A phase I trial of lenalidomide in patients with recurrent primary central nervous system tumors.

PURPOSE: Inhibition of angiogenesis represents a promising new therapeutic strategy for treating primary malignant brain tumors. Lenalidomide, a potent analogue of the antiangiogenic agent thalidomide, has shown significant activity in several hematologic malignancies, and therefore we chose to explore its tolerability and activity in patients with primary central nervous system tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A phase I interpatient dose escalation trial of lenalidomide in patients with recurrent primary central nervous system tumors was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were accrued to the study, of which 28 were evaluable for toxicity, the primary end point of the trial. We show that lenalidomide can be given safely up to doses of 20 mg/m(2), with the only toxicity being a probable increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Pharmacokinetic studies reveal good bioavailability, linear kinetics, and no effects of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs on the metabolism of lenalidomide. No objective radiographic responses were seen in any of the treated patients. In the group of 24 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, the median time to tumor progression was <2 months and only 12.5% of patients were progression-free at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Lenalidomide is well tolerated in patients with recurrent glioma in doses up to 20 mg/m(2). Treatment may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Preliminary data suggest that single agent activity may be limited in patients with recurrent glioblastoma at the doses evaluated although larger studies will be needed to confirm these observations.

Clinical Trials and the Role of the Oncology Clinical Trials Nurse.

Clinical trials are paramount to improving human health. New trial designs and informed consent issues are emerging as a result of genomic profiling and the development of molecularly targeted agents. Many groups and individuals are responsible for ensuring the protection of research participants and the quality of the data produced. The specialty role of the clinical trials nurse (CTN) is critical to clinical trials. Oncology CTNs have competencies that can help guide their practice; however, not all oncology clinical trials are supervised by a nurse. Using the process of engagement, one organization has restructured oncology CTNs under a nurse-supervised model.

Phase II trial of single-agent bevacizumab followed by bevacizumab plus irinotecan at tumor progression in recurrent glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate single-agent activity of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with recurrent glioblastoma were treated with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. After tumor progression, patients were immediately treated with bevacizumab in combination with irinotecan 340 mg/m(2) or 125 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks, depending on use of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs. Complete patient evaluations were repeated every 4 weeks. RESULTS: Forty-eight heavily pretreated patients were accrued to this study. Thromboembolic events (12.5%), hypertension (12.5%), hypophosphatemia (6%), and thrombocytopenia (6%) were the most common drug-associated adverse events. Six patients (12.5%) were removed from study for drug-associated toxicity (five thromboembolic events, one bowel perforation). Thirty-four patients (71%) and 17 patients (35%) achieved radiographic response based on Levin and Macdonald criteria, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16 weeks (95% CI, 12 to 26 weeks). The 6-month PFS was 29% (95% CI, 18% to 48%). The 6-month overall survival was 57% (95% CI, 44% to 75%). Median overall survival was 31 weeks (95% CI, 21 to 54 weeks). Early magnetic resonance imaging response (first 96 hours and 4 weeks) was predictive of long-term PFS, with the Levin criteria being more predictive than Macdonald criteria. Of 19 patients treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan at progression, there were no objective radiographic responses. Eighteen patients (95%) experienced disease progression by the second cycle, and the median PFS was 30 days. CONCLUSION: We conclude that single-agent bevacizumab has significant biologic and antiglioma activity in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.