Phase 1 Trial of Bi-shRNA STMN1 BIV in Refractory Cancer.

Stathmin1 (STMN1) is a microtubule modulator that is expressed in multiple cancers and correlates with poor survival. We previously demonstrated in vivo safety of bifunctional (bi) shRNA STMN1 bilamellar invaginated vesicle (BIV) and that systemic delivery correlated with antitumor activity. Patients with superficial advanced refractory cancer with no other standard options were entered into trial. Study design involved dose escalation (four patients/cohort) using a modified Fibonacci schema starting at 0.7 mg DNA administered via single intratumoral injection. Biopsy at baseline, 24/48 hours and resection 8 days after injection provided tissue for determination of cleavage product using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), 5' RLM rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) assay. Serum pharmacokinetics of circulating plasmid was done. Twelve patients were entered into three dose levels (0.7, 1.4, 7.0 mg DNA). No ≥ grade 3 toxic effects to drug were observed. Maximum circulating plasmid was detected at 30 seconds with less than 10% detectable in all subjects at 24 hours. No toxic effects were observed. Predicted cleavage product was detected by both NGS (n = 7/7 patients analyzed, cohorts 1, 2) and RLM RACE (n = 1/1 patients analyzed cohort 3). In conclusion, bi-shRNA STMN1 BIV is well tolerated and detection of mRNA target sequence-specific cleavage product confirmed bi-shRNA BIV mechanism of action.

Summary of bi-shRNA/GM-CSF augmented autologous tumor cell immunotherapy (FANG™) in advanced cancer of the liver.

Therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. We carried out a phase I trial of a novel autologous whole-cell tumor cell immunotherapy (FANG™), which incorporates a dual granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expressive/bifunctional small hairpin RNA interference (bi-shRNAi) vector. The bi-shRNAi DNA targets furin, which is a proconvertase of transforming growth factors beta (TGFß) 1 and 2. Safety, mechanism, immunoeffectiveness, and suggested benefit were previously shown [Senzer et al.: Mol Ther 2012;20:679-689; Senzer et al.: J Vaccines Vaccin 2013;4:209]. We now provide further follow-up of a subset of 8 HCC patients. FANG manufacturing was successful in 7 of 8 attempts (one failure due to insufficient cell yield). Median GM-CSF expression was 144 pg/10(6) cells, TGFß1 knockdown was 100%, and TGFß2 knockdown was 93% of the vector-transported cells. Five patients were vaccinated (1 or 2.5×10(7) cells/intradermal injection, 6-11 vaccinations). No FANG toxicity was observed. Three of these patients demonstrated evidence of an immune response to the autologous tumor cell sample. Long-term follow-up demonstrated survival of 319, 729, 784, 931+, and 1,043+ days of the FANG-treated patients. In conclusion, evidence supports further assessment of the FANG immunotherapy in HCC.

Phase I study of a systemically delivered p53 nanoparticle in advanced solid tumors.

Selective delivery of therapeutic molecules to primary and metastatic tumors is optimal for effective cancer therapy. A liposomal nanodelivery complex (scL) for systemic, tumor-targeting delivery of anticancer therapeutics has been developed. scL employs an anti-transferrin receptor (TfR), scFv as the targeting molecule. Loss of p53 suppressor function, through mutations or inactivation of the p53 pathway, is present in most human cancers. Rather than being transiently permissive for tumor initiation, persistence of p53 dysfunction is a continuing requirement for maintaining tumor growth. Herein, we report results of a first-in-man Phase I clinical trial of restoration of the normal human tumor suppressor gene p53 using the scL nanocomplex (SGT-53). Minimal side effects were observed in this trial in patients with advanced solid tumors. Furthermore, the majority of patients demonstrated stable disease. One patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma had his status changed from unresectable to resectable after one treatment cycle. More significantly, we observed an accumulation of the transgene in metastatic tumors, but not in normal skin tissue, in a dose-related manner. These results show not only that systemically delivered SGT-53 is well tolerated and exhibits anticancer activity, but also supply evidence of targeted tumor delivery of SGT-53 to metastatic lesions.

Phase I trial of "bi-shRNAi(furin)/GMCSF DNA/autologous tumor cell" vaccine (FANG) in advanced cancer.

We performed a phase I trial of FANG vaccine, an autologous tumor-based product incorporating a plasmid encoding granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) and a novel bifunctional short hairpin RNAi (bi-shRNAi) targeting furin convertase, thereby downregulating endogenous immunosuppressive transforming growth factors (TGF) ß1 and ß2. Patients with advanced cancer received up to 12 monthly intradermal injections of FANG vaccine (1 × 10(7) or 2.5 × 10(7) cells/ml injection). GMCSF, TGFß1, TGFß2, and furin proteins were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Safety and response were monitored. Vaccine manufacturing was successful in 42 of 46 patients of whom 27 received ≥1 vaccine. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events. Most common grade 1, 2 adverse events included local induration (n = 14) and local erythema (n = 11) at injection site. Post-transfection mean product expression GMCSF increased from 7.3 to 1,108 pg/10(6) cells/ml. Mean TGFß1 and ß2 effective target knockdown was 93.5 and 92.5% from baseline, respectively. Positive enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) response at month 4 was demonstrated in 9 of 18 patients serially assessed and correlated with survival duration from time of treatment (P = 0.025). Neither dose-adverse event nor dose-response relationship was noted. In conclusion, FANG vaccine was safe and elicited an immune response correlating with prolonged survival. Phase II assessment is justified.

Management of Diarrhea in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treated with Neratinib: A Case Series and Summary of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Neratinib and neratinib-based combinations have demonstrated efficacy for treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) early-stage and metastatic breast cancers. However, diarrhea has been reported as a common adverse event leading to neratinib discontinuation. Results from the CONTROL trial suggest that proactive diarrhea management with antidiarrheal prophylaxis or dose escalation of neratinib from a lower starting dose to the full FDA-approved dose of 240 mg/day can reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of neratinib-associated diarrhea in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Dose escalation has been included in the FDA-approved label for both early-stage and metastatic HER2+ breast cancer since June 2021. CASE SERIES: This series of five cases details real-world clinical implementation of strategies for management of neratinib-induced diarrhea in patients with early-stage and metastatic HER2+ breast cancer, including a patient with a pre-existing gastrointestinal disorder. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: In four of five cases, diarrhea was managed with neratinib dose escalation, and antidiarrheal prophylaxis with loperamide plus colestipol was used in the remaining case. Management of diarrhea allowed all patients to remain on therapy. DISCUSSION: This case series shows that neratinib-associated diarrhea can be managed effectively with neratinib dose escalation from a lower initial starting dose and/or prophylactic antidiarrheal medications in a real-world clinical setting. The findings highlight the importance of patient-provider communication in proactive management of adverse events. Widespread implementation of the strategies described here may improve adherence and thereby clinical outcomes for patients with HER2+ breast cancer treated with neratinib.

A phase I study of telomerase-specific replication competent oncolytic adenovirus (telomelysin) for various solid tumors.

A phase I clinical trial was conducted to determine the clinical safety of Telomelysin, a human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter driven modified oncolytic adenovirus, in patients with advanced solid tumors. A single intratumoral injection (IT) of Telomelysin was administered to three cohorts of patients (1 x 10(10), 1 x 10(11), 1 x 10(12) viral particles). Safety, response and pharmacodynamics were evaluated. Sixteen patients with a variety of solid tumors were enrolled. IT of Telomelysin was well tolerated at all dose levels. Common grade 1 and 2 toxicities included injection site reactions (pain, induration) and systemic reactions (fever, chills). hTERT expression was demonstrated at biopsy in 9 of 12 patients. Viral DNA was transiently detected in plasma in 13 of 16 patients. Viral DNA was detectable in four patients in plasma or sputum at day 7 and 14 post-treatment despite below detectable levels at 24 h, suggesting viral replication. One patient had a partial response of the injected malignant lesion. Seven patients fulfilled Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) definition for stable disease at day 56 after treatment. Telomelysin was well tolerated. Evidence of antitumor activity was suggested.

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy: single patient response to GNE gene Lipoplex therapy.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM) is an autosomal recessive adult onset myopathy. It is characterized by mutations of the GNE (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase) gene. Afflicted patients have no therapeutic options. In preclinical testing, we have previously demonstrated the ability to correct GNE gene function and the safety of delivery of wild type GNE gene using a liposomal delivery vehicle. METHODS: A single patient (subject #001) with severe HIBM treated by compassionate investigational new drug received four doses of GNE gene Lipoplex via intramuscular injection. GNE transgene expression, downstream induction of sialic acid, safety and muscle function were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant durable improvement in locoregional skeletal muscle function was observed in the injected left extensor carpi radialis longus of #001 in correlation with GNE transgene upregulation and local induction of sialic acid. Other than transient low grade fever and pain at the injection site, no significant toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Proof of principle for manufacturing of 'clinical grade' GNE gene Lipoplex, clinical safety and activity are demonstrated with GNE gene Lipoplex. Further assessment will involve intravenous administration and subsequent phase I trial involving additional but less severely afflicted HIBM patients.

Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of the Multikinase Inhibitor Lenvatinib in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors and in an Expanded Cohort of Patients with Melanoma.

PURPOSE: This "3+3" phase I study evaluated the safety, biologic, and clinical activity of lenvatinib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, in patients with solid tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Ascending doses of lenvatinib were administered per os twice daily in 28-day cycles. Safety and response were assessed for all patients. Angiogenic and apoptotic factors were tested as possible biomarkers in an expanded melanoma cohort. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were treated in 3 cohorts: 18 with intermittent twice-daily dosing (7 days on, 7 days off) of 0.1-3.2 mg; 33 with twice-daily dosing of 3.2-12 mg; and 26 with twice-daily dosing of 10 mg (expanded melanoma cohort). Maximum tolerated dose was established at 10 mg per os twice daily. Prominent drug-related toxicities included hypertension (43%), fatigue (42%), proteinuria (39%), and nausea (25%); dose-limiting toxicities included hypertension, fatigue, and proteinuria. Twelve patients (15.6%) achieved partial response (PR, n = 9) or unconfirmed PR (uPR, n = 3), and 19 (24.7%) achieved stable disease (SD) ≥23 weeks. Total PR/uPR/SD ≥23 weeks was 40.3% (n = 31). Responses (PR/uPR) by disease were as follows: melanoma, 5 of 29 patients (includes 1 patient with NRAS mutation); thyroid, 3 of 6 patients; pancreatic, 1 of 2 patients; lung, 1 of 1 patients; renal, 1 of 1 patients; endometrial, 1 of 4 patients; and ovarian, 1 of 5 patients. AUC(0-24) and C(max) increased dose proportionally. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analyses, increased baseline systolic blood pressure and decreased angiopoietin-1 ratio (2 hours:baseline) were associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) in the expanded melanoma cohort (P = 0.041 and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of lenvatinib are encouraging. Decreases in the angiopoietin-1 ratio correlated with longer PFS in melanoma patients.

Phase I safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic study of SAR245408 (XL147), an oral pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

PURPOSE: SAR245408 is a pan-class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. This phase I study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of two dosing schedules [first 21 days of a 28-day period (21/7) and continuous once-daily dosing (CDD)], pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, and preliminary efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients with refractory advanced solid malignancies were treated with SAR245408 using a 3 + 3 design. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined after single and repeated doses. Pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated in plasma, hair sheath cells, and skin and tumor biopsies. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled. The MTD of both schedules was 600 mg; dose-limiting toxicities were maculopapular rash and hypersensitivity reaction. The most frequent drug-related adverse events included dermatologic toxicities, diarrhea, nausea, and decreased appetite. Plasma pharmacokinetics showed a median time to maximum concentration of 8 to 22 hours, mean terminal elimination half-life of 70 to 88 hours, and 5- to 13-fold accumulation after daily dosing (first cycle). Steady-state concentration was reached between days 15 and 21, and exposure was dose-proportional with doses up to 400 mg. SAR245408 inhibited the PI3K pathway (∼40%-80% reduction in phosphorylation of AKT, PRAS40, 4EBP1, and S6 in tumor and surrogate tissues) and, unexpectedly, also inhibited the MEK/ERK pathway. A partial response was seen in one patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Eight patients were progression-free at 6 months. Pharmacodynamic and clinical activity were observed irrespective of tumor PI3K pathway molecular alterations. CONCLUSIONS: SAR245408 was tolerable at doses associated with PI3K pathway inhibition. The recommended phase II dose of the capsule formulation is 600 mg administered orally with CDD.

Phase I trial of TGF-beta 2 antisense GM-CSF gene-modified autologous tumor cell (TAG) vaccine.

PURPOSE: On the basis of the hypothesis that the combined expression of immunostimulatory granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and antitumor suppressor TGF-ß2 antisense (AS) transgenes can break tolerance and stimulate immune responses to cancer-associated antigens, we constructed an expression plasmid [the tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG) plasmid] that coexpresses GM-CSF and TGF-ß2 AS nucleotide sequences and which was incorporated into an autologous whole-cell vaccine. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients undergoing resection were enrolled. Freshly harvested autologous tumor cells were mechanically and enzymatically disaggregated, then electroporated with the TAG vector. The resulting vaccine was irradiated, then aliquoted and cryopreserved until the time of injection. Patients received a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 12 monthly intradermal injections. Immune function was monitored at baseline and at months 3 and 6. RESULTS: Vaccine manufacturing efficiency was 84% (32/38). Twenty-three patients received at least 1 vaccination. There were no grade 3 or 4 toxicities, and grade 1 and 2 events were local in nature. Seventeen of 21 patients had stable disease (SD) at month 2 or later as their best response, and 1 patient with stage IVa malignant melanoma achieved a complete response (CR) following 11 vaccinations and remains without evidence of disease 2 years following initiation of therapy. Six of 13 patients displayed a positive enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) response to autologous TAG vaccine at week 12 including 3 patients with prolonged SD or CR. The 3 other patients survived through week 24, as compared with none of the 7 ELISPOT-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of safety and clinical and immunologic results, further evaluation of bifunctional vaccines is warranted.

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy: single patient response to intravenous dosing of GNE gene lipoplex.

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM) is an autosomal recessive adult-onset myopathy due to mutations in the GNE (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase) gene. Affected patients have no therapeutic options. We have previously demonstrated in preclinical testing the ability to safely correct GNE gene function through liposomal delivery of the wild-type GNE gene. Results were verified in a single patient treated by intravenous infusion of GNE gene lipoplex. A single patient (patient 001) with severe HIBM treated with a compassionate investigational new drug received seven doses of GNE gene lipoplex via intravenous infusion at the following doses: 0.4, 0.4, 1.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 mg of DNA. GNE transgene expression, downstream induction of sialic acid, safety, and muscle function were evaluated. Transient low-grade fever, myalgia, tachycardia, transaminase elevation, hyponatremia, and hypotension were observed after infusion of each dose of GNE gene lipoplex. Quadriceps muscle expression of the delivered GNE, plasmid, and RNA was observed 24 hr after the 5.0-mg dose and at significantly greater levels 72 hr after the 7.0-mg infusion in comparison with expression in quadriceps muscle immediately before infusion. Sialic acid-related proteins were increased and stabilization in the decline of muscle strength was observed. We conclude that clinical safety and activity have been demonstrated with intravenous infusion of GNE gene lipoplex. Further assessment will involve a phase I trial of intravenous administration of GNE gene lipoplex in individuals with less advanced HIBM with more muscle function.

Procoagulant inhibitory properties of paclitaxel poliglumex.

BACKGROUND: In Phase I evaluation of CT-2103 (paclitaxel poliglumex), prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and activated thromboplastin time (aPTT) was observed, without clinical consequence, with doses 1.3-1.5 times higher than the current clinical dose of 175 mg/m(2). This Phase I, open-label, nonrandomized pilot study was performed to study the effect of the standard dose regimen on blood coagulation. METHODS: Seven previously treated solid tumor patients received CT-2103 175 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 1 of 21-day cycles for a mean of 5.4 cycles (median 4, range 2-14). Plasma samples were collected for cycle 1 predose and at hours 1, 24, 48, and 72 after the end of administration for drug levels, and for PT and aPTT assays. RESULTS: No coagulopathy-related adverse events were documented. Bleeding time remained normal in the six patients tested, with transient increases in PT and aPTT noted but resolving within 72 hours. Titration studies at 100 µg/mL of CT-2103 (corresponding to the standard clinical dose) prolonged PT and aPTT clotting times, produced a modest dose-dependent reduction of thrombin and factor Xa, and no significant changes in factors IXa, XIa, or XIIa. Two patients achieved stable disease for ≥10 cycles. CONCLUSION: CT-2103 is associated with transient prolongation of PT and aPTT without clinical sequelae.