Blockade of mutant RAS oncogenic signaling with a special emphasis on KRAS.

RAS proteins (HRAS, KRAS, NRAS) participate in many physiological signal transduction processes related to cell growth, division, and survival. The RAS proteins are small (188/189 amino acid residues) and they function as GTPases. These proteins toggle between inactive and functional forms; the conversion of inactive RAS-GDP to active RAS-GTP as mediated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) turns the switch on and the intrinsic RAS-GTPase activity stimulated by the GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) turns the switch off. RAS is upstream to the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK and the PI3-kinase-AKT signaling modules. Importantly, the overall incidence of RAS mutations in all cancers is about 19% and RAS mutants have been a pharmacological target for more than three decades. About 84% of all RAS mutations involve KRAS. Except for the GTP/GDP binding site, the RAS proteins lack other deep surface pockets thereby hindering efforts to identify high-affinity antagonists; thus, they have been considered to be undruggable. KRAS mutations frequently occur in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, the three most deadly cancers in the United States. Studies within the last decade demonstrated that the covalent modification of KRAS C12, which accounts for about 10% of all RAS mutations, led to the discovery of an adjacent pocket (called the switch II pocket) that accommodated a portion of the drug. This led to the development of sotorasib as a second-line treatment of KRASG12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Considerable effort also has been expended to develop MAP kinase and PI3-kinase pathway inhibitors as indirect RAS antagonists.

Buparlisib modulates PD-L1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

High expression of the immune checkpoint receptor PD-L1 is associated with worse patient outcome in a variety of human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Binding of PD-L1 with its partner PD-1 generates an inhibitory signal that dampens the immune system. Immunotherapy, that is blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint, has proven to be an effective tool in cancer therapy. However, not all patients are able to benefit from this immune checkpoint inhibition. Therefore, evidence is growing of intrinsic PD-L1 signaling in cancer cells. For example, intrinsic PD-L1 expression was associated with PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, which is part of diverse oncogenic processes including cell proliferation, growth and survival. In this study we demonstrate the effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition by buparlisib on PD-L1 expression in HNSCC cell lines. After buparlisib treatment for 72 h, PD-L1 was downregulated in total cell lysates of HNSCC cells. Moreover, flow cytometry revealed a downregulation of PD-L1 membrane expression. Interestingly, the buparlisib mediated effects on PD-L1 expression were reduced by additional irradiation. In PD-L1 overexpressing cells, the buparlisib induced inhibition of proliferation was neutralized. In summary, our findings imply that blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could be a good additional therapy for patients who show poor response to immune checkpoint therapy.

Phase 2 study of buparlisib (BKM120), a pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer remain limited. Activation of the PI3K pathway via loss of PTEN and/or INPP4B is common. Buparlisib is an orally bioavailable, pan-class I PI3K inhibitor. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of buparlisib in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. METHODS: This was a single-arm phase 2 study enrolling patients with triple-negative metastatic breast cancer. Patients were treated with buparlisib at a starting dose of 100 mg daily. The primary endpoint was clinical benefit, defined as confirmed complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD) for ≥ 4 months, per RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. A subset of patients underwent pre- and on-treatment tumor tissue biopsies for correlative studies. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled. Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1-10). The clinical benefit rate was 12% (6 patients, all SD ≥ 4 months). Median PFS was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.3). Median OS was 11.2 months (95% CI 6.2-25). The most frequent adverse events were fatigue (58% all grades, 8% grade 3), nausea (34% all grades, none grade 3), hyperglycemia (34% all grades, 4% grade 3), and anorexia (30% all grades, 2% grade 3). Eighteen percent of patients experienced depression (12% grade 1, 6% grade 2) and anxiety (10% grade 1, 8% grade 2). Alterations in PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN were present in 6/27 patients with available targeted DNA sequencing (MSK-IMPACT), 3 of whom achieved SD as best overall response though none with clinical benefit ≥ 4 months. Of five patients with paired baseline and on-treatment biopsies, reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) analysis demonstrated reduction of S6 phosphorylation in 2 of 3 patients who achieved SD, and in none of the patients with progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: Buparlisib was associated with prolonged SD in a very small subset of patients with triple-negative breast cancer; however, no confirmed objective responses were observed. Downmodulation of key nodes in the PI3K pathway was observed in patients who achieved SD. PI3K pathway inhibition alone may be insufficient as a therapeutic strategy for triple-negative breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01790932 . Registered on 13 February 2013; NCT01629615 . Registered on 27 June 2012.

A phase 2 trial of buparlisib in patients with platinum-resistant metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The phosphatidyl 3-inositol kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway frequently is activated in patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC). In the current study, the authors performed a phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy of the pan-isoform class I PI3K inhibitor buparlisib in patients with platinum-refractory metastatic UC. METHODS: Two cohorts were recruited: an initial genetically unselected cohort and a subsequent expansion cohort of patients with PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-altered tumors. The primary endpoint was the 2-month progression-free survival rate. A rate of ≥80% was considered promising using a Simon 2-stage minimax design. Secondary endpoints included safety and correlation of markers of PI3K pathway activation with outcome. RESULTS: Six of 13 evaluable patients within the initial cohort demonstrated stable disease and 1 demonstrated a partial response, which was below the cutoff of 9 patients required to proceed to stage 2. Three of the patients with stable disease and the patient with a partial response harbored somatic TSC1 alterations. Four patients subsequently were recruited onto an expansion cohort: 3 patients with TSC1 alterations and 1 patient with a PIK3CA-activating mutation. No patient achieved disease control at 8 weeks and accrual was halted. Of the 19 patients evaluable for toxicity, 17 demonstrated treatment-related toxicities, 2 of whom had to discontinue therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Buparlisib was found to demonstrate modest activity in patients with metastatic UC whose tumors harbored TSC1 loss of function alterations; however, this was not a robust predictor of response to buparlisib. The pattern of genetic coalterations likely influences drug sensitivity. Given the modest clinical activity and substantial toxicity of buparlisib, future trials of PI3K inhibitors in patients with UC should focus on isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors in genomically selected patients. LAY SUMMARY: The phosphatidyl 3-inositol kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway frequently is upregulated in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). This trial explored buparlisib, an inhibitor of the pathway, in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic UC. Although the drug was found to have modest efficacy, with 6 patients experiencing stable disease and 1 patient achieving a partial response at 8 weeks on therapy, significant side effects also were observed. Patients with specific genetic alterations responded to treatment. Further studies of PI3K pathway inhibition are warranted using newer agents that have superior toxicity profiles and are more selective inhibitors of the pathway.

Phase Ib Study of Combination Therapy with MEK Inhibitor Binimetinib and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitor Buparlisib in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors with RAS/RAF Alterations.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, open-label, phase Ib study investigated the safety and efficacy of binimetinib (MEK inhibitor) in combination with buparlisib (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor) in patients with advanced solid tumors with RAS/RAF alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Eligible patients had advanced solid tumors with disease progression after standard therapy and/or for which no standard therapy existed. Evaluable disease was mandatory, per RECIST version 1.1 and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2. Binimetinib and buparlisib combinations were explored in patients with KRAS-, NRAS-, or BRAF-mutant advanced solid tumors until the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) were defined. The expansion phase comprised patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant, advanced non-small cell lung cancer, after progression on an EGFR inhibitor; advanced RAS- or BRAF-mutant ovarian cancer; or advanced non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS mutation. RESULTS: At data cutoff, 32/89 patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events. RP2D for continuous dosing was buparlisib 80 mg once daily/binimetinib 45 mg twice daily. The toxicity profile of the combination resulted in a lower dose intensity than anticipated. Six (12.0%) patients with RAS/BRAF-mutant ovarian cancer achieved a partial response. Pharmacokinetics of binimetinib were not altered by buparlisib. Pharmacodynamic analyses revealed downregulation of pERK and pS6 in tumor biopsies. CONCLUSION: Although dual inhibition of MEK and the PI3K pathways showed promising activity in RAS/BRAF ovarian cancer, continuous dosing resulted in intolerable toxicities beyond the dose-limiting toxicity monitoring period. Alternative schedules such as pulsatile dosing may be advantageous when combining therapies. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Because dysregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways are both frequently involved in resistance to current targeted therapies, dual inhibition of both pathways may be required to overcome resistance mechanisms to single-agent tyrosine kinase inhibitors or to treat cancers with driver mutations that cannot be directly targeted. A study investigating the safety and efficacy of combination binimetinib (MEK inhibitor) and buparlisib (PI3K inhibitor) in patients harboring alterations in the RAS/RAF pathway was conducted. The results may inform the design of future combination therapy trials in patients with tumors harboring mutations in the PI3K and MAPK pathways.

A Phase Ib/II, open-label, multicenter study of INC280 (capmatinib) alone and in combination with buparlisib (BKM120) in adult patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: To estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or identify the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) for combined INC280 and buparlisib in patients with recurrent glioblastoma with homozygous phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deletion, mutation or protein loss. METHODS: This multicenter, open-label, Phase Ib/II study included adult patients with glioblastoma with mesenchymal-epithelial transcription factor (c-Met) amplification. In Phase Ib, patients received INC280 as capsules or tablets in combination with buparlisib. In Phase II, patients received INC280 only. Response was assessed centrally using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology response criteria for high-grade gliomas. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded and graded. RESULTS: 33 patients entered Phase Ib, 32 with altered PTEN. RP2D was not declared due to potential drug-drug interactions, which may have resulted in lack of efficacy; thus, Phase II, including 10 patients, was continued with INC280 monotherapy only. Best response was stable disease in 30% of patients. In the selected patient population, enrollment was halted due to limited activity with INC280 monotherapy. In Phase Ib, the most common treatment-related AEs were fatigue (36.4%), nausea (30.3%) and increased alanine aminotransferase (30.3%). MTD was identified at INC280 Tab 300 mg twice daily + buparlisib 80 mg once daily. In Phase II, the most common AEs were headache (40.0%), constipation (30.0%), fatigue (30.0%) and increased lipase (30.0%). CONCLUSION: The combination of INC280/buparlisib resulted in no clear activity in patients with recurrent PTEN-deficient glioblastoma. More stringent molecular selection strategies might produce better outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01870726.

LC-MS/MS determination of buparlisib, a phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study.

Buparlisib is a selective phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor currently evaluated in clinical trials. We developed and validated an LC-MS/MS coupled with a one-step protein precipitation extraction method for the quantitation of buparlisib in rat plasma. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, the plasma sample was analyzed using a Cortecs UPLC C18 column, with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase system. Mass spectrometric detection was conducted in positive ionization mode, with target quantitative ion pair of m/z 411.2 → 367.2 for buparlisib. The calibration curve showed good linearity (1.0-3000 ng/ml), with acceptable accuracy (RE ranging from -6.2 to 5.9%) and precision (RSD within 8.2%) values at quality control concentrations. Extraction recovery from plasma was 80.9-88.7% and the matrix effect was negligible (92.6-95.2%). The validated method presented a simple quantification method of buparlisib in detail and utilized it for a pharmacokinetic study at three dose concentrations after oral administration in Wistar rats.

Exploring Biomarkers of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway Activation in the Treatment of Hormone Receptor Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2 Negative Advanced Breast Cancer.

Resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) is common in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+) advanced breast cancer (ABC). Consequently, new targeted treatment options are needed in the post-ET setting, with validated biomarkers to inform treatment decisions. Hyperactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is common in ABC and is implicated in resistance to ET. The most frequent mechanism of PI3K pathway activation is activating mutations or amplification of PIK3CA, which encodes the α-isoform of the catalytic subunit of PI3K. Combining buparlisib, a pan-PI3K-targeted agent, with ET demonstrated modest clinical benefits in patients with aromatase inhibitor-resistant, HR+, human epidermal growth receptor 2 negative (HER2-) ABC in two phase III trials. Importantly, greater efficacy gains were observed in individuals with PIK3CA-mutated disease versus PIK3CA-wild-type tumors. Although the challenging safety profile did not support widespread use of this treatment combination, isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors may improve tolerability. In early clinical trials, promising disease control benefits were demonstrated with the PI3K isoform-selective inhibitors alpelisib and taselisib in patients with PIK3CA-mutated HR+, HER2- ABC. Ongoing biomarker-guided phase II/III studies may provide further opportunities to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment with PI3K inhibitors and provide insight into optimizing the therapeutic index of PI3K inhibitors. Challenges facing the implementation of routine PIK3CA mutation testing must be addressed promptly so robust and reproducible genotyping can be obtained with liquid and tumor biopsies in a timely and cost-effective manner. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The development of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, especially those that selectively target isoforms, may be an effective strategy for overcoming endocrine therapy resistance in hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth receptor 2 negative advanced breast cancer. Early-phase studies have confirmed that patients with PIK3CA mutations respond best to PI3Kα-isoform inhibition. Ongoing phase III trials will provide further data regarding the efficacy and safety of PI3K inhibitors in patients with different biomarker profiles.

PI3K inhibitor provides durable response in metastatic metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: A hidden gem in the BELLE-4 study.

PURPOSE: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare cancer characterized by the histologic presence of two or more histological cell types originating from epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. Patients with metastatic MCB have a low response rate to conventional chemotherapy and poor survival. Optimal treatment strategies for metastatic MCB are urgently needed. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a patient who had enrolled in the phase II/III seamless study, BELLE-4 (NCT01572727). The patient's response to the study drug assessed by an investigator per protocol and clinical course were examined and compared with those of the main cohorts in the BELLE-4 study. RESULTS: Our patient exhibited metastatic MCB and received systemic chemotherapy, paclitaxel (70 mg/m2/week) and buparlisib (80 mg/day), a pan-class I phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. The optimal response was a confirmed partial response for 17 months in total. During the compassionated use program period, the tumor regrew when buparlisib was stop because of toxicity, and responded to the treatment again after resumed the buparlisib treatment. The overall survival of the patient after the development of metastatic MCB was 42 months. She experienced grade 3 hyperglycemia similar to that observed in the main cohort. CONCLUSION: Buparlisib plus weekly paclitaxel might be a new treatment option for patients with metastatic MCB harboring a PIK3CA mutation. Additional prospective studies for investigating the efficacy of the proposed combination are warranted.

Phase II study of buparlisib (BKM120) and trastuzumab in patients with HER2+ locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer resistant to trastuzumab-based therapy.

PURPOSE: A Phase Ib study in patients with trastuzumab-resistant, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2- (HER2)-positive advanced breast cancer defined the recommended Phase II dose of buparlisib as 100 mg/day in combination with 2 mg/kg weekly trastuzumab, and reported preliminary signs of clinical activity. Here we present results from the Phase II portion. METHODS: Patients with trastuzumab-resistant, HER2-positive advanced breast cancer received buparlisib plus trastuzumab. Study endpoints included safety/tolerability and antitumour activity. The study was extended to include a Phase Ib dose-escalation phase, in which patients with progressive brain metastases also received capecitabine. RESULTS: In the Phase II portion, of 50 patients treated with buparlisib and trastuzumab, the most common (≥ 30%) all-grade adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea (54%), nausea (48%), decreased appetite, increased alanine aminotransferase (36% each), increased aspartate aminotransferase (34%), fatigue, rash (32% each), cough and hyperglycemia (30% each). One (2%) patient achieved complete response and four (8%) patients had confirmed partial responses [PR; including two patients with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 K) pathway-activated tumours]. Overall response rate (ORR) was 10%: the primary endpoint (ORR ≥ 25%) was therefore not met. In the Phase Ib portion, all patients with measurable brain lesions at baseline showed tumour shrinkage to some degree; due to low enrollment, maximum tolerated dose of buparlisib in combination with trastuzumab and capecitabine was not determined. CONCLUSION: Buparlisib plus trastuzumab, as a chemotherapy-free regimen, demonstrated an acceptable safety profile but limited efficacy in patients with heavily pretreated, trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer, and in patients with progressive brain metastases also receiving capecitabine.

Investigational chemotherapy and novel pharmacokinetic mechanisms for the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases.

In women, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and second most common cause of cancer death. More than half of breast cancer patients will develop metastases to the bone, liver, lung, or brain. Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) confers a poor prognosis, as current therapeutic options of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy rarely significantly extend life and are considered palliative. Within the realm of chemotherapy, the last decade has seen an explosion of novel chemotherapeutics involving targeting agents and unique dosage forms. We provide a historical overview of BCBM chemotherapy, review the mechanisms of new agents such as poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors, cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors, phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinaseinhibitors, estrogen pathway antagonists for hormone-receptor positive BCBM; tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibodies, and conjugates for HER2+ BCBM; repurposed cytotoxic chemotherapy for triple negative BCBM; and the utilization of these new agents and formulations in ongoing clinical trials. The mechanisms of novel dosage formulations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, pegylation, the concepts of enhanced permeation and retention, and drugs utilizing these concepts involved in clinical trials are also discussed. These new treatments provide a promising outlook in the treatment of BCBM.

A randomized adaptive phase II/III study of buparlisib, a pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, combined with paclitaxel for the treatment of HER2- advanced breast cancer (BELLE-4).

Background: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation in preclinical models of breast cancer is associated with tumor growth and resistance to anticancer therapies, including paclitaxel. Effects of the pan-Class I PI3K inhibitor buparlisib (BKM120) appear synergistic with paclitaxel in preclinical and clinical models. Patients and methods: BELLE-4 was a 1:1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive phase II/III study investigating the combination of buparlisib or placebo with paclitaxel in women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. Patients were stratified by PI3K pathway activation and hormone receptor status. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the full and PI3K pathway-activated populations. An adaptive interim analysis was planned following the phase II part of the study, after ≥125 PFS events had occurred in the full population, to decide whether the study would enter phase III (in the full or PI3K pathway-activated population) or be stopped for futility. Results: As of August 2014, 416 patients were randomized to receive buparlisib (207) or placebo (209) with paclitaxel. At adaptive interim analysis, there was no improvement in PFS with buparlisib versus placebo in the full (median PFS 8.0 versus 9.2 months, hazard ratio [HR] 1.18), or PI3K pathway-activated population (median PFS 9.1 versus 9.2 months, HR 1.17). The study met protocol-specified criteria for futility in both populations, and phase III was not initiated. Median duration of study treatment exposure was 3.5 months in the buparlisib arm versus 4.6 months in the placebo arm. The most frequent adverse events with buparlisib plus paclitaxel (≥40% of patients) were diarrhea, alopecia, rash, nausea, and hyperglycemia. Conclusions: Addition of buparlisib to paclitaxel did not improve PFS in the full or PI3K pathway-activated study population. Consequently, the trial was stopped for futility at the end of phase II.

A phase 1b dose expansion study of the pan-class I PI3K inhibitor buparlisib (BKM120) plus carboplatin and paclitaxel in PTEN deficient tumors and with dose intensified carboplatin and paclitaxel.

Purpose We previously reported the phase I dose escalation study of buparlisib, a pan-class 1A PI3K inhibitor, combined with platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. The combination was well tolerated and promising preliminary efficacy was observed in PTEN deficient tumors. This phase I dose expansion study now evaluates buparlisib plus high dose carboplatin and paclitaxel in unselected patients with advanced solid tumors and buparlisib plus standard dose carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with PTEN deficient tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01297452). Methods There were two expansion cohorts: Cohort A received continuous buparlisib (100 mg/daily) orally plus high dose carboplatin AUC 6 and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2; Cohort B treated patients with PTEN deficient tumors only and they received the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of continuous buparlisib (100 mg/daily) orally plus standard dose carboplatin AUC 5 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2. Both cohorts received chemotherapy intravenously on day 1 of the 21-day cycle with pegfilgrastim support. Primary endpoint in Cohort A was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of chemotherapy dose intensification with buparlisib and in Cohort B was to describe preliminary efficacy of the combination among patients with tumors harboring a PTEN mutation or homozygous deletion. Results 14 subjects were enrolled, 7 in Cohort A and 7 in Cohort B. Dose reductions were required in 5 (71%) and 3 (43%) patients, in cohort A and B respectively. Grade 3 adverse events in Cohort A included lymphopenia (n = 5 [71%]), hyperglycemia (n = 2, [29%]), diarrhea (n = 2, [29%]) and rash (n = 2, [29%]) and in cohort B included lymphopenia (n = 5 [71%]), hyperglycemia (n = 4 [57%]) and neutropenia (n = 2 [29%]. The mean number of cycles on protocol was 6. The overall objective response rate was 14% (2 /14). No objective responses were observed in the PTEN deficient cohort. Four out of 6 patients with stable disease (SD) had SD or better for ≥6 cycles, 2 of which had PTEN deficient tumors. Conclusion The addition of buparlisib to high dose carboplatin and paclitaxel was not tolerable. The combination did not reveal significant clinical activity amongst a small and heterogenous group of PTEN deficient tumors.

A phase 1 study of buparlisib and bevacizumab in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma progressing on vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapies.

BACKGROUND: The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is dysregulated in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Buparlisib is a pan-PI3K inhibitor with activity in advanced solid tumors. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities of buparlisib and bevacizumab in patients with mRCC. Secondary objectives included efficacy, biomarker discovery, and additional toxicity. METHODS: This was a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation study of buparlisib (at a dose of 60-100 mg/day) and bevacizumab (at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks). After the MTD was defined, 15 patients were accrued to the expansion cohort. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were accrued (3 were treated at 60 mg/day, 21 were treated at 80 mg/day, 6 were treated at 100 mg/day, and 2 patients never received therapy). The majority of patients had clear cell histology (87%) and 50% had received ≥2 prior lines of therapy. The MTD of buparlisib was 80 mg/day and that of bevacizumab was 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. A total of 28 patients discontinued therapy: 17 because of disease progression, 7 because of toxicity, and 4 for other reasons. Dose-limiting toxicities included rash/pruritis, elevated lipase/amylase, anorexia, and psychiatric disorders (suicidal ideation, depression, and cognitive disturbances). Of the 30 patients who received at least 1 dose, 13% achieved a partial response (95% confidence interval, 4%-31%). Two patients harboring activating PI3KA mutations achieved 42% and 16% maximal tumor shrinkage, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Buparlisib at a dose of 80 mg/day with bevacizumab was found to be a tolerable regimen with preliminary activity in vascular endothelial growth factor-refractory mRCC. The benefit of this combination may be of interest for future mRCC trials, possibly in a selected patient population. Cancer 2016;122:2389-2398. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Buparlisib in breast cancer.

Buparlisib (formerly BKM 120), an oral 2,6-dimorpholino pyrimidine derivative is a potent pan-PI3K inhibitor causing inhibition of PI3K downstream signaling including downregulation of p-Akt and p-S6R and apoptosis of cancer cells. Buparlisib is rapidly absorbed, has more than 90% bioavailability, good blood-brain barrier penetration and half-life of 40 h. Phase I trials have shown good disease control rate with tolerable toxicity profile at the recommended doses of 100 mg. The most common adverse events noted with buparlisib are rash, hyperglycemia, derangement of liver functions and psychiatric events. Several clinical trials with buparlisib alone or in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapies are underway. Buparlisib has not yet been approved for regular use. Further randomized trials are required before buparlisib is approved for treatment of breast cancer.

Phase I dose-escalation study of buparlisib (BKM120), an oral pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors.

Buparlisib (BKM120) is an oral pan-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, targeting all four isoforms of class I PI3K (α, ß, γ and δ). This open-label Phase I dose-escalation study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose of continuous daily buparlisib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Secondary objectives included safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, antitumor activity and pharmacodynamic marker changes. Fifteen patients were treated at 25 mg/day (n = 3), 50 mg/day (n = 3) and 100 mg/day (n = 9) dose levels. One dose-limiting toxicity of Grade 4 abnormal liver function occurred at 100 mg/day. Considering the safety profile and the maximum tolerated dose in the first-in-man study of buparlisib in non-Japanese patients, further dose escalation was stopped and 100 mg/day was declared the recommended dose. The most common treatment-related adverse events were rash, abnormal hepatic function (including increased transaminase levels), increased blood insulin levels and increased eosinophil count. Hyperglycemia was experienced by two patients, one Grade 1 and one Grade 4, and mood alterations were experienced by three patients, two Grade 1 and one Grade 2. Pharmacokinetic results showed that buparlisib was rapidly absorbed in a dose-proportional manner. Best overall response was stable disease for six patients, including one unconfirmed partial response. In these Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors, buparlisib had a manageable safety profile, with similar pharmacokinetics to non-Japanese patients. The recommended dose of 100 mg/day will be used in future studies of buparlisib in Japanese patients.

Metformin and buparlisib synergistically induce apoptosis of non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cells via Akt/FoxO3a/Puma axis.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a global health issue lacking effective treatments. Buparlisib is a pan-PI3K inhibitor that shows promising clinical results in treating NSCLC. However, chemoresistance is inevitable and hampers the application of buparlisib. Studies show that a combination of phytochemicals and chemotherapeutics enhances its effectiveness. Here, we evaluated the role of metformin, an agent with multiple pharmacological properties, in enhancing the anti-tumour activities of buparlisib against NSCLC cells. Our results showed that metformin and buparlisib synergistically inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. In addition, co-treatment of metformin and buparlisib also induced cell cycle arrest and cell death in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, metformin and buparlisib repressed Mcl-1 and upregulated Puma in NSCLC cells in a p53-independent manner. Moreover, they inhibited the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, leading to activation of the FoxO3a/Puma signalling in NSCLC cells. Our findings suggest that combined treatment of metformin and buparlisib might provide a promising strategy for treating NSCLC.

Preclinical and clinical evaluation of Buparlisib (BKM120) in recurrent/refractory Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphomas are aggressive brain tumors with limited treatment options. Targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway yields promising responses across B-cell malignancies, but its therapeutic potential in CNS lymphomas remains unexplored. We present pre-clinical and clinical data on the pan-PI3K inhibitor Buparlisib in CNS lymphomas. In a primary CNS lymphoma-patient-derived cell line, we define the EC50. Four patients with recurrent CNS lymphoma were enrolled in a prospective trial. We evaluated Buparlisib plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics, clinical outcomes, and adverse events. Treatment was well tolerated. Common toxicities include hyperglycemia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphopenia. The presence of Buparlisib in plasma and CSF was confirmed 2h post-treatment with a median CSF concentration below the EC50 defined in the cell line All four patients were evaluated for response and the median time to progression was 39 days. Buparlisib monotherapy did not lead to meaningful responses and the trial was prematurely stopped.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02301364.

Glioblastoma treatment slowly moves toward change: novel druggable targets and translational horizons in 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. GBM treatment options have been the same for the past 30 years and have only modestly extended survival, despite aggressive multimodal treatments. The progressively better knowledge of GBM biology and a comprehensive analysis of its genomic profile have elucidated GBM heterogeneity, contributing to a more effective molecular classification and to the development of innovative targeted therapeutic approaches. AREAS COVERED: This article reports all the noteworthy innovations for immunotherapy and targeted therapy, providing insights into the current advances in trial designs, including combination therapies with immuno-oncology agents and target combinations. EXPERT OPINION: GBM molecular heterogeneity and brain anatomical characteristics critically restrain drug effectiveness. Nevertheless, stimulating insights for future research and drug development come from innovative treatment strategies for GBM, such as multi-specific 'off-the-shelf' CAR-T therapy, oncolytic viral therapy and autologous dendritic cell vaccination. Disappointing results from targeted therapies-clinical trials are mainly due to complex interferences between signaling pathways and biological processes leading to drug resistance: hence, it is imperative in the future to develop combinatorial approaches and multimodal therapies.

USP28 enables oncogenic transformation of respiratory cells, and its inhibition potentiates molecular therapy targeting mutant EGFR, BRAF and PI3K.

Oncogenic transformation of lung epithelial cells is a multistep process, frequently starting with the inactivation of tumour suppressors and subsequent development of activating mutations in proto-oncogenes, such as members of the PI3K or MAPK families. Cells undergoing transformation have to adjust to changes, including altered metabolic requirements. This is achieved, in part, by modulating the protein abundance of transcription factors. Here, we report that the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 28 (USP28) enables oncogenic reprogramming by regulating the protein abundance of proto-oncogenes such as c-JUN, c-MYC, NOTCH and ∆NP63 at early stages of malignant transformation. USP28 levels are increased in cancer compared with in normal cells due to a feed-forward loop, driven by increased amounts of oncogenic transcription factors such as c-MYC and c-JUN. Irrespective of oncogenic driver, interference with USP28 abundance or activity suppresses growth and survival of transformed lung cells. Furthermore, inhibition of USP28 via a small-molecule inhibitor resets the proteome of transformed cells towards a 'premalignant' state, and its inhibition synergizes with clinically established compounds used to target EGFRL858R -, BRAFV600E - or PI3KH1047R -driven tumour cells. Targeting USP28 protein abundance at an early stage via inhibition of its activity is therefore a feasible strategy for the treatment of early-stage lung tumours, and the observed synergism with current standard-of-care inhibitors holds the potential for improved targeting of established tumours.