse events (AEs) at the RP2D were fatigue/asthenia (47%), dysgeusia (32%), constipation (26%), dizziness (21%), paresthesia (21%), diarrhea (16%), myalgia (16%), and weight gain (16%). Three treatment-related serious AEs were reported (2 occurred above the RP2D); all resolved with dose modifications. Conclusions: Entrectinib continues to display promising anti-tumor activity in TKI-naive patients across different solid tumor types harboring an NTRK1/2/3, ROS1, or ALK gene rearrangement. Similar patients are now being enrolled in STARTRK-2, a global Phase 2 basket study of entrectinib. Citation Format: Alexander Drilon, Filippo G. De Braud, Salvatore Siena, Sai-Hong I. Ou, Manish Patel, Myung-Ju Ahn, Jeeyun Lee, Todd M. Bauer, Anna F. Farago, Stephen V. Liu, Natasha Reddinger, Rupal Patel, David Luo, Edna Chow Maneval, Pratik S. Multani, Robert C. Doebele, Alice T. Shaw. Entrectinib, an oral pan-Trk, ROS1, and ALK inhibitor in TKI-naive patients with advanced solid tumors harboring gene rearrangements: Updated phase I results. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT007.

448PDRXDX-101, AN ORAL PAN-TRK, ROS1, AND ALK INHIBITOR, IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED SOLID TUMORS WITH RELEVANT MOLECULAR ALTERATIONS

ABSTRACT Aim: RXDX-101 is a small molecule inhibitor of TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, ROS1 and ALK, with high potency and selectivity. RXDX-101 demonstrated potent pharmacological activity in preclinical studies and is potentially first-in-class against the Trk family of kinases. This study aims to determine MTD, PD, PK and anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced cancer and applicable molecular alterations. Methods: Phase 1 dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors. RXDX-101 was dosed orally once/day in a 4 day on, 3 day off schedule for 3 weeks, followed by a 7 day rest period, in continuous 28-day cycles. Minimum of 3 patients were enrolled at each dose level. Endpoints include safety, PK, and tumor response by RECIST. Results: 19 patients have been treated at 6 dose levels (100, 200, 400, 800,1200 and 1600 mg/m2). RXDX-101 has been well tolerated to date; the MTD has not been reached. No DLT has been seen at any dose level. The most common AEs (mainly grade 1-2) considered possibly treatment-related included asthenia, paresthesias, nausea and diarrhea. Possibly related grade 3/4 AEs include asthenia and increased lipase. No treatment-related SAEs were observed. A patient with colorectal carcinoma (TrkA+) has a PR and is in cycle 2. Two patients with NSCLC (1 ROS1 + ; 1 ALK+) have also achieved PRs. An additional patient with neuroblastoma (ALK+) has a PR and is currently in cycle 16. Two patients have had prolonged stabilization of their disease and remain on treatment: a patient with NSCLC (ALK+) in cycle 14 and a patient with pancreatic cancer (ROS1+) in cycle 11. PK analysis shows maximum concentrations of RXDX-101 were generally achieved within 2 to 4 hours following dosing and exposure increased in an approximate dose proportional manner up to doses of 800 mg/M2 with minimal accumulation following multiple doses. Mean terminal half-life was 21- 32 hours and steady state reached within 4 days. Conclusions: RXDX-101 has been well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumors. Early responses in patients with 3 different relevant molecular alterations are promising. PK profile seems suitable for once daily dosing, which is being evaluated. A global phase I/II trial was recently initiated. Disclosure: F.G.M. De Braud: Consultant or Advisory Roles Novartis Compensated Bristol-Myers Squibb; ompensated Roche Compensated Stock Ownership No Honoraria No Research Funding Yes; E. Ardini: Senior Scientist, Nerviano Medical Sciences Employee Compensated; M. Martignoni: CLIOSS Employee, Clinical Leader Compensated; A. Isacchi: Director, Nerviano Medical Sciences Compensated Employee; P. Pearson: Consultant Role Ignyta, Inc. Compensated Stock Ownership Ignyta, Inc.; D. Luo: Ignyta, Inc. Employee Sr. Director, Clinical Operations Compensated; J.L. Freddo: Consultant Role; Member Board of Directors Ignyta, Inc. Compensated Stock Ownership, Ignyta, Inc. Yes; S. Siena: Consultant or Advisory Role Amgen Compensated Bayer Compensated Celgene Compensated Sanofi Compensated Roche Compensated; tock Ownership No Research Funding Bayer. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Activity of Entrectinib in a Patient With the First Reported NTRK Fusion in Neuroendocrine Cancer

Despite advances in genomic analysis, the molecular origin of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is complex and poorly explained by described oncogenes. The neurotrophic TRK family, including NTRK1, 2, and 3, encode the proteins TRKA, TRKB, TRKC, respectively, involved in normal nerve development. Because NETs develop from the diffuse neuroendocrine system, we sought to determine whether NTRK alterations occur in NETs and whether TRK-targeted therapy would be effective. A patient with metastatic well-differentiated NET, likely of the small intestine, was enrolled on the STARTRK2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02568267) and tissue samples were analyzed using an RNA-Seq next-generation sequencing platform. An ETV6:NTRK3 fusion was identified and therapy was initiated with the investigational agent entrectinib, a potent oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC. Upon treatment with entrectinib, the patient experienced rapid clinical improvement; his tumor response was characterized by initial tumor growth and necrosis. This is the first report of an NTRK fusion in NETs. Our patients response to entrectinib suggests that NTRK fusions can be important in the pathogenesis of NETs. Recent DNA-based genomic analyses of NETs may have missed NTRK fusions due its large gene rearrangement size and multiple fusion partners. The tumors initial pseudoprogression may represent a unique response pattern for TRK-targeted therapies. An effort to characterize the prevalence of NTRK fusions in NETs using optimal sequencing technology is important.

Abstract CT060: STARTRK-2: A global phase 2, open-label, basket study of entrectinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring TRK, ROS1, or ALK gene fusions

Background: Entrectinib is a potent, CNS-penetrant, oral inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases TRKA/B/C (encoded by the genes NTRK1/2/3, respectively), ROS1, and ALK with IC50s 2 years. Notably, a complete CNS response was achieved in a patient with SQSTM1-NTRK1-rearranged lung cancer. Methods: STARTRK (Studies of Tumor Alterations Responsive to Targeting Receptor Kinases)-2 is a potentially registration-enabling Phase 2 basket study of entrectinib for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors that harbor a TRK, ROS1, or ALK gene fusion. In order to determine enrollment eligibility and assignment to a specific tumor type basket, patients are screened for gene fusions either locally, including by ctDNA, or centrally at Ignyta’s CLIA/CAP diagnostic laboratory using next generation sequencing. The study’s eligibility criteria were designed to maximize enrollment of these rare patients by allowing CNS disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 2, and any prior line of therapy, with the exception of TRK, ROS1, or ALK inhibitors. Patients with ALK- or ROS1-rearranged NSCLC who had previously been treated with crizotinib and experienced CNS-only progression are also eligible. In addition, a “non-evaluable” basket allows enrollment of patients confirmed to have gene fusions who do not meet all the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Entrectinib is administered orally on a continuous daily dosing regimen, at a dose of 600 mg once-daily in repeated 4-week cycles. Safety is assessed by monitoring of adverse events, laboratory tests, and clinic visits. Tumor assessments (computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) of the chest, abdomen, pelvis (depending on tumor type), plus bone and/or brain as applicable, are performed at the end of Cycle 1 and every 8 weeks thereafter. All CT and MRI scans are read by a central independent imaging laboratory using the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 and the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Criteria (RANO) or RANO - Brain Metastases (RANO-BM), as applicable, for patients with primary or secondary CNS disease, respectively. Blood and tissue are collected at the time of progression for biomarker analyses for potential mechanisms of resistance to entrectinib. Patients remain on study treatment until documented radiographic progression as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR), development of unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Citation Format: Alexander Drilon, Kamalesh Kumar Sankhala, Stephen V. Liu, Byoung Chul Cho, Collin Blakely, Cheng E. Chee, Marwan Fakih, Jonathan Polikoff, Zachary Hornby, Lisa Schechet, David Luo, Edna Chow Maneval, Pratik S. Multani, Robert C. Doebele. STARTRK-2: A global phase 2, open-label, basket study of entrectinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring TRK, ROS1, or ALK gene fusions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT060. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT060