Recombinant polio-rhinovirus immunotherapy for recurrent paediatric high-grade glioma: a phase 1b trial.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of recurrent paediatric high-grade glioma are poor, with a median overall survival of less than 6 months. Viral immunotherapy, such as the polio-rhinovirus chimera lerapolturev, is a novel approach for treatment of recurrent paediatric high-grade glioma and has shown promise in adults with recurrent glioblastoma. The poliovirus receptor CD155 is ubiquitously expressed in malignant paediatric brain tumours and is a treatment target in paediatric high-grade glioma. We aimed to assess the safety of lerapolturev when administered as a single dose intracerebrally by convection enhanced delivery in children and young people with recurrent WHO grade 3 or grade 4 glioma, and to assess overall survival in these patients. METHODS: This phase 1b trial was done at the Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC, USA). Patients aged 4-21 years with recurrent high-grade malignant glioma (anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, or anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma) or anaplastic ependymoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour, or medulloblastoma with infusible disease were eligible for this study. A catheter was tunnelled beneath the scalp for a distance of at least 5 cm to aid in prevention of infection. The next day, lerapolturev at a dose of 5 × 107 median tissue culture infectious dose in 3 mL infusate loaded in a syringe was administered via a pump at a rate of 0·5 mL per h as a one-time dose. The infusion time was approximately 6·5 h to compensate for volume of the tubing. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with unacceptable toxic effects during the 14-day period after lerapolturev treatment. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03043391. FINDINGS: Between Dec 5, 2017, and May 12, 2021, 12 patients (11 unique patients) were enrolled in the trial. Eight patients were treated with lerapolturev. The median patient age was 16·5 years (IQR 11·0-18·0), five (63%) of eight patients were male and three (38%) were female, and six (75%) of eight patients were White and two (25%) were Black or African American. The median number of previous chemotherapeutic regimens was 3·50 (IQR 1·25-5·00). Six of eight patients had 26 treatment-related adverse events attributable to lerapolturev. There were no irreversible (ie, persisted longer than 2 weeks) treatment-related grade 4 adverse events or deaths. Treatment-related grade 3 adverse events included headaches in two patients and seizure in one patient. Four patients received low-dose bevacizumab on-study for treatment-related peritumoural inflammation or oedema, diagnosed by both clinical symptoms plus fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI. The median overall survival was 4·1 months (95% CI 1·2-10·1). One patient remains alive after 22 months. INTERPRETATION: Convection enhanced delivery of lerapolturev is safe enough in the treatment of recurrent paediatric high-grade glioma to proceed to the next phase of trial. FUNDING: Solving Kids Cancer, B+ Foundation, Musella Foundation, and National Institutes of Health.

Phase 1 trial of dasatinib plus erlotinib in adults with recurrent malignant glioma.

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of dasatinib, an inhibitor of the Src family kinase proteins, with erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, among recurrent malignant glioma patients. Once daily dasatinib was escalated in successive cohorts while erlotinib was administered daily at established doses based on concurrent CYP3A-inducing anticonvulsant (EIAEDS) use. Dasatinib pharmacokinetic analyzes were performed. Forty-seven patients enrolled including 37 (79 %) with grade IV and 10 (21 %) with grade III malignant glioma. Thirty patients (64 %) were at ≥second recurrence, while 27 (57 %) had received prior bevacizumab. The dasatinib MTD was 180 mg when combined with either 150 mg of erlotinib for patients not on EIAEDs, or 450 mg of erlotinib for patients on EIAEDs. The most common DLTs were diarrhea and fatigue, while most adverse events were grade 2. Pharmacokinetic data suggests that dasatinib exposure increased with increased dasatinib dose and concurrent erlotinib administration, while concurrent EIAED use diminished dasatinib exposure. No radiographic responses were observed, and only one patient (2 %) remained progression-free at 6 months. We demonstrate that dasatinib plus erlotinib can be safely co-administered on a continuous, daily dosing schedule with erlotinib, and established the recommended dose level of this combination.

Phase II study of carboplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab for bevacizumab naïve, recurrent glioblastoma.

We evaluated the efficacy of carboplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab among bevacizumab-naïve, recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients in a phase 2, open-label, single arm trial. Forty eligible patients received carboplatin (area under the plasma curve [AUC] 4 mg/ml-min) on day one, while bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) and irinotecan (340 mg/m(2) for patients on CYP3A-enzyme-inducing anti-epileptics [EIAEDs] and 125 mg/m(2) for patients not on EIAEDs) were administered on days 1 and 14 of every 28-day cycle. Patients were evaluated after each of the first two cycles and then after every other cycle. Treatment continued until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, non-compliance, or voluntary withdrawal. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS-6) and secondary endpoints included safety and median overall survival (OS). All patients had progression after standard therapy. The median age was 51 years. Sixteen patients (40%) had a KPS of 90-100, while 27 (68%) were at first progression. The median time from original diagnosis was 11.4 months. The PFS-6 rate was 46.5% (95% CI: 30.4, 61.0%) and the median OS was 8.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.9, and 10.7 months]. Grade 4 events were primarily hematologic and included neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 20 and 10%, respectively. The most common grade 3 events were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, and infection in 25, 20, 13, and 10%, respectively. Eleven patients (28%) discontinued study therapy due to toxicity and 17 patients (43%) required dose modification. One patient died due to treatment-related intestinal perforation. The addition of carboplatin and irinotecan to bevacizumab significantly increases toxicity but does not improve anti-tumor activity to that achieved historically with single-agent bevacizumab among bevacizumab-naïve, recurrent GBM patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00953121).

Phase 2 study of carboplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab for recurrent glioblastoma after progression on bevacizumab therapy.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of carboplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab among recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients after prior progression on bevacizumab therapy in a phase 2, open-label, single-arm trial was evaluated. METHODS: Eligible patients received carboplatin (area under the plasma curve [AUC] 4 mg/ml-min) on day 1, whereas bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) and irinotecan (340 mg/m(2) for patients on CYP3A enzyme-inducing anti-epileptics [EIAEDs] and 125 mg/m(2) for patients not on EIAEDs) were administered on days 1 and 14 of every 28-day cycle. Patients were evaluated after each of the first 2 cycles and then after every other cycle. Treatment continued until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, noncompliance, or voluntary withdrawal. The primary end point was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS-6), and secondary end points included safety and median overall survival (OS). RESULTS: All patients had progression on at least 1 prior bevacizumab regimen and 56% enrolled after either second or third overall progression. The median OS was 5.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0-7.0 months) and PFS-6 rate was 16% (95% CI, 5.0%-32.5%). The most common grade 3 or 4 events were hematologic and occurred in 29% of cycles. Nine patients (38%) required dose modification. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Carboplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab was associated with modest activity and adequate safety among recurrent GBM patients who progressed on bevacizumab previously.

Phase II study of metronomic chemotherapy with bevacizumab for recurrent glioblastoma after progression on bevacizumab therapy.

We evaluated the efficacy of metronomic etoposide or temozolomide administered with bevacizumab among recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients who progressed on prior bevacizumab therapy in a phase 2, open-label, two-arm trial. Twenty-three patients received bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) every 2 weeks with either oral etoposide (50 mg/m2) daily for 21 consecutive days each month or daily temozolomide (50 mg/m2). The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS-6) and secondary endpoints included safety and overall survival. Both the etoposide and temozolomide arms of the study closed at the interim analysis due to lack of adequate anti-tumor activity. No radiographic responses were observed. Although 12 patients (52%) achieved stable disease, PFS-6 was 4.4% and the median PFS was 7.3 weeks. The only grade 4 adverse event was reversible neutropenia. Grade 3 toxicities included fatigue (n = 2) and infection (n = 1). Metronomic etoposide or temozolomide is ineffective when administered with bevacizumab among recurrent GBM patients who have progressed on prior bevacizumab therapy. Alternative treatment strategies remain critically needed for this indication.

A phase I trial of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor, SCH 66336, with temozolomide for patients with malignant glioma.

We conducted a phase I clinical trial of the combination of SCH 66336 with temozolomide administered on the standard 5-day dosing schedule. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of twice daily SCH 66336 when administered with temozolomide to adults with malignant glioma previously treated with radiation therapy. Patients were enrolled to two strata: stratum A, patients not on enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs); stratum B, patients receiving EIAEDs. Temozolomide was administered at a dose of 150 mg/m(2) daily for five days for the first 28-day cycle and escalated to 200 mg/m(2), during subsequent cycles. SCH 66336 was administered twice daily on a continuous daily dosing schedule. The starting dose of SCH 66336 was 75 mg twice daily for stratum A and 125 mg twice daily for stratum B. Cohorts of 3-6 patients were treated per dose level until DLT was observed. Thirty six patients were enrolled on study, including 21 patients on stratum A and 15 on stratum B. All DLTs were grade 3 events and included hepatic, gastrointestinal, renal, thrombotic and constitutional events. No grade 4 or 5 toxicities were observed. The phase II dose of SCH 66336 when combined with temozolomide is 150 mg twice daily for patients not on EIAEDs and 175 mg twice daily for patients on EIAEDs.

Phase II trial of Gliadel plus O6-benzylguanine in adults with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

PURPOSE: This phase II trial was designed to define the efficacy of Gliadel wafers in combination with an infusion of O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) that suppresses tumor O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) levels in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme for 5 days and to evaluate the safety of this combination therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This was a phase II, open-label, single center trial. On gross total resection of the tumor, up to eight Gliadel wafers were implanted. Bolus infusion of O6-BG was administered at 120 mg/m2 over 1 hour on days 1, 3, and 5, along with a continuous infusion at 30 mg/m2/d. The primary end points were 6-month overall survival (OS) and safety, and the secondary end points were 1-year, 2-year, and median OS. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were accrued. The 6-month OS was 82% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 72-93%]. The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 47% (95% CI, 35-63%) and 10% (95% CI, 3-32%), respectively. The median OS was 50.3 weeks (95% CI, 36.1-69.4 weeks). Treatment-related toxicity with this drug combination included grade 3 hydrocephalus (9.6%), grade 3 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (19.2%), and grade 3 CSF/brain infection (13.4%). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of implanted Gliadel wafers may be improved with the addition of O6-BG. Although systemically administered O6-BG can be coadministered with Gliadel wafers safely, it may increase the risk of hydrocephalus, CSF leak, and CSF/brain infection. Future trials are required to verify that inhibition of tumor AGT levels by O6-BG results in increased efficacy of Gliadel wafers without added toxicity.

Convection-Enhanced Delivery in the Treatment of Glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the indications for convection-enhanced delivery in the treatment of glioblastoma, highlighting candidates for the delivery method, mechanics of drug delivery, and management of acute and long-term complications. DATA SOURCES: A conceptual framework drawn from published literature as well as author's expert experiences. CONCLUSION: Convection-enhanced delivery is an established method of delivering new therapies to patients with glioblastoma. Management of both acute and long-term complications is often drug dependent. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses should be able to recognize and manage potential complications during the infusion of agents delivered via convection-enhanced delivery. Post-infusion symptoms may worsen because of immunologic responses related to the drug and management should be directed toward symptom relief and support without interference on the immunologic response.

Addition of bevacizumab to standard radiation therapy and daily temozolomide is associated with minimal toxicity in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety of the addition of bevacizumab to standard radiation therapy and daily temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 125 patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled in the study, and received standard radiation therapy and daily temozolomide. All patients underwent a craniotomy and were at least 2 weeks postoperative. Radiation therapy was administered in 1.8-Gy fractions, with the clinical target volume for the primary course treated to a dose of 45 to 50.4 Gy, followed by a boost of 9 to 14.4 Gy, to a total dose of 59.4 Gy. Patients received temozolomide at 75 mg/m(2) daily throughout the course of radiation therapy. Bevacizumab was given at 10 mg/kg intravenously every 14 days, beginning a minimum of 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 125 patients, 120 (96%) completed the protocol-specified radiation therapy. Five patients had to stop the protocol therapy, 2 patients with pulmonary emboli, and 1 patient each with a Grade 2 central nervous system hemorrhage, Grade 4 pancytopenia, and wound dehiscence requiring surgical intervention. All 5 patients ultimately finished the radiation therapy. After radiation therapy, 3 patients had progressive disease, 2 had severe fatigue and decreased performance status, 1 patient had a colonic perforation, and 1 had a rectal fissure; these 7 patients therefore did not proceed with the protocol-specified adjuvant temozolomide, bevacizumab, and irinotecan. However, 113 patients (90%) were able to continue on study. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bevacizumab to standard radiation therapy and daily temozolomide was found to be associated with minimal toxicity in patients newly diagnosed with GBM.

The addition of bevacizumab to standard radiation therapy and temozolomide followed by bevacizumab, temozolomide, and irinotecan for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: To determine if the addition of bevacizumab to radiation therapy and temozolomide, followed by bevacizumab, temozolomide, and irinotecan, for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients is safe and effective. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A total of 75 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were enrolled in the phase II trial that investigated the addition of bevacizumab to standard radiation therapy and daily temozolomide followed by the addition of bevacizumab and irinotecan to adjuvant temozolomide. The bevacizumab was given at 10 mg/kg every 14 days beginning a minimum of 4 weeks postcraniotomy. Two weeks after radiation therapy, the patients began 6 to 12 cycles of 5-day temozolomide with bevacizumab and irinotecan every 14 days. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients alive 16 months after informed consent. RESULTS: The therapy had moderate toxicity. Three patients, one of whom had a grade 2 central nervous system hemorrhage, came off study during radiation therapy. Seventy patients started the postradiation therapy, and 16 (23%) terminated this adjuvant therapy early because of toxicity. The median overall survival was 21.2 months (95% CI: 17.2-25.4), and 65% of the patients were alive at 16 months (95% CI: 53.4-74.9). The median progression-free survival was 14.2 months (95% CI: 12-16). CONCLUSION: The addition of bevacizumab to standard radiation therapy and temozolomide, followed by bevacizumab, irinotecan, and temozolomide, for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma has moderate toxicity and may improve efficacy compared with historical controls. The results from phase III trials are required before the role of bevacizumab for newly diagnosed glioblastoma is established.