A phase I trial of the aurora kinase inhibitor, ENMD-2076, in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

ENMD-2076 is a novel, orally-active molecule that inhibits Aurora A kinase, as well as c-Kit, FLT3 and VEGFR2. A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and toxicities of ENMD-2076 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Patients received escalating doses of ENMD-2076 administered orally daily [225 mg (n = 7), 375 mg (n = 6), 325 mg (n = 9), or 275 mg (n = 5)]. Twenty-seven patients were treated (26 AML; 1 CMML-2). The most common non-hematological toxicities of any grade, regardless of association with drug, were fatigue, diarrhea, dysphonia, dyspnea, hypertension, constipation, and abdominal pain. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) consisted of grade 3 fatigue, grade 3 typhilitis, grade 3 syncope and grade 3 QTc prolongation). Of the 16 evaluable patients, one patient achieved a complete remission with incomplete count recovery (CRi), three experienced a morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS) with a major hematologic improvement in platelets (HI-P), and 5 other patients had a reduction in marrow blast percentage (i.e. 11-65 %). The RP2D in this patient population is 225 mg orally once daily.

ENMD-2076, an oral inhibitor of angiogenic and proliferation kinases, has activity in recurrent, platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to assess the activity and side effect profile of ENMD-2076, an oral anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative kinase inhibitor, in platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer. Archival tumour tissue was obtained for correlative analyses. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This was an open-label single-arm Phase II study of single agent ENMD-2076 taken daily orally (PO). The primary objective was to determine the progression free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months of ENMD-2076 in platinum-resistant cancer based on RECIST v1.1. Secondary objectives included response rate (RR), duration of response, overall survival (OS) and safety. An exploratory analysis of archival tissue for mitotic index and angiogenesis was conducted in an attempt to identify a sensitive or resistant patient phenotype. RESULTS: 64 patients were enrolled, and the PFS rate at 6 months was 22% with a median time to progression of 3.6 months. The median number of prior regimens was 2. The most common adverse events were fatigue, hypertension and diarrhoea with the most common Grade 3/4 events being hypertension and fatigue. None of the markers of mitotic index or angiogenesis evaluated in the archival tissue samples were predictive of greater benefit or resistance to ENMD-2076 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ENMD-2076 has activity in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and observed toxicities were similar to other PO kinase inhibitors. Additional studies with ENMD-2076 are warranted, especially in combination with active chemotherapeutic agents in platinum-resistant patients. Further work to determine appropriate biomarkers for ENMD-2076 should be incorporated into new clinical studies.

A phase 2 study of oral MKC-1, an inhibitor of importin-ß, tubulin, and the mTOR pathway in patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: MKC-1 is an orally available cell cycle inhibitor with downstream targets that include tubulin and the importin-ß family. We conducted an open-label Phase II study with MKC-1 in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Eligibility criteria included unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer, performance status of 1 or better, and failure of at least one prior regimen of chemotherapy. MKC-1 was administered orally, twice daily, initially at 100 mg/m(2) dosing for 14 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle. This schedule was modified during the trial to fixed and continuous dosing of 150 mg per day. RESULTS: 20 of an original target of 33 patients were accrued, with a median age of 61 (range 44-81). No objective responses were observed, with one patient demonstrating stable disease. Overall survival was 101 days from the start of MKC-1 administration, and median time to progression was 42 days. The most common adverse events listed as related or possibly related to MKC-1 administration were hematologic toxicities and fatigue. One patient developed grade 5 (fatal) pancytopenia. Grade 3 and 4 events included cytopenias (lymphopenia, anemia), hyperbilirubinemia, pneumonia, mucositis, fatigue, infusion reaction, anorexia, and hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSIONS: MKC-1 administration was associated with substantial toxicity and did not demonstrate sufficient activity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer to justify further exploration in this patient population.

Phase I study of continuous MKC-1 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid malignancies using the modified Time-to-Event Continual Reassessment Method (TITE-CRM) dose escalation design.

BACKGROUND: MKC-1 is an oral cell-cycle inhibitor with broad antitumor activity in preclinical models. Clinical studies demonstrated modest antitumor activity using intermittent dosing schedule, however additional preclinical data suggested continuous dosing could be efficacious with additional effects against the mTor/AKT pathway. The primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and response of continuous MKC-1. Secondary objectives included characterizing the dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) and pharmacokinetics (PK). METHODS: Patients with solid malignancies were eligible, if they had measurable disease, ECOG PS ≤1, and adequate organ function. Exclusions included brain metastases and inability to receive oral drug. MKC-1 was dosed twice daily, continuously in 28-day cycles. Other medications were eliminated if there were possible drug interactions. Doses were assigned using a TITE-CRM algorithm following enrollment of the first 3 pts. Disease response was assessed every 8 weeks. RESULTS: Between 5/08-9/09, 24 patients enrolled (15 M/9 F, median 58 years, range 44-77). Patients 1-3 received 120 mg/d of MKC-1; patients 4-24 were dosed per the TITE-CRM algorithm: 150 mg [n = 1], 180 [2], 200 [1], 230 [1], 260 [5], 290 [6], 320 [5]. The median time on drug was 8 weeks (range 4-28). The only DLT occurred at 320 mg (grade 3 fatigue). Stable disease occurred at 150 mg/d (28 weeks; RCC) and 320 mg/d (16 weeks; breast, parotid). Escalation halted at 320 mg/d. Day 28 pharmacokinetics indicated absorption and active metabolites. CONCLUSION: Continuous MKC-1 was well-tolerated; there were no RECIST responses, although clinical benefit occurred in 3/24 pts. Dose escalation stopped at 320 mg/d, and this is the MTD as defined by the CRM dose escalation algorithm; this cumulative dose/cycle exceeds that determined from intermittent dosing studies. A TITE-CRM allowed for rapid dose escalation and was able to account for late toxicities with continuous dosing via a modified algorithm.

A phase II study of 2-methoxyestradiol nanocrystal colloidal dispersion alone and in combination with sunitinib malate in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma progressing on sunitinib malate.

BACKGROUND: Current treatment for metastatic renal cell cancer with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have provided improved overall survival, but complete responses are rare. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the objective response rate of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2 NCD) alone and in combination with sunitinib for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who have progressed on sunitinib alone. METHODS: Adults with metastatic kidney cancer were stratified depending on whether they were still taking sunitinib or had discontinued sunitinib therapy at the time of registration. Patients were treated with 2ME2 NCD alone or in combination with sunitinib. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. RESULTS: In total, 17 patients were enrolled, and 12 were evaluable for response (arm A, n = 7; arm b, n = 5). In arm A, four patients had the best response of stable disease, and three patients developed disease progression. In arm B, three patients had a best response of stable disease, and two patients had disease progression. One patient continued to receive treatment for a total of 14 cycles before developing disease progression. Fatigue was the most common observed toxicities. Thirty five percent of patients required discontinuation of therapy secondary to toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: 2ME2 NCD had minimal anti-tumor activity, with no observed objective responses. The study was terminated because 2ME2 NCD was not found to be tolerable at the recommended phase 2 dose in this patient population. A newer 2ME2 analog is in development with a more favorable toxicity profile and increased potency.

Phase I safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic study of ENMD-2076, a novel angiogenic and Aurora kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

PURPOSE: ENMD-2076 is a unique orally bioavailable Aurora kinase and VEGFR inhibitor. The purpose of this phase 1 study of ENMD-2076 was to determine the MTD, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles and preliminary antitumor activity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients with refractory advanced solid malignancies were treated with ENMD-2076 orally with continuous once daily dosing. Doses from 60 to 200 mg/m(2) were evaluated using a standard 3 (to 4) + 3 design. Pharmacokinetic parameters were studied on days 1, 28, and 30 to 35 of cycle 1. Expanded MTD cohorts included patients with ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and refractory solid tumors. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients (46 F, 21M; ages 30-76) entered the study. Dose levels of 60, 80, 120, 200, and 160 mg/m(2) were evaluated. Two patients experienced grade 3 hypertension at 200 mg/m(2), and additional grade 3 neutropenia events limited tolerability at this dose. An intermediate dose of 160 mg/m(2) was determined to be the MTD. The most common drug-related adverse events included hypertension, nausea/vomiting, and fatigue. The pharmacokinetics of ENMD-2076 were characterized by a rapid absorption phase (T(max) 3-7.8 hours), a t(1/2) of 27.3 to 38.3 hours after a single dose, and dose proportional exposure. Decreased plasma sVEGFR2 was observed posttreatment. Two patients with platinum refractory/resistant ovarian cancer had RECIST partial responses. CONCLUSIONS: ENMD-2076 was well tolerated, had a linear pharmacokinetic profile, and showed promising antitumor activity, particularly in ovarian cancer. The recommended phase 2 dose of ENMD-2076 is 160 mg/m(2) administered orally once daily with continuous dosing.

A phase II study of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) NanoCrystal® dispersion (NCD) in patients with taxane-refractory, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

PURPOSE: 2ME2 (Panzem®) is a non-estrogenic derivative of estradiol with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activity. Preclinical data support antitumor activity in prostate cancer. This trial evaluated the efficacy of 2ME2 NCD in patients with taxane-refractory, metastatic CRPC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients with metastatic CRPC who had progressed on only one prior taxane-based regimen were eligible. All patients received 2ME2 NCD at 1,500 mg orally four times daily, repeated in 28 day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at month 6, with a secondary endpoint of PSA response. An exploratory endpoint was metabolic response on FDG-PET imaging. RESULTS: A total of 50 pts was planned. The study was terminated after 21 pts when a futility analysis showed the primary endpoint was unlikely to be reached. The median number of cycles on study was 2 (range <1 to 12). Adverse events (AE) of grade ≥3 related to the study drug occurred in 7 unique patients (33%): elevations in liver function tests, fatigue or weakness, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and hyponatremia. Paired FDG-PET scans were obtained for 11 pts. No metabolic responses were observed. CONCLUSIONS: 2ME2 NCD did not appear to have clinically significant activity in this study. 2ME2 NCD was well-tolerated and showed some evidence of biologic activity. Given the aggressive biology in this taxane-refractory population, the potential benefit from a cytostatic agent like 2ME2 might better be realized in the pre-chemotherapy (or rising PSA only) stage of CRPC.

Phase I trial of 2-methoxyestradiol NanoCrystal dispersion in advanced solid malignancies.

PURPOSE: 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2; Panzem) is an endogenous, estradiol-17beta metabolite that at pharmacologic doses exerts antimitotic and antiangiogenic activities. Studies with a 2ME2 capsule formulation showed limited oral bioavailability. We report the results of a phase I study using a NanoCrystal Dispersion formulation of 2ME2 (2ME2 NCD). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients with refractory solid tumors received 2ME2 NCD orally. Patients received drug either every 6 hours (part A) or every 8 hours (part B). Doses were escalated in successive cohorts until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was identified. The primary objective was identifying the MTD. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the plasma pharmacokinetics of 2ME2 and efficacy. RESULTS: In part A, 16 patients received a median of 4 cycles of 2ME2 NCD. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) included fatigue (2), hypophosphatemia (2), increased alanine aminotransferase (1), and muscle weakness (1). Trough levels at steady-state reached the minimum effective concentration in all cohorts. The MTD was determined to be 1,000 mg orally every 6 hours. In part B, 10 patients received a median of 1 cycle. DLTs included elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (1), hyponatremia (1), fatigue (1), and anorexia (1). An MTD could not be defined for part B because 4 of 10 patients had DLTs at the initial dose level and dose reduction was not pursued. Thirteen patients had stable disease (A, 11; B, 2); there were no confirmed responses. CONCLUSION: For 2ME2 NCD, the MTD and recommended phase II regimen is 1,000 mg orally every 6 hours. Treatment was generally well-tolerated.