J. Wanders

New Guidelines to Evaluate the Response to Treatment in Solid Tumors

Anticancer cytotoxic agents go through a process by which their antitumor activity-on the basis of the amount of tumor shrinkage they could generate-has been investigated. In the late 1970s, the International Union Against Cancer and the World Health Organization introduced specific criteria for the codification of tumor response evaluation. In 1994, several organizations involved in clinical research combined forces to tackle the review of these criteria on the basis of the experience and knowledge acquired since then. After several years of intensive discussions, a new set of guidelines is ready that will supersede the former criteria. In parallel to this initiative, one of the participating groups developed a model by which response rates could be derived from unidimensional measurement of tumor lesions instead of the usual bidimensional approach. This new concept has been largely validated by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Group and integrated into the present guidelines. This special article also provides some philosophic background to clarify the various purposes of response evaluation. It proposes a model by which a combined assessment of all existing lesions, characterized by target lesions (to be measured) and nontarget lesions, is used to extrapolate an overall response to treatment. Methods of assessing tumor lesions are better codified, briefly within the guidelines and in more detail in Appendix I. All other aspects of response evaluation have been discussed, reviewed, and amended whenever appropriate.

Docetaxel (Taxotere) in advanced gastric cancer: results of a phase II clinical trial. EORTC Early Clinical Trials Group.

Thirty-seven eligible patients, median age 59 years (range 37-72) and median performance status 1 (0-2), with advanced, untreated, measurable gastric carcinoma were given docetaxel, 100 mg m-2 i.v. over 60 min without premedication, once every 3 weeks. Metastatic sites included the liver in 12 patients and retroperitoneal lymph nodes in 16. Eight of the 33 evaluable patients (24%) achieved a partial remission for a median of 7.5 months (3-11+). An additional 11 patients had stabilisation of disease. The patients received a median of four cycles of docetaxel (range 1-8) for a total of 156 courses. Dose reduction was necessary in 30 cycles; 14 cycles were delayed a mean of 3 days. Haematological toxicity consisted mainly of non-cumulative neutropenia, with a median nadir count of 0.35 x 10(9) l-1 (0.04-1.64) and eight episodes (5%) of leucopenic fever; non-haematological toxicities included alopecia, mild nausea and vomiting and allergic manifestations such as skin rash and pruritus. There were no drug-related deaths. Our data indicate that docetaxel is an active agent in advanced gastric cancer; further clinical investigations seem warranted.

Phase II Study of the Halichondrin B Analog Eribulin Mesylate in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer Previously Treated With an Anthracycline, a Taxane, and Capecitabine

PURPOSE The activity and safety of eribulin mesylate (E7389), a nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor with a novel mechanism of action, were evaluated in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with an anthracycline, taxane, and capecitabine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eligible patients in this single-arm, open-label phase II study received eribulin mesylate (1.4 mg/m(2)) administered as a 2- to 5-minute intravenous infusion on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by independent review. RESULTS Of 299 enrolled patients who had received a median of four prior chemotherapy regimens, 291 received eribulin (for a median of four cycles). Of these, 269 patients met key inclusion criteria for the primary efficacy analysis. The primary end point of ORR by independent review was 9.3% (95% CI, 6.1% to 13.4%; all partial responses [PRs]), the stable disease (SD) rate was 46.5%, and clinical benefit rate (complete response + PR + SD > or = 6 months) was 17.1%. The investigator-reported ORR was 14.1% (95% CI, 10.2% to 18.9%). Median duration of response was 4.1 months, and progression-free survival was 2.6 months. Median overall survival was 10.4 months. The most common treatment-related grade 3 or 4 toxicities were neutropenia (54%; febrile neutropenia, 5.5%), leukopenia (14%), and asthenia/fatigue (10%; no grade 4); grade 3 neuropathy occurred in 6.9% of patients (no grade 4). CONCLUSION Eribulin demonstrated antitumor activity in extensively pretreated patients who had previously received an anthracycline, taxane, and capecitabine, with a manageable tolerability profile.

Activity of docetaxel (Taxotere) in small cell lung cancer

Docetaxel (Taxotere) is a new cytotoxic compound with a broad spectrum of activity in preclinical studies. This paper reports a phase II trial in patients with previously-treated small cell carcinoma of the lung. 34 patients received 100 mg/m2 of docetaxel in an intravenous infusion given over 1 h every 21 days. Seven partial responses were reported (25% of 28 evaluable patients). Duration of response was 3.5-12.6 months. Toxicities were predominantly neutropenia, alopecia and asthenia. Docetaxel is a new compound with activity in previously-treated patients with small cell lung cancer, and is suitable for evaluation in combination with other cytotoxic drugs active in this disease.

Docetaxel (Taxotere) in advanced malignant melanoma: a phase II study of the EORTC early clinical trials group

The antitumour activity of docetaxel was investigated in patients with advanced malignant melanoma. Docetaxel, 100 mg/m2, intravenous, over 60 min, was administered every 3 weeks. Response evaluation was performed after two cycles. No prophylactic treatment with steroids or antihistamines was given. 38 patients were included, 36 were eligible and evaluable for toxicity and 30 patients were evaluable for response. The main haematological toxicity was neutropenia [17 patients with common toxicity criteria (CTC) grade 4 and 11 CTC grade 3] with nadir after 5-8 days and rapid recovery. The most frequent non-haematological toxicity was generalised alopecia (83% of the patients). Asthenia, malaise and fatigue were also seen in 58%. Skin toxicity was also frequent. Hypersensitivity reactions (erythematous rash, urticaria, blood pressure changes and tachycardia), seen in 42% of the patients, were mild to moderate. Oedema was registered in one fifth of the patients and developed after four or more treatment cycles. The overall response rate in the evaluable patients was 17% (five partial responders). We conclude that docetaxel has activity in advanced malignant melanoma.

Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of the Dolastatin 10 Analogue TZT-1027, Given on Days 1 and 8 of a 3-Week Cycle in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Purpose: TZT-1027 {N2-(N,N-dimethyl-l-valyl)-N-[(1S,2R)-2-methoxy-4-[(2S)-2-[(1R,2R)-1-methoxy-2-methyl-3-oxo-3-[(2-phenylethyl)]amino]propyl]-1-pyrrolidinyl]-1-[(S)-1-methylpropyl]-4-oxobutyl]-N-methyl-l-valinamide} is a cytotoxic dolastatin 10 derivative inhibiting microtubule assembly through the binding to tubulins. The objectives of this phase I study was to assess the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), to determine the maximum tolerated dose, and to study the pharmacokinetics of TZT-1027 when given i.v. over 60 minutes on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks to patients with advanced solid tumors. Experimental Design: Patients were treated with escalating doses of TZT-1027 at doses ranging from 1.35 to 2.7 mg/m2. For pharmacokinetic analysis, plasma sampling was done during the first and second course and assayed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic assay with mass spectrometric detection. Results: Seventeen patients received a total of >70 courses. The stopping dose was reached at 2.7 mg/m2, with neutropenia and infusion arm pain as DLT. Neutropenia was not complicated by fever. Over all dose levels, eight patients experienced pain in the infusion arm 1 to 2 days after administration of the drug, which seemed ameliorated by adding additional flushing after drug administration. Other side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. One partial response lasting >54 weeks was observed in an extensively pretreated patient with metastatic liposarcoma. The pharmacokinetics of TZT-1027 suggested linearity over the dose ranges. No correlation between body surface area and absolute CL of TZT-1027 was established, vindicating that a flat dosing regimen might be used in the future. A correlation was observed between the percentage decrease in neutrophil count and the AUC of TZT-1027. Conclusions: In this study, the DLT of TZT-1027 was neutropenia and infusion arm pain. The recommended dose for phase II studies of TZT-1027 is 2.4 mg/m2 given i.v. over 60 minutes, on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. Phase II studies have recently started.Purpose: TZT-1027 { N 2 -( N,N -dimethyl-l-valyl)- N -[(1 S ,2 R )-2-methoxy-4-[(2 S )-2-[(1 R ,2 R )-1-methoxy-2-methyl-3-oxo-3-[(2-phenylethyl)]amino]propyl]-1-pyrrolidinyl]-1-[( S )-1-methylpropyl]-4-oxobutyl]- N -methyl-l-valinamide} is a cytotoxic dolastatin 10 derivative inhibiting microtubule assembly through the binding to tubulins. The objectives of this phase I study was to assess the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), to determine the maximum tolerated dose, and to study the pharmacokinetics of TZT-1027 when given i.v. over 60 minutes on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks to patients with advanced solid tumors. Experimental Design: Patients were treated with escalating doses of TZT-1027 at doses ranging from 1.35 to 2.7 mg/m 2 . For pharmacokinetic analysis, plasma sampling was done during the first and second course and assayed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic assay with mass spectrometric detection. Results: Seventeen patients received a total of >70 courses. The stopping dose was reached at 2.7 mg/m 2 , with neutropenia and infusion arm pain as DLT. Neutropenia was not complicated by fever. Over all dose levels, eight patients experienced pain in the infusion arm 1 to 2 days after administration of the drug, which seemed ameliorated by adding additional flushing after drug administration. Other side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. One partial response lasting >54 weeks was observed in an extensively pretreated patient with metastatic liposarcoma. The pharmacokinetics of TZT-1027 suggested linearity over the dose ranges. No correlation between body surface area and absolute CL of TZT-1027 was established, vindicating that a flat dosing regimen might be used in the future. A correlation was observed between the percentage decrease in neutrophil count and the AUC of TZT-1027. Conclusions: In this study, the DLT of TZT-1027 was neutropenia and infusion arm pain. The recommended dose for phase II studies of TZT-1027 is 2.4 mg/m 2 given i.v. over 60 minutes, on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. Phase II studies have recently started.

Phase I Trial of 6-Hour Infusion of Glufosfamide, a New Alkylating Agent With Potentially Enhanced Selectivity for Tumors That Overexpress Transmembrane Glucose Transporters: A Study of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Early Clinical Studies Group

PURPOSE To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), the principal toxicities, and the pharmacokinetics of 6-hour infusion of glufosfamide (beta-D-glucosylisophosphoramide mustard; D-19575), a novel alkylating agent with the potential to target the glucose transporter system. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-one patients (10 women and 11 men; median age, 56 years) with refractory solid tumors were treated with doses ranging from 800 to 6,000 mg/m(2). Glufosfamide was administered every 3 weeks as a two-step (fast/slow) intravenous infusion over a 6-hour period. All patients underwent pharmacokinetic sampling at the first course. RESULTS The MTD was 6,000 mg/m(2). At this dose, two of six patients developed a reversible, dose-limiting renal tubular acidosis and a slight increase in serum creatinine the week after the second and third courses of treatment, respectively, whereas three of six patients experienced short-lived grade 4 neutropenia/leukopenia. Other side effects were generally mild. Pharmacokinetics indicated linearity of area under the time-versus-concentration curve against dose over the dose range studied and a short elimination half-life. There was clear evidence of antitumor activity, with a long-lasting complete response of an advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and minor tumor shrinkage of two refractory colon carcinomas and one heavily pretreated breast cancer. CONCLUSION The principal toxicity of 6-hour infusion of glufosfamide is reversible renal tubular acidosis, the MTD is 6,000 mg/m(2), and the recommended phase II dose is 4, 500 mg/m(2). Close monitoring of serum potassium and creatinine levels is suggested for patients receiving glufosfamide for early detection of possible renal toxicity. Evidence of antitumor activity in resistant carcinomas warrants further clinical exploration of glufosfamide in phase II studies.

Phase I and pharmacological study of the oral farnesyltransferase inhibitor SCH 66336 given once daily to patients with advanced solid tumours

A single-agent dose-escalating phase I study on the farnesyl transferase inhibitor SCH 66336 was performed to determine the safety profile and recommended dose for phase II studies. Plasma pharmacokinetics were determined as well as the SCH 66336-induced inhibition of farnesyl protein transferase in vivo. SCH 66336 was given orally once daily (OD) without interruption to patients with histologically-confirmed solid tumours. Routine antiemetics were not prescribed. 12 patients were enrolled into the study. Dose levels studied were 300 mg (6 patients) and 400 mg (6 patients) OD. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed on days 1 and 15. Although at 400 mg OD only 1 patient had a grade 3 diarrhoea, 3 out of 6 patients interrupted treatment early due to a combination of various grade 1-3 toxicities (diarrhoea, uremiacreatinine, asthenia, vomiting, weight loss) indicating that this dose was not tolerable for a prolonged period of time. At 300 mg OD, the same pattern of toxicities was observed, but all were grade 1-2. Therefore, this dose can be recommended for phase II studies. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that peak plasma concentrations as well as the AUCs were dose-related, with increased parameters at day 15 compared with day 1, indicating some accumulation upon multiple dosing. Plasma half-life ranged from 5 to 9 h and appeared to increase with increasing dose. Steady state plasma concentrations were attained by day 14. A large volume of distribution at steady state suggested extensive distribution outside the plasma compartment. There is evidence of inhibition of protein prenylation in some patients after OD oral administration of SCH 66336. SCH 66336 can be safely administered using a continuous oral OD dosing regimen. The recommended dose for phase II studies using this regimen is 300 mg OD.

Abstract S6-6: A Phase III, open-label, randomized, multicenter study of eribulin mesylate versus capecitabine in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracyclines and taxanes

Background: Eribulin is a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor. In a previous Phase III trial, eribulin demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) versus current treatments and a manageable toxicity profile, in heavily pre-treated patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Here we report results from a Phase III trial of eribulin compared with capecitabine in earlier-line pts with MBC (NCT00337103). Patients and methods: Pts were randomized 1:1 to eribulin mesylate 1.4 mg/m 2 given on Days 1 and 8 of a 21 day cycle or capecitabine 2.5 g/m 2 /day administered orally BID on Days 1 to 14 of a 21 day cycle. Eligible pts had received prior therapy including an anthracycline and taxane, and were receiving study drug as 1 st , 2 nd , or 3 rd line therapy for advanced disease. The co-primary endpoints of this study were OS and progression free survival (PFS): pre-specified statistical significance at final analysis for eribulin versus capecitabine were p ≤ 0.0372 for OS and p Results: Of 1102 pts, 554 were randomized to eribulin and 548 capecitabine (375 and 380 pts were HER2[−], respectively). The median age was 54.0 years (range 24–80). Pts received study treatment as their 1 st (27.2%), 2 nd (57.4%) or 3 rd -line (14.7%) chemotherapeutic regimen in the setting of metastatic disease. The median number of treatment cycles was 6 for eribulin and 5 for capecitabine. Median OS was 15.9 and 14.5 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.879; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.770–1.003; p = 0.056), and PFS (independent review) was 4.1 and 4.2 months (HR 1.079; 95% CI 0.932–1.250; p = 0.305) for eribulin and capecitabine, respectively. ORR (independent review) were 11.0% (95% CI 8.5–13.9) and 11.5% (95% CI 8.9–14.5; p = 0.849), respectively. OS for HER2(−) pts was 15.9 months for eribulin and 13.5 months for capecitabine (HR 0.838; 95% CI 0.715–0.983; p = 0.030). AEs were consistent with the known side-effect profiles of both drugs. The most common AEs for eribulin and capecitabine (>20% all grades) were neutropenia (54.2% vs 15.9%), hand-foot syndrome (0.2% vs 45.1%) alopecia (34.6% vs 4.0%), leukopenia (31.4% vs 10.4%), diarrhea (14.3% vs 28.8%), and nausea (22.2% vs 24.4%), respectively. Conclusion: In this Phase III trial, eribulin demonstrated a trend favoring improved OS, compared with capecitabine, although this improvement does not meet the pre-defined criteria for statistical significance. This study confirms eribulin as an active drug in pts with MBC, and exploratory analyses suggest possible benefits of eribulin in specific subsets of pts, sufficient to warrant further study. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr S6-6.

Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of E7070, a Novel Chloroindolyl Sulfonamide Cell-Cycle Inhibitor, Administered as a One-Hour Infusion Every Three Weeks in Patients With Advanced Cancer

PURPOSE The objectives were to determine the maximum-tolerated dose, the recommended dose, the dose-limiting toxicity, the pharmacokinetics, and the activity of E7070, a novel cell-cycle inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS E7070 was given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in two groups of patients with advanced solid tumors who met prespecified eligibility criteria (group A) or who met the same eligibility criteria but in addition were less heavily pretreated and had more favorable liver functions (group B). RESULTS Forty patients (31 patients in group A and nine patients in group B) were entered. Dose escalation proceeded through eight levels (range, 50 to 1,000 mg/m(2)). In group A, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were dose-limiting toxicities occurring during the first cycle in two of seven patients treated at the doses of 700 mg/m(2) and two of four patients treated at 800 mg/m(2). Identical dose-limiting toxicities were observed in zero of six and two of three patients from group B at doses of 800 and 1,000 mg/m(2), respectively. Other toxicities included acne-like skin eruption, mucositis, conjunctivitis, nausea, fatigue, and alopecia. At doses greater than 400 mg/m(2), the area under the concentration-time curve increased disproportionately to the administered dose. Tumor stabilization lasting > or = 6 months was observed in six assessable patients. CONCLUSION The recommended doses of E7070 in this schedule were 700 mg/m(2) (group A) and 800 mg/m(2) in patients who were less heavily pretreated (group B) with a moderate tumor burden. Prolonged disease stabilization observed in this study might warrant further investigation of E7070 in selected tumor types.