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Introduction: Kukoamine B mesylate (KB) is a mesylate chrysamine B targeting lipopolysaccharides and CpG DNA, two potential treatment targets in sepsis. Methods: This first-in-human, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I study was conducted from July 2014 to May 2015 to explore the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of KB in healthy subjects. This study consisted of a pre-phase (four participants; KB at 0.005 mg/kg) and a dose escalation phase (eight participants/dose group, randomized 6:2 to KB or placebo; KB at 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.24, and 0.48 mg/kg). The primary endpoint was safety. Results: Fifty-two participants were enrolled, including four in the pre-phase and 48 in the dose escalation phase. Among the 40 participants who received KB, 12 (30.0%) experienced adverse events (AEs), while two (16.7%) experienced AEs among 12 participants who received the placebo. The most common AEs in the KB group were headache (5.0%), influenza (5.0%) and positive white blood cell in urine (5.0%). After the administration of KB, the mean plasma elimination half was around 1.61–4.24 h. The relationship between the KB plasma exposure of KB and the administered dose was not linear. The percentage of cumulative urinary excretion of KB was similar among the different dose groups (21.7–35.2%) and the urinary excretion of KB decreased significantly about 8 h after administration. Conclusions: Single-dose KB demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability in healthy subjects at the dose level of 0.005–0.48 mg/kg. KB exhibited a non-linear pharmacokinetic profile with a half-life of about 1.61–4.24 h, which mainly distributed in plasma. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02219971. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease and there is an unmet medical need for novel therapeutic drugs that do not share similar mechanisms of action with currently available agents. Sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) is an innovative molecular target for anticancer therapy. We previously reported that treatment with SK2 inhibitor opaganib inhibited myeloma tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in a mouse xenograft model. In the current study, we performed a phase I study of opaganib in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Thirteen patients with RRMM previously treated with immunomodulatory agents and proteasome inhibitors were enrolled and treated with single-agent opaganib at three oral dosing regimens (250 mg BID, 500 mg BID, or 750 mg BID, 28 days as a cycle). Safety and maximal tolerated dose (MTD) were determined. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and correlative studies were also performed. Opaganib was well tolerated up to a dose of 750 mg BID. The most common possibly related adverse event (AE) was decreased neutrophil counts. There were no serious AEs considered to be related to opaganib. MTD was determined as at least 750 mg BID. On an intent-to-treat basis, one patient (7.7%) in the 500 mg BID dose cohort showed a very good partial response, and one other patient (7.7%) achieved stable disease for 3 months. SK2 is an innovative molecular target for antimyeloma therapy. The first-in-class SK2 inhibitor opaganib is generally safe for administration to RRMM patients, and has potential therapeutic activity in these patients. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02757326. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chemoradiotherapy with docetaxel (DOC), cisplatin (CDDP), and 5-FU (TPF-CRT) for locally advanced external auditory canal cancer (EACC) has favorable oncological and functional outcomes. To establish TPF-CRT as a standard of care for advanced EACC, we conducted this study to determine the maximum tolerated (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) of DOC in TPF-CRT for locally advanced EACC. Methods: To determine the recommended (RD) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of DOC in TPF-CRT for EACC, a phase I trial was conducted using the standard "3 + 3" design for maximum dose finding. DOC was administered twice every 4 weeks, CDDP at 70 mg/m2 and 5-FU at 700 mg/m2; patients were also receiving radiotherapy (66 Gy). Eight patients with T3 or T4 EACC were prospectively enrolled. Results: Two patients treated with DOC, 50 mg/m2, and one out of six patients treated with DOC, 40 mg/m2, had dose-limiting toxicities. Prolonged febrile neutropenia was observed in three patients. Grade 3 non-hematological toxicities were observed in only three patients. At study completion, six patients survived, five of whom were disease free. Conclusion: The RD and MTD of DOC in TPF-CRT for locally advanced EACC are 40 mg/m2 when doses of CDDP and 5-FU are 70 mg/m2 and 700 mg/m2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of delivering a prospective surveillance model in the home over 6 months for women at high risk of developing lymphoedema. Methods: A single-group, intervention study recruited 20 women who had surgical and medical treatment for confirmed node-positive invasive breast cancer and therefore at high risk of developing arm lymphoedema. Participants received a package including Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) monitoring, lymphoedema education and support to promote self-management and physical activity. Results: Participants adhered to BIS monitoring 74% of the time, and felt extremely confident in using the device. By 6 months, mean BIS L-Dex scores had increased from 3.5 (SD 5.6) to 8.4 (SD 11.1); five women (25%) who experienced > + 6.5 increase in L-Dex score were fitted with a compression garment. Self-reported symptoms and distress decreased by 0.4 out of 10 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.7); number of self-management strategies used increased by 0.6 (95% CI 0.1 to 1.2); and planned exercise increased by 2.8 h/week (95% CI 0.4 to 5.2). Conclusions: These findings indicate a prospective surveillance model of care in the home with BIS is feasible and associated with increased self-management. A Phase II randomised trial is warranted as well as research exploring the costs associated with implementing this model of care for high-risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background Aflibercept, a recombinant fusion protein binding VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placental growth factor, inhibits tumor growth by blocking angiogenesis. The aim of this phase I dose-escalation study was to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of aflibercept in combination with S-1 in Japanese patients with solid tumors. Patients and methods Sequential cohorts of 3–6 patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors, who had failed at least one prior line of standard treatment or who were not suitable for such treatment, were to receive escalating doses of aflibercept every 2 weeks, starting at 2 mg/kg, combined with S-1 at 40 mg/m2 twice daily (80 mg/m2/day; 4 weeks on/2 weeks off). Dose-escalation was to be based on the incidence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis. Results At the first dose level (aflibercept 2 mg/kg plus S-1) 1 of 6 patients experienced a DLT (grade 4 proteinuria). The aflibercept dose was consequently escalated to 4 mg/kg; 1 of 3 patients treated at this dose level had a DLT (grade 2 pleural effusion), and another patient experienced grade 3 reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome after the DLT assessment period. Additional patients were therefore enrolled into the first dose level to explore safety and tolerability. The study was subsequently terminated prematurely. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached and the RP2D was not determined in Japanese patients. Conclusions The tolerability and safety of aflibercept 2 mg/kg in combination with S-1 was confirmed in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resistance to gemcitabine chemotherapy is common in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), biliary tract cancer (BTC) and ovarian cancers (OC), conferring poor survival. Use of ProTide technology led to the development of a 'partially-activated' monophosphorylated gemcitabine compound, termed NUC-1031. NUC-1031 enters cancer cells independent of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter, does not require deoxycytidine kinase-mediated activation and resists cytidine deaminase-mediated breakdown into toxic by-products.Current Findings: The phase I PRO-001 trial recruited 68 patients with advanced solid tumours; of the 49 patients that had response-evaluable disease, 5 (10%) had a partial response (PR) and 33 (67%) had stable disease (SD). Subsequently, the PRO-002 study assessed the safety and efficacy of NUC-1031 combined with carboplatin for patients with OC (n = 25); preliminary data from this study reported one (4%) unconfirmed complete response (CR), 8 (35%) PRs and 13 (57%) patients with SD, the final outcome data are awaited. The ABC-08 trial for advanced BTC assessed safety and efficacy of NUC-1031 combined with cisplatin; 14 patients were recruited with a 50% objective response rate in the intention to treat population at interim analysis. ACELARATE, the phase III trial in first-line advanced PDAC comparing NUC-1031 to gemcitabine monotherapy, recruited 200 patients but has been paused for futility analysis.Conclusion: Early studies demonstrate NUC-1031 is well tolerated with favourable pharmacokinetic profiles. NUC-1031 use in PDAC remains unclear, but encouraging results of disease control in BTC and OC has prompted phase II and III trial development. NuTide 121, is a phase III trial comparing cisplatin-NUC 1031 combination to the standard of care cisplatin-gemcitabine and recruitment is ongoing. Recruiting trials and mature data from existing studies will help inform on the impact of NUC-1031 on patient survival over standard gemcitabine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Systematic analyses regarding cancer types of patients enrolled in oncology phase I trials are scarce. The global distribution, time-dependent change, and regional differences were evaluated. Methods A systematic search of the PubMed database, in which all single-agent phase I trials permitting the enrollment of all-comer patients with any type of solid tumor published between January 1991 and December 2015 were specified, was performed. Trials expected to enroll specific patient populations were excluded according to predefined criteria. Results Eight hundred and sixty-six eligible trials, which had enrolled 29,112 advanced solid tumor patients, were identified. Colorectal (n = 7510; 25.8%) and lung cancer (n = 3212; 11.0%) were the most prevalent solid tumors, followed by sarcoma (n = 1756; 6.0%), breast cancer (n = 1623; 5.6%), and renal cancer (n = 1589; 5.5%). The proportion of patients with either colorectal or lung cancer tended to decrease over time. The proportion of trials, in which patients with either of these two cancers accounted for ≥50.0% of the total number of patients in each trial, also decreased: 33 of 67 trials (31/67) (46.3%) in 1991-1995, 58/142 (40.8%) in 1996-2000, 59/223 (26.5%) in 2001-2005, 38/189 (20.1%) in 2006-2010, and 41/245 (16.7%) in 2011-2015. Instead, the proportion of patients with various types of cancer increased, leading to diversification of enrolled patients. Conclusions The distribution of cancer types among patients in phase I trials has changed. The comprehensive review of the distribution of solid tumor types could contribute to flexible trial designs and optimal patient recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer origin is associated with poor prognosis. With regard to ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancer, the safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel (ip PTX) has been demonstrated. This drug can be administered easily and repeatedly through a catheter into the peritoneal cavity. In this phase I study, we evaluated the safety of ip PTX combined with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab (mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab) or capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab (CapeOX-bevacizumab) for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis.Methods: Colorectal cancer patients with histologically confirmed peritoneal carcinomatosis were enrolled. After the implantation of a peritoneal access port, 20 mg/m2 of ip PTX was administered weekly, in combination with mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab or CapeOX-bevacizumab. Primary endpoint was the safety of the combination chemotherapy.Results: Among the six patients enrolled, three received the mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab plus ip PTX regimen and three received the CapeOX-bevacizumab plus ip PTX regimen. Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed. Overall, grade 3 adverse events, such as leukopenia and neutropenia, were observed in two of three patients (66.7%) for each chemotherapeutic regimen, but no grade 4 adverse events were observed. Moreover, adverse events associated with the peritoneal access port, such as infection or occlusion of the catheter, were not observed.Conclusions: The adverse events of mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab or CapeOX-bevacizumab in combination with ip PTX were considered similar to those described in previous studies of oxaliplatin-based treatment alone. 1 year after the start of chemotherapy, the efficacy of ip PTX will be evaluated as a secondary outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inhibiting Notch is a promising anti-cancer strategy as it plays a critical role in cancer stem cells maintenance and tumour angiogenesis. BMS-986115 is an orally active, selective inhibitor of gamma-secretase mediated Notch signalling. Method Two dose escalation schedules (Arm-A continuous daily schedule and Arm-B intermittent 2 times weekly schedule) of BMS-986115 were evaluated in advanced solid tumour patients. The primary objective was to establish the safety, tolerability and Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) of BMS-986115. Results Thirty six patients (24 in Arm A and 12 in Arm B) were treated. The most frequent treatment related adverse advents were diarrhoea (72%), hypophosphataemia (64%), and nausea (61%). The MTD was 1.5 mg daily in Arm A but not established in Arm B. Four patients in Arm A and 2 in Arm B experienced dose limiting toxicities (grade 3 nausea, diarrhoea, pruritus/urticaria and ileus). BMS-986115 showed dose related increase in exposure within the dose range tested. Target inhibition of Notch pathway related genes was observed. Three patients in Arm A and 2 in Arm B achieved stable disease for more than 6 months. Conclusion The daily oral dosing of BMS-986115 is safe and tolerable with biological activity demonstrated by continuous target engagement and Notch signalling inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients post-remission treatment options are associated with high comorbidity rates and poor survival. Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is a promising alternative treatment strategy. A novel allogeneic DC vaccine, DCP-001, was developed from an AML-derived cell line that uniquely combines the positive features of allogeneic DC vaccines and expression of multi-leukemia-associated antigens. Here, we present data from a phase I study conducted with DCP-001 in 12 advanced-stage elderly AML patients. Patients enrolled were in complete remission (CR1/CR2) (n = 5) or had smoldering disease (n = 7). All patients were at high risk of relapse and ineligible for post-remission intensification therapies. A standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design with extension to six patients in the highest dose was performed. Patients received four biweekly intradermal DCP-001 injections at different dose levels (10, 25, and 50 million cells DCP-001) and were monitored for clinical and immunological responses. Primary objectives of the study (feasibility and safety) were achieved with 10/12 patients completing the vaccination program. Treatment was well tolerated. A clear-cut distinction between patients with and without detectable circulating leukemic blasts during the vaccination period was noted. Patients with no circulating blasts showed an unusually prolonged survival [median overall survival 36 months (range 7-63) from the start of vaccination] whereas patients with circulating blasts, died within 6 months. Long-term survival was correlated with maintained T cell levels and induction of multi-functional immune responses. It is concluded that DCP-001 in elderly AML patients is safe, feasible and generates both cellular and humoral immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a leading cause of death in pediatric oncology. New drugs are desperately needed to improve survival. We evaluated the outcome of children and adolescents with CNS tumors participating in phase I trials within the Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer (ITCC) consortium. Patients with solid tumors aged < 18 years at enrollment in their first dose-finding trial between 2000 and 2014 at eight ITCC centers were included retrospectively. Survival was evaluated using univariate/multivariate analyses. Overall, 114 patients were included (109 evaluable for efficacy). Median age was 10.2 years (range 1.0–17.9). Main diagnoses included: medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (32.5%) and high-grade gliomas (23.7%). Complete/partial responses (CR/PR) were reported in 7.3% patients and stable disease (SD) in 23.9%. Performance status of 90–100%, school/work attendance, normal ALT/AST and CR/PR/SD correlated with better overall survival (OS) in the univariate analysis. No variables assessable at screening/enrollment were associated with OS in the multivariate analysis. Five patients (4.5%) were discontinued from study due to toxicity. No toxic deaths occurred. Median OS was 11.9 months with CR/PR, 14.5 months with SD and 3.7 months with progressive disease (p < 0.001). The enrollment of children and adolescents with CNS tumors in phase I trials is feasible, safe and offers potential benefit for the patients. Sustained disease stabilization has a promising role as a marker of anti-tumor activity in children with CNS tumors participating in phase I trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Most trials investigating new drugs around the world, including phase I trials, are conducted in outpatient clinics. However, in Japan, regulatory authority requirements and traditional domestic guidelines often require hospitalization of phase I study participants. Patients and methods: Patients participating in single-agent phase I clinical trials at National Cancer Center Hospital between December 1996 and August 2014 were monitored. Toxicity requiring hospitalization is defined as toxicity that needs intensive treatment. Study designs were classified into three types: first-in-human (FIH) study, dose-escalation study (conventional dose-escalation study to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in Japanese patients), and dose-finding study (to assess safety and pharmacokinetic profiles up to the MTD previously determined in the West). Results: A total of 945 patients who participated in a variety of single-agent phase I clinical trials between December 1996 and August 2014 were included in this study. Patients participated in one of three study types: dose-escalation ( n = 582, 62%), first-in-human ( n = 129, 14%), or dose-finding ( n = 234, 25%). A total of 76 study drugs were evaluated as part of this pool of phase I studies. Subdivided by mechanism of action, 20 (26%) were cytotoxic, 50 (66%) were molecularly targeted, and 6 (8%) were immune checkpoint inhibitor. Thirty-six patients (3.8%) had severe toxicities requiring hospitalization during the first cycle. The overall number of toxicities requiring hospitalization and/or grade 4 toxicities during any cycle was 5.0%. Conclusions: The frequency of severe toxicity that needs to be hospitalized was unexpectedly low. The data did not demonstrate the need for hospitalization in the phase I trials, suggesting that phase I trials in Japan could be conducted in outpatient settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Naturally occurring tumor suppressor microRNA-34a (miR-34a) downregulates the expression of >30 oncogenes across multiple oncogenic pathways, as well as genes involved in tumor immune evasion, but is lost or under-expressed in many malignancies. This first-in-human, phase I study assessed the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical activity of MRX34, a liposomal miR-34a mimic, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods Adult patients with solid tumors refractory to standard treatment were enrolled in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation trial. MRX34 was given intravenously twice weekly (BIW) for three weeks in 4-week cycles. Results Forty-seven patients with various solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 14), were enrolled. Median age was 60 years, median prior therapies was 4 (range, 1-12), and most were Caucasian (68%) and male (57%). Most common adverse events (AEs) included fever (all grade %/G3%: 64/2), fatigue (57/13), back pain (57/11), nausea (49/2), diarrhea (40/11), anorexia (36/4), and vomiting (34/4). Laboratory abnormalities included lymphopenia (G3%/G4%: 23/9), neutropenia (13/11), thrombocytopenia (17/0), increased AST (19/4), hyperglycemia (13/2), and hyponatremia (19/2). Dexamethasone premedication was required to manage infusion-related AEs. The MTD for non-HCC patients was 110 mg/m, with two patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities of G3 hypoxia and enteritis at 124 mg/m. The half-life was >24 h, and C and AUC increased with increasing dose. One patient with HCC achieved a prolonged confirmed PR lasting 48 weeks, and four patients experienced SD lasting ≥4 cycles. Conclusion MRX34 treatment with dexamethasone premedication was associated with acceptable safety and showed evidence of antitumor activity in a subset of patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. The MTD for the BIW schedule was 110 mg/m for non-HCC and 93 mg/m2 for HCC patients. Additional dose schedules of MRX34 have been explored to improve tolerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To determine the feasibility, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of pazopanib in combination with cisplatin. Methods: Patients with advanced malignancies were included in a 3 + 3 dose-escalation phase I study. Pazopanib administration started 8 days before the first infusion of cisplatin; some patients were treated according to a reverse sequence (cisplatin first). Five dose levels (DLs) were planned. MTD was based on DLT observed during cycles 1 and 2. Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled. The MTD was reached at the first DL, (pazopanib 400 mg daily + cisplatin 75 mg/m every 21 days). Main DLTs were pulmonary embolism, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevation of liver enzymes. Overall, most common adverse events were anemia (83%), fatigue (80%), thrombocytopenia (80%), neutropenia (73%), hypertension (59%), neurotoxicity (56%), and anorexia (53%). Sixteen patients (46%) discontinued the study due to toxicity. One patient (sarcoma) had a complete response, and three patients (one with breast cancer and two with ovarian cancers) had a partial response. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses showed interactions with aprepitant, resulting in increased exposure to pazopanib, which might explain partly the poor tolerance of the combination. Conclusion: Cisplatin and pazopanib could not be administered at their single agent full doses, partly due to a PK interaction between pazopanib and aprepitant. Funding: This work was funded by GlaxoSmithKline and by the charity Ligue Nationale de Lutte Contre le Cancer. Trial registered: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01165385. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: BIW-8962 is a monoclonal antibody to GM2 ganglioside that shows preclinical activity towards multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and in animal models bearing MM xenografts. The objective of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, potential immunogenicity, and preliminary clinical efficacy of BIW-8962 in patients with heavily pretreated MM. Methods: Patients ( n = 23) received escalating doses of BIW-8962 (0.03-3 mg/kg) intravenously every 2 weeks in phase Ia. The highest anticipated dose (10 mg/kg) was not tested and the study was discontinued without proceeding to phases Ib and II. Results: The MTD of BIW-8962 was not established and BIW-8962 was relatively well tolerated. No pattern of consistent toxicity could be inferred from treatment-related AEs grade ≥3 and only two dose-limiting toxicities were recorded (atrial thrombosis + cardiomyopathy and chest pain, respectively). In the efficacy evaluable population ( n = 22), no patient had a response (complete or partial) and 16 (72.7%) had a best response of stable disease, which was generally not durable. Conclusion: BIW-8962 did not show evidence of clinical activity. The study was therefore stopped and further development of BIW-8962 in MM was halted. Funding: This work was funded by Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical Development, Inc. Trial registered: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00775502. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dovitinib (TKI258) is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor of FGFR, VEGFR, PDGFR β, and c-Kit. Since dovitinib is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and targets brain tumor-relevant pathways, we conducted a phase I trial to demonstrate its safety in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Patients and methods: Patients with first or second GBM recurrence started treatment with the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) previously established in systemic cancer patients (500 mg/d, 5 days on/2 days off). A modified 3 + 3 design in three cohorts (500, 400, 300 mg) was used. Results: Twelve patients were enrolled. Seventy-two adverse events (AEs) occurred and 16.7 % of AEs were classified as ≥CTC grade 3 toxicity, mainly including hepatotoxicity and hematotoxicity. Only one out of six patients of the 300-mg cohort showed grade 3 toxicity. The PFS-6 rate was 16.7 %, and it was not associated with detection of the FGFR-TACC gene fusion in the tumor. Conclusion: Dovitinib is safe in patients with recurrent GBM and showed efficacy in only some patients unselected for target expression. The recommended phase II dose of 300 mg would be substantially lower than the recently established MTD in systemic cancer patients. Further personalized trials are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lenalidomide and bevacizumab have antitumor activity in various tumor types. We conducted a phase I study of this combination in patients with advanced cancer.Patients and Methods: A "3 + 3" study design was used. Lenalidomide 10 or 20 mg (orally, days 1-21) and bevacizumab 5, 7.5, or 10 mg/kg, (intravenously, every 2 weeks) were given at four escalating dose levels, followed by an expansion phase at the highest maximum tolerated dose (MTD) (1 cycle = 4 weeks). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), MTD, adverse events, and clinical outcomes were assessed.Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled (median age, 60 years; men, 52 %). The most common tumor types were colorectal carcinoma (n = 11) and melanoma (n = 5). Overall, 105 cycles (median, 2) were administered. No DLTs were observed. The maximum tested dose (level 4) was used in the expansion phase. The most common toxicities were fatigue (n = 7, 23 %) and skin rash (n = 4, 13 %). One patient developed a transient ischemic attack (3.2 %); prophylactic anticoagulation became mandatory in the subsequent 17 treated patients. Of 31 patients, 27 were evaluable for response. Stable disease (SD) was noted in 10 (37 %) patients, including five patients with SD for ≥6 months (tumor types: clear cell sarcoma, germ cell tumor, colorectal carcinoma, and melanoma). The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.8 and 5.5 months, respectively.Conclusions: The combination of lenalidomide with bevacizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors was safe. Prolonged stable disease was noted in selected tumor types, warranting further clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panobinostat is an oral HDAC inhibitor with radiosensitizing activity. We investigated the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of panobinostat combined with fractionated stereotactic re-irradiation therapy (FSRT) for recurrent high grade gliomas. Patients with recurrent high grade gliomas were enrolled in a 3 + 3 dose escalation study to determine dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy. FSRT was prescribed to 30-35 Gy delivered in 10 fractions. Panobinostat was administrated concurrently with radiotherapy. Of 12 evaluable patients, 8 had recurrent GBM, and 4 had recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma. There were three grade 3 or higher toxicities in each the 10 and 30 mg cohorts. In the 30 mg cohort, there was one DLT; grade 4 neutropenia. One patient developed late grade 3 radionecrosis. The median follow up was 18.8 months. The PFS6 was 67, 33, and 83 % for 10, 20, and 30 mg cohorts, respectively. The median OS was 7.8, 6.1 and 16.1 months for the 10, 20 and 30 mg cohorts, respectively. Panobinostat administrated with FSRT is well tolerated at 30 mg. A phase II trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of panobinostat plus FSRT for recurrent glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lenalidomide has synergistic anticancer effects when used with chemotherapy. We conducted a phase I study of lenalidomide in combination with FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) in patients with advanced cancer.Methods: A "3 + 3" study design was used. Lenalidomide was given orally on days 1-14, oxaliplatin and leucovorin were given intravenously on day 1, and 5-fluorouracil was given as a continuous infusion on days 1-2. The dose escalation phase of the study was followed by an expansion phase. We assessed the maximum tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicities, and response.Results: Thirty-eight patients were treated [median age 53 years (range 31-76); male/female 20:18]. The most common diagnosis was colorectal cancer (CRC) (n= 30, 79%). Overall, 132 cycles (median 2/patient) were administered. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The maximum tested dose (dose level 4) was used in the expansion phase. Grade 3/4 treatment-related toxicities (all reversible) were seen in 14 (37%) patients and included neutropenia (n = 11), thrombocytopenia (n = 2), and fatigue (n = 2). There were no thrombotic events. Response was evaluable in 32 patients: 19 (59%) had stable disease (SD), including SD ≥ 6 months in 4 (13%) patients. Tumor types with SD ≥ 6 months were CRC (n = 2; progression-free survival [PFS] 11.3 and 7.1 months, respectively), gastric (n = 1; PFS 8.5 months), and pancreatic (n = 1; PFS 6.4 months) cancer. The median PFS and overall survival durations were 2.2 months (range <1.3-23) and 5.5 months (range <1.6-23), respectively.Conclusions: Lenalidomide in combination with FOLFOX was well tolerated. Four patients had prolonged stable disease. This combination merits further investigation for selected patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The California Cancer Consortium completed a phase I trial of E7389 (eribulin mesylate), an analog of the marine natural product halichondrin B. This trial was to determine the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and MTD of E7389 administered by bolus injection weekly for 3 weeks out of four.Methods: This trial included a rapid titration design. Real-time pharmacokinetics were utilized to guide dose escalation. Initially, single-patient cohorts were enrolled with intra- and inter-patient dose doubling. The second phase was a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation schedule. At the MTD, a cohort of patients was enrolled for target validation studies (separate manuscript). The starting dose was 0.125 mg/m(2), and doses were doubled within and between patients in the first phase. Blood and urine sampling for E7389 pharmacokinetics was performed on doses 1 and 3 of cycle 1. Levels were determined using a LC/MS/MS assay.Results: Forty patients were entered. Thirty-eight were evaluable for toxicity and 35 for response. The rapid escalation ended with a grade 3 elevation of alkaline phosphatase at 0.5 mg/m(2)/week. The second phase ended at 2.0 mg/m(2)/week with dose-limiting toxicities of grades 3 and 4 febrile neutropenia. Other toxicities included hypoglycemia, hypophosphatemia, and fatigue. The MTD was 1.4 mg/m(2)/week. Responses included four partial responses (lung cancer [2], urothelial [1], and melanoma [1]).Conclusions: E7389 was well tolerated in this trial with the major toxicity being myelosuppression. PD shows that E7389 induces significant morphologic changes (bundle formation) in the microtubules of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor cells in vivo. The data suggest that lower intra-tumoral levels of β-tubulin III or higher intra-tumoral levels of MAP4 may correlate with response to E7389, while lower intra-tumoral levels of stathmin may be associated with progression. PK data reveal that E7389 exhibits a tri-exponential elimination from the plasma of patients receiving a rapid i.v. infusion. At sub-toxic doses, plasma concentrations of E7389 are maintained well above the levels required for activity in vitro for >72 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of volasertib, a Polo-like kinase inhibitor, combined with afatinib, an oral irreversible ErbB family blocker, in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT01206816; Study 1230.20).Methods: Patients with advanced non-resectable and/or metastatic disease following failure of conventional treatment received intravenous volasertib 150-300 mg on day 1 every 21 days, combined with oral afatinib 30-40 mg on days 2-21 of a 3-week cycle (Schedule A), or 50-90 mg on days 2-6 of a 3-week cycle (Schedule B). The primary objective was to determine the MTD of volasertib in combination with afatinib.Results: Fifty-seven patients (Schedule A, N = 29; Schedule B, N = 28) were treated. The MTDs were volasertib 300 mg plus afatinib 30 mg days 2-21 and 70 mg days 2-6 of a 3-week cycle for Schedules A and B, respectively. The most common Grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (31.0 %), diarrhea (13.8 %), and thrombocytopenia (10.3 %) in Schedule A; neutropenia (39.3 %), thrombocytopenia (35.7 %), hypokalemia (14.3 %), febrile neutropenia, and nausea (each 10.7 %) in Schedule B. The best overall response was two partial responses (6.9 %; both in Schedule A); eight patients in each schedule achieved stable disease. Volasertib showed multi-exponential pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior; co-administration of volasertib and afatinib had no significant effects on the PK profile of either drug.Conclusions: Volasertib combined with afatinib had manageable adverse effects and limited antitumor activity in this heavily pretreated population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the maximum recommended dose (RD) and pharmacokinetics of Myocet, a non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, in children. Methods: Eligible patients were children with refractory high-grade glioma who had received prior chemotherapy and radiotherapy but no anthracyclines. Cohorts of at least three patients each received escalating doses of Myocet starting at 60 mg/m at 3-week intervals, administered intravenously over 1 h, and then doses were escalated to 75 mg/m corresponding to the adult RD. Periodic blood samples were collected, and plasma doxorubicin and doxorubicinol concentrations were quantified to characterise the pharmacokinetics of Myocet. Results: Between October 2010 and January 2013, 13 children aged 6-17 years were treated. In total, 27 courses were administered, at the 60 mg/m dose level in seven patients without dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and at 75 mg/m in six patients of whom two experienced DLT (grade 4 neutropenia). The most common grade 3-4 toxicities reported for all courses were neutropenia (35 and 38 %, respectively), thrombocytopenia (12 and 4 %, respectively); and grade 3 vomiting, nausea, mucositis, and fever (4 % each). Mean estimates of central volume of distribution at steady state, clearance, and elimination half-life of doxorubicin were 24.8 L, 15 L/h/m, and 34.8 h, respectively, with a large interpatient variability. Conclusion: The RD of Myocet administered every 3 weeks to paediatric patients was 60 mg/m. The efficacy of Myocet in paediatric patients with high-grade glioma remains to be determined and should be studied in Phase II trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Liver metastases are associated with a poor prognosis. We investigated the use of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of irinotecan combination therapy in patients with liver metastases. Patients and methods Patients with histologically confirmed advanced cancer with liver metastases that was refractory to standard therapy were eligible. A standard '3 + 3' phase I study design was used to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Three cohorts were evaluated: HAI of irinotecan with systemic intravenous (IV) (a) bevacizumab, (b) oxaliplatin and bevacizumab, or (c) bevacizumab and cetuximab. Results From October 2009 through December 2013, 98 patients with various tumor types were enrolled (median age, 62 years, range, 34-85; and median number of prior therapies, 4, range, 1-11). In cohorts A and C, dose escalation continued until the highest dose level-considered the MTD-was reached. In cohort B, dose escalation continued until dose level 3, and dose level 2 was considered the MTD. Rates of grade 3/4 adverse events were as follows: diarrhea, 8 %; fatigue, 4 %; neutropenia, 4 %; thrombocytopenia, 2 %; and skin rash, 2 %. Seventy-seven patients were evaluable for response. Partial response was noted in 5 (6.5 %) patients (neuroendocrine cancer, n = 2; CRC, n = 2; NSCLC, n = 1); and stable disease ≥ 6 months in 17 (22.1 %) patients (CRC, n = 13; breast, n = 1; neuroendocrine, n = 1; NSCLC, n = 1; pancreatic, n = 1). Conclusions HAI irinotecan in combination with bevacizumab; oxaliplatin plus bevacizumab; or cetuximab plus bevacizumab was safe and may be a treatment option for selected patients with advanced cancer and liver involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This trial evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and activity of volasertib, a selective Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor that induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis, combined with cisplatin or carboplatin in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors (NCT00969761; 1230.6). Methods Sequential patient cohorts (3 + 3 dose-escalation design) received a single infusion of volasertib (100-350 mg) with cisplatin (60-100 mg/m) or carboplatin (area under the concentration versus time curve [AUC]4-AUC6) on day 1 every 3 weeks for up to six cycles. Sixty-one patients received volasertib/cisplatin ( n = 30) or volasertib/carboplatin ( n = 31) for a median of 3.5 (range, 1-6) and 2.0 (range, 1-6) treatment cycles, respectively. Results The most common cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and fatigue. MTDs (based on cycle 1 DLTs) were determined to be volasertib 300 mg plus cisplatin 100 mg/m and volasertib 300 mg plus carboplatin AUC6. Co-administration did not affect the pharmacokinetics of each drug. Partial responses were observed in two patients in each arm. Stable disease was achieved in 11 and six patients treated with volasertib/cisplatin and volasertib/carboplatin, respectively. Conclusions Volasertib plus cisplatin or carboplatin at full single-agent doses was generally manageable and demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) have a poor prognosis when conventional therapies fail, they are often candidates for phase I trials. However, there is no detailed report on clinical outcomes of patients with AGC treated in phase I trials. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 66 consecutive patients with AGC enrolled in phase I trials between March 2008 and July 2014 at our institution in Japan. Results Median age was 66 years (range, 28-78 years) and median number of previous lines of conventional chemotherapy was 3 (range, 1-6). Five (8.6 %) and seven (12 %) patients showed objective response and stable disease >3 months, respectively. Although the time to treatment failure (TTF) of the best phase I treatment was shorter than that of the last line of conventional chemotherapy (median 1.5 vs. 2.3 months; P = 0.002), TTF of the best phase I treatment was longer than that of the last line of treatment in 21 patients (32 %). Severe adverse events and grade 3 or higher toxicities were reported in eight (12 %) and 13 patients (20 %), respectively. No treatment-related death was observed. Median survival time from the start of phase I treatment was 7.5 months, and four deaths (6 %) within 30 days after last administration were observed. Conclusion Phase I trials of patients with AGC was acceptably feasible with some efficacy signal. Our results suggest that phase I trials might be one treatment option for patients with AGC when conventional therapies fail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The folate receptor alpha is selectively over-expressed in a number of human cancers. BMS-753493 is a folate conjugate of the epothilone analog BMS-748285 that was designed to selectively target folate receptor expressing cancer cells. Methods BMS-753493 was investigated in two parallel multi-institutional first-in-human phase I/IIa studies in patients with advanced solid tumors. In Study 1, patients were treated on a schedule of once daily dosing of BMS-753493 administered on Days 1, 4, 8 and 11 every 21 days with a starting dose of 5 mg daily and in Study 2, patients were treated once daily on Days 1-4 every 21 days, with a starting dose of 2.5 mg daily. Results A total of 65 patients were treated across the two studies. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 26 mg in Study 1 and 15 mg in Study 2. Fatigue, transaminitis, gastrointestinal toxicity, and mucositis were dose-limiting toxicities. One patient in Study 2 developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome attributed to BMS-753493. Plasma exposures of both the conjugated and free epothilone increased in a dose related fashion in both studies and the half-life of the conjugated epothilone was 0.2-0.6 h across dose levels. No objective tumor responses were seen in either study. Conclusions BMS-753493 was generally tolerable and toxicities known to be associated with epothilone class of anticancer agents were common, although peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia appear to have been less frequent and less severe as compared to epothilones. Antitumor activity was not demonstrated and further development of BMS-753493 has been discontinued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This phase I study evaluated the safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of tivantinib combined with sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors. Materials and Methods A standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design was used. At the RP2D, expansion cohorts in 5 tumor types could be enrolled. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacodynamic analysis were performed. Results Eighty-seven patients received the study treatment. The combination had no unexpected toxicities. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) were rash (40 %), diarrhea (38 %), and anorexia (33 %). The RP2D was tivantinib 360 mg BID and sorafenib 400 mg BID for all cancer histologies, except in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients tivantinib was 240 mg BID plus sorafenib 400 mg BID. The overall response rate was 12 % in all patients, 26 % in melanoma, 15 % in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 10 % in HCC, and 0 % in other patients. Disease control rate (CR, PR and SD ≥8 weeks) was 58 % in all patients, 90 % in RCC, 65 % in HCC, 63 % in melanoma, 40 % in breast cancer, and 8 % in NSCLC patients. Conclusions The combination treatment could be administered at full standard single-agent doses in all patients except those with HCC, where tivantinib was lowered to 240 mg BID. Preliminary evidence of anticancer activity was observed in patients with RCC, HCC, and melanoma, including patients refractory to sorafenib and/or other anti-VEGF pathway therapies. The combination treatment has therapeutic potential in treating a variety of solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination of weekly temsirolimus and every other week vinorelbine in patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors. Methods: Patients were treated with intravenous temsirolimus on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and intravenous vinorelbine on days 1 and 15. Cycles were repeated every 28 days. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled in the study. Tumor types included lung (5), prostate (2), neuroendocrine of pancreas (1), bladder (2), uterus (3), cervix (4), and vagina (2). All patients had received prior chemotherapy. Four patients were enrolled to dose level I, nine to dose level II, and six to dose level III. Six patients were inevaluable and replaced. Fifty-seven total cycles were administered. There was 1 dose-limiting toxicity at level II (grade 3 anorexia/dehydration) and 2 at level III (grade 3 hypokalemia; grade 4 neutropenia). Two patients died at dose level III; one was study-related with grade 4 neutropenia. Grade 3/4 toxicities observed during the first cycle included neutropenia (2), anemia (1), anorexia (1), dehydration (1), hyperglycemia (1), hypertriglyceridemia (1), and hypokalemia (1). Best response included two patients (prostate and non-small cell lung cancer) with partial response and eight patients with stable disease with median duration of best response of 3.2 months. Conclusions: Temsirolimus 25 mg given days 1, 8, 15, and 22 in combination with vinorelbine 20 mg/m given days 1 and 15 every 4 weeks was found to be the MTD. This dose combination is considered feasible in phase II trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A first-in-human clinical trial of a fully human, Fc-engineered IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting integrin α5β1 was conducted to evaluate tolerability, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and preliminary anti-tumor activity. Methods: Escalating doses of PF-04605412 were given IV on day 1, 28 and every 2 weeks thereafter to patients with advanced solid tumors until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Sequential dose cohorts were evaluated based on a modified 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. The starting dose was 7.5 mg based on preclinical data. Results: Thirty-three patients were enrolled to six dose levels (7.5, 11.25, 16.9, 34, 68 and 136 mg). Twenty-three patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint (determination of the maximum tolerated dose). Five patients required permanent drug discontinuation due to acute infusion-related reactions, which occurred as grade 3 events in two patients. PK analysis indicated that the targeted drug exposure based on preclinical models was not achieved by the tolerated doses and PK modeling suggesting that doses at least fivefold higher would be necessary. No anti-tumor activity was observed. Conclusion: Based on the safety data, the risks associated with the likelihood of significant cytokine-mediated infusion reactions at higher doses, the projected high dose necessary to affect on the biological target and the lack of anti-tumor activity at the doses explored, the trial was prematurely terminated without determining a formal maximum tolerated dose. Further clinical development of PF-04605412 has been discontinued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phase I study was conducted to evaluate the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended phase II dose of bendamustine with concurrent whole brain radiation (WBR) in patients with brain metastases (BM) from solid tumors. Four doses of intravenous weekly bendamustine were administered with 3 weeks of WBR at three dose levels (60, 80, and 100 mg/m) according to a standard 3 + 3 phase I design. A total of 12 patients with solid tumor BM were enrolled in the study (six with non-small cell lung cancer, four with melanoma, one with breast cancer, and one with neuroendocrine carcinoma). The first two dose levels had three patients each, and the third dose level had six total patients. Plasma pharmacokinetic studies of bendamustine demonstrated no significant differences from pharmacokinetic characteristics of bendamustine in other studies. No DLTs were noted at any dose levels, and no grade 4 toxicities occurred. The MTD of weekly bendamustine with concurrent WBR was 100 mg/m. The majority of trial patients died from progressive systemic disease rather than their brain disease. The combination of weekly bendamustine with concurrent WBR was acceptably tolerated. The efficacy of this combination may be evaluated in a phase II trial with stratification by histologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Preclinical data have shown that lenalidomide and sorafenib target endothelial cells, inhibiting growth of ocular melanoma cells in a xenograft model. We conducted a Phase I study of lenalidomide and sorafenib in patients with advanced cancer. Methods During the escalation phase, lenalidomide (days 1-21) and sorafenib (days 1-28) were given orally once daily at the following respective doses: level 1 (10 mg, 200 mg); level 2 (10 mg, 400 mg); level 3 (20 mg, 400 mg); and level 4 (25 mg, 400 mg) (1 cycle = 28 days). A '3 + 3' study design was used. Results Forty-one patients were treated (median age: 50 years). The most common diagnoses were adenoid cystic carcinoma ( N = 9), ovarian adenocarcinoma ( N = 7), and melanoma ( N = 6); 142 cycles (median: 3) were administered. No dose-limiting toxicities were noted. The maximum tested dose (dose level 4) was used in the expansion phase. Grade 3-4 treatment-related toxicities were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, skin rash, and thromboembolism. Of 38 patients who were evaluable for response, stable disease (SD) was noted in 53 % of patients (SD ≥6 months: 16 %). Tumor types with SD ≥ 6 months were as follows: ocular melanoma, 2/2 (100 %); other melanoma, 1/4 (25 %); adenoid cystic carcinoma, 2/9 (22 %); and ovarian cancer, 1/6 (17 %). The median progression-free survival duration was 3.5 months (95 % CI, 1.9-5.0), and the median overall survival duration was 12.3 months (95 % CI, 10.1-14.5). Conclusions Lenalidomide and sorafenib was well tolerated and associated with disease stabilization for ≥6 months in patients with melanoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and ovarian adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: N1, N11-diethylnorspermine (DENSPM), a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring polyamine spermine, can induce polyamine depletion and inhibit tumor cell growth. The objectives of this phase I study were to assess the safety, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of DENSPM in advanced HCC. Methods: Patients with measurable advanced HCC, Child-Pugh A or B cirrhosis, CLIP score ≤3, and Karnofsky score ≥60 % were eligible. DENSPM was given as a short intravenous infusion on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12 of each 28-day cycle. The starting dose of 30 mg/m 2 was escalated at a fixed increment of 15 mg/m 2 until the MTD was identified. The plasma pharmacokinetics of DENSPM for the first and last doses given in cycle 1 was characterized. Results: Thirty-eight patients (male 79 %; median age 61 years; Child-Pugh A 84 %; ≥1 prior systemic therapy 45 %) were enrolled and treated. The most common adverse events (AEs) ≥grade 1 were fatigue (53 %), nausea (34 %), diarrhea (32 %), vomiting (32 %), anemia (29 %), and elevated AST (29 %). The most common grade 3–4 AEs were fatigue/asthenia (13 %), elevated AST (13 %), hyperbilirubinemia (11 %), renal failure (8 %), and hyperglycemia (8 %). The MTD was 75 mg/m 2. There were no objective responses, although 7/38 (18 %) patients achieved stable disease for ≥16 weeks. The overall mean (±SD) total body clearance for the initial dose, 66.3 ± 35.9 L/h/m 2 ( n = 16), was comparable to the clearance in patients with normal to near normal hepatic function. Drug levels in plasma decayed rapidly immediately after the infusion but remained above 10 nM for several days after dosing at the MTD. Conclusions: N1, N11-diethylnorspermine treatment at the MTD of 75 mg/m 2, given intravenously every other weekday for two consecutive weeks of each 28-day cycle, was relatively well tolerated in patients with advanced HCC including those with mild-to-moderate liver dysfunction. This administration schedule provided prolonged systemic exposure to potentially effective concentrations of the drug. Stable disease was seen in 18 % of patients receiving DENSPM treatment. Further evaluation of DENSPM monotherapy for advanced HCC does not appear to be justified because of insufficient evidence of clinical benefit in the patients evaluated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background PLD is a standard treatment in patients with recurrent platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer. Vandetanib is an oral once daily administered inhibitor of VEGFR-, EGFR- and RET-signaling with activity in combination with chemotherapy in some solid tumours. We aimed to establish a feasible combination therapy of PLD and vandetanib in ovarian cancer. Methods Eligible patients were treated with PLD 50 mg/m q28 and vandetanib 100 mg/d po. It was planned to recruit at least 10 patients evaluable for toxicity over 2 treatment cycles. Primary endpoints were tolerability and safety; secondary endpoint was efficacy. Results Fourteen of 15 registered patients started treatment and were evaluable for toxicity. Three patients (21 %) stopped after first cycle (PD, withdrawal of consent, nausea/vomiting). The remaining 11 patients were treated for at least 2 cycles. Dose reductions of PLD and vandetanib were indicated in 4 (29 %) and 5 patients (36 %), respectively. The following G3/4 toxicities occurred per patient: 2 (14 %) elevated liver enzymes G3, 2 (14 %) neutropenia G3/4, 5 (36 %) PPE G3/4, 2 (14 %) mucositis G3. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor attributed side effects like hypertension or bowel perforations were not reported. Toxicity led to cessation of treatment in 4 patients (29 %). Ten patients were evaluable for response: PR 1, SD 4. The median PFS was 6.7 months and median OS was 11.1 months. Conclusions The combination of PLD 50 mg/mq28 and vandetanib 100 mg/d is feasible, but may be intolerable due to reported toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic drug, and temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, have synergistic anti-cancer effects in preclinical models. We conducted a phase I study of the combination in patients with advanced cancers. Patients and methods A '3 + 3' study design was used. During the escalation phase, lenalidomide (orally, days 1-21) and temsirolimus (intravenously, once a week) were given at the following respective doses: level 1 (10 mg, 15 mg); level 2 (10 mg, 20 mg); level 3 (20 mg, 20 mg); and level 4 (20 mg, 25 mg) (1 cycle = 28 days). The maximum tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicity, and response were assessed. Results Forty-three patients were treated (median age: 58 years (range, 21-80); male/female: 26/17). The most common diagnoses were colorectal cancer ( N = 5), sarcoma ( N = 5), neuroendocrine carcinoma ( N = 4) and adenoid cystic carcinoma ( N = 4). Overall, 121 cycles (median: 2) were administered. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The maximum tested dose (dose level 4) was used in the expansion phase. Grade 3-4 treatment-related hematologic toxicities (all reversible) were seen in 19 (72 %) patients and included neutropenia ( N = 12), thrombocytopenia ( N = 6), and infection ( N = 1). Grade 3 hyperglycemia and Grade 3 hypertriglyceridemia were noted in 21 % and 20 % of patients, respectively. Of 43 patients, 30 (70 %) received prophylactic anticoagulation. There were no thrombotic events. Response was evaluable in 40 patients: one (2.5 %) patient had a partial response and 19 (48 %) had stable disease (SD), with SD ≥ 6 months in 6 (15 %) patients. Tumor types with SD ≥ 6 months were soft tissue sarcoma (2/5; 40 %), adenoid cystic carcinoma (1/4; 25 %), parotid adenocarcinoma (1/2; 50 %), adrenocortical carcinoma (1/3; 33 %), and neuroendocrine carcinoma (1/4; 25 %). The median progression-free survival duration was 2.2 months (95 % CI, 1.5-2.9), and the median overall survival duration was 7.8 months (95 % CI, 5.1-10.6). Conclusions Lenalidomide and temsirolimus combination therapy was well tolerated and associated with clinical benefit in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, parotid carcinoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activities of famitinib (famitinib l-malate), a novel oral multitargeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, stem cell factor receptor (c-kit), FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 receptor and protooncogene tyrosine kinase receptor in patients with advanced solid cancer. Methods: Patients received once daily oral famitinib. Doses were increased from 4 to 8, 13, 20, 27, 24, 25 and eventually 30 mg. Each cycle was defined as 28 days. The pharmacokinetic profile and various biomarkers were evaluated during the first cycle. Antitumor efficacy was evaluated every 8 weeks. Results: Fifty-four patients were evaluable for safety and efficacy. Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 2 of 3 patients at 30 mg. The dose-limiting toxicities observed in the first cycle of famitinib treatment included hypertension, hand-foot skin reaction and diarrhea. Grade 3 hypertriglyceridemia/hypercholesterolemia and proteinuria were notable side effects in the subsequent treatment cycles. Other common side effects included bone marrow suppression, oral mucositis, fatigue, pain, elevated transaminase or bilirubin, peripheral sensory disturbance and hypothyroidism, most of which were mild to moderate in severity. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed no significant accumulation of famitinib or its major metabolite, M3. The half-lives of famitinib and M3 were approximately 28.7-33.8 and 41.3-47.7 h, respectively. Food demonstrated a minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of famitinib. Eight partial responses were determined, including 6 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 1 case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and 1 case of alveolar soft part sarcoma. Fourteen patients demonstrated stable disease with various degrees of tumor shrinkage. Conclusions: Famitinib is generally well tolerated. Famitinib demonstrates a wide spectrum of antitumor activities, which warrants further study in renal cell carcinoma, GIST, hepatocellular carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma. The recommended dose for future phase II clinical trials is 25 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: RO5126766, a highly selective dual Raf and MEK inhibitor, is a first-in-class tandem mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway inhibitor. The objectives of this phase I study were to determine maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and anti-tumor activity of RO5126766 in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Patients received a single oral dose of RO5126766 (0.8, 1.2, 1.8, or 2.25 mg) followed by continuous once-daily dosing at the same dosage in 28-day cycles. A 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used. PD was evaluated by pMEK and pERK inhibition in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results: A total of 12 patients were enrolled in cohorts of 0.8, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.25 mg/day. In the dose range tested, no dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and therefore, MTD was not defined. Main adverse events included acneiform dermatitis, creatine phosphokinase elevation, and ocular disorders. The plasma exposure of RO5126766 appeared to increase in a dose-proportional manner with a long plasma half-life ( t) of 45.8-93.7 h. Following multiple dose administration, a steady-state condition was reached by Cycle 1 Day 8 (240 h). The inhibitory effects of RO5126766 on both pERK and pMEK in PBMCs increased in a dose-dependent manner. Five out of 12 patients achieved stable diseases, including a melanoma case with over 20 % shrinkage. Conclusions: RO5126766 has a manageable safety profile up to 2.25 mg/day once daily with a favorable PK/PD profile in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Preclinical studies in human melanoma cell lines and murine xenograft tumor models suggest that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib enhances the activity of the cytotoxic agent dacarbazine. We performed a phase I trial of bortezomib and dacarbazine in melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation tumors. The primary objective was to identify recommended phase II doses for the combination. Experimental design Bortezomib and dacarbazine were both administered intravenously once weekly. All patients received prophylactic antiemetics. Dose escalation proceeded using a standard 3 + 3 design. Response was assessed according to NCI RECIST v1.0. Results Twenty eight patients were enrolled to six dose levels. Bortezomib 1.6 mg/m and dacarbazine 580 mg/m are the recommended phase II weekly doses. The combination was generally well tolerated. Among 15 patients with melanoma there was one durable complete response in a patient with an exon-11 cKIT mutation, and one partial response. Among 12 patients with soft tissue sarcoma there was one partial response. Conclusions Bortezomib 1.6 mg/m and dacarbazine 580 mg/m administered intravenously once weekly is well tolerated and has at least minimal activity in melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Obese women with breast cancer have worse prognosis than women with normal body mass index. Endocrine therapy resistance is in part mediated by insulin resistance in obese women with breast cancer. We investigated the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of exemestane in combination with metformin and rosiglitazone in nondiabetic overweight and obese postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Patients had previously received chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Exemestane was given as 25 mg orally per day. Metformin (M) and rosiglitazone (R) were given twice daily. Dose level 1 consisted of M 1,500 mg/day and R 6 mg/day. Dose level 2 consisted of M 2,000 mg/day and R 8 mg/day. Plasma concentrations of exemestane were measured on days 1, 8, and 15. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled. Fourteen patients received exemestane, metformin, and rosiglitazone. Six patients received exemestane with metformin only (2,000 mg/day). Both regimens were well tolerated at the highest doses tested, and there were no notable changes in plasma exemestane levels. Six patients (30 %) had stable disease for 6 months or longer. Conclusions: Oral daily administration of exemestane (25 mg) and metformin (2,000 mg) with and without rosiglitazone (8 mg) daily was well tolerated. Exemestane pharmacokinetics were not altered by metformin and rosiglitazone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: BMS-690514 is a novel oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of ErbB and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. This open-label phase I dose-escalation study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00516451) aimed to assess the safety, preliminary efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of BMS-690514 in Japanese patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Methods: Patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors received oral BMS-690514 once daily continuously until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurred. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was evaluated from the first dose to Day 29. Dose levels at 100 and 200 mg were investigated. Assessments included adverse events, tumor response, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, 2 [18F] fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron-emitting tomography, and epidermal growth factor receptor and K-ras mutations. Results: BMS-690514 at the dose of 100 mg ( n = 3) or 200 mg ( n = 3) was administered once daily to totally nine patients and was well tolerated up to 200 mg. No treatment-related serious adverse events or DLTs were reported. Frequently observed treatment-related AEs were acne, diarrhea, dry skin, hypertension, stomatitis, blood fibrinogen increased, hemoglobin decreased, pruritus, and hypoalbuminemia. These were generally reported as Grade 1 and 2. Five of 9 patients (56 %) had stable disease. Plasma concentrations of BMS-690514 reached Cmax within 3 h and declined with an effective half-life of approximately 10 and 12 h at 100 and 200 mg, respectively. Conclusions: Oral BMS-690514 was well tolerated in Japanese patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors up to 200 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 3-Aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP) is a novel small-molecule ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. This study was designed to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and oral bioavailability of 3-AP in patients with advanced-stage solid tumors. Methods: Twenty patients received one dose of intravenous and subsequent cycles of oral 3-AP following a 3 + 3 patient dose escalation. Intravenous 3-AP was administered to every patient at a fixed dose of 100 mg over a 2-h infusion 1 week prior to the first oral cycle. Oral 3-AP was administered every 12 h for 5 consecutive doses on days 1-3, days 8-10, and days 15-17 of every 28-day cycle. 3-AP was started at 50 mg with a planned dose escalation to 100, 150, and 200 mg. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) and bioavailability were evaluated. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled. For dose level 1 (50 mg), the second of three treated patients had a DLT of grade 3 hypertension. In the dose level 1 expansion cohort, three patients had no DLTs. No further DLTs were encountered during escalation until the 200-mg dose was reached. At the 200 mg 3-AP dose level, two treated patients had DLTs of grade 3 hypoxia. One additional DLT of grade 4 febrile neutropenia was subsequently observed at the de-escalated 150 mg dose. One DLT in 6 evaluable patients established the MTD as 150 mg per dose on this dosing schedule. Responses in the form of stable disease occurred in 5 (25%) of 20 patients. The oral bioavailability of 3-AP was 67 ± 29% and was consistent with the finding that the MTD by the oral route was 33% higher than by the intravenous route. Conclusions: Oral 3-AP is well tolerated and has an MTD similar to its intravenous form after accounting for the oral bioavailability. Oral 3-AP is associated with a modest clinical benefit rate of 25% in our treated patient population with advanced solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib, has the potential to indirectly inhibit DNA repair. This mechanism of action has been shown to mediate sensitization to chlorambucil in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). To evaluate this effect in vivo, we performed a phase I study of chlorambucil combined with imatinib in relapsed CLL patients. Methods: The three dose levels studied included imatinib at 300, 400, or 600 mg/day. Imatinib was given on days 1-10, and chlorambucil (8 mg/m daily) was given on days 3-7 of a 28-day cycle (up to 6 cycles). Results: Eleven patients participated in this study. Low-grade gastrointestinal toxicities were observed in a dose-dependent manner. Forty-five percent of patients responded (two unconfirmed CRs and three PRs). Two responding patients were fludarabine refractory. The in vitro IC of chlorambucil alone or in the presence of 5 μM imatinib in CLL lymphocytes correlated with the decrease in lymphocyte counts on day 15. Imatinib plasma concentrations achieved in patients were in the range of those effective in in vitro sensitization studies. Conclusion: The combination of chlorambucil and imatinib in patients with previously treated CLL was well tolerated and showed evidence of clinical efficacy. Based on our results, we recommend the 400 mg daily dose of imatinib on days 1-10 with 8 mg/m chlorambucil on days 3-7 every 28 days as the phase II dose. This represents the first clinical trial examining the potential synergy between a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a conventional alkylating agent for the treatment of CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The survival of patients with liver metastases from solid tumors is poor. We conducted a phase I study of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) paclitaxel in patients with advanced cancer and predominant liver involvement. Methods: Patients were treated with HAI paclitaxel 150-275 mg/m (and 15,000 IU heparin intraarterially) every 28 days. A '3 + 3' study design was used. Results: Twenty-six patients were treated (median age, 59 years). Diagnoses were colorectal cancer ( n = 10), breast cancer ( n = 7), and other ( n = 9). The median number of prior therapies was four (range, 0-10). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was HAI paclitaxel 225 mg/m. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included Grade 3 neuropathy (1 of 5 patients) at HAI paclitaxel 275 mg/m and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and Grade 3 mucositis (1 of 4 patients) at 250 mg/m. None of the eight patients treated with HAI paclitaxel 225 mg/m experienced a DLT. The most common toxicities were nausea and peripheral neuropathy. Of 22 patients evaluable for response, 3 (13.6%) patients had SD for ≥4 months (colorectal cancer, n = 1; thyroid cancer, n = 1; and hepatocellular carcinoma, n = 1; duration of response was 4 months, 7.1 months, and 22.2+ months, respectively). Conclusion: The MTD of HAI paclitaxel was 225 mg/m. This regimen was well tolerated and had antitumor activity in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This phase I study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and to determine the recommended doses of the combination therapy of S-1 and irinotecan (CPT-11) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as second-line treatment. Methods: Patients with NSCLC who were previously treated with one chemotherapy regimen and had a performance status of 0 or 1 were eligible. CPT-11 was administered at 60 mg/m (level 1), 80 mg/m (level 2) on days 1 and 8, and oral S-1 was administered at 80 mg/day for body surface area (BSA) less than 1.25 m, 100 mg/day for BSA 1.25-1.5 m, and 120 mg/day for BSA more than 1.5 m on days 1-14 every 3 weeks. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 leukocytopenia or neutropenia, grade ≥3 neutropenia with fever over 38°C, grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, or grade ≥3 major nonhematological toxicities. Results: Nine patients were enrolled in the study. None of 3 patients enrolled in level 1 had any DLT. Of 6 patients in level 2, 2 patients had grade 3 diarrhea and one had grade 3 interstitial pneumonia. Level 1 was declared as the recommended dose. Conclusion: The feasibility of the combination therapy of S-1 and CPT-11 was shown in the second-line setting for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. The recommended dose of CPT-11 was 60 mg/m combined with standard dose of S-1 for phase II trials of pretreated advanced NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We conducted a phase I study of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) cisplatin and systemic chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer and dominant liver involvement. Methods: Patients were treated with HAI cisplatin 100-125 mg/m (and 3,000 IU heparin) intraarterially and liposomal doxorubicin (doxil) 20-35 mg/m IV (day 1) every 28 days. A '3 + 3' study design was used. Results: Thirty patients were treated (median age, 56 years). Diagnoses were breast cancer ( n = 11), colorectal cancer ( n = 8), ocular melanoma ( n = 4), and other ( n = 7). The median number of prior therapies was 5. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was at the 100/35 mg/m level. Dose-limiting toxicities were Grade 4 neutropenia (2 of 4 patients), and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia ( n = 1) at the cisplatin 125 mg/m and systemic doxil 35 mg/m dose level. The most common toxicities were nausea/vomiting and fatigue. Of 24 patients evaluable for response, 4 (17%) had a partial response (PR) and 7 (29%) had stable disease (SD) for ≥4 months. Of the 11 patients with breast cancer, 3 (27%) had a PR and 5 (45%) had SD for ≥4 months. Of 4 patients with ocular melanoma, 1 had a PR and 1 SD for 4 months. One patient with hepatocellular carcinoma had SD for 4 months. Of 12 evaluable patients treated at the MTD, 2 (17%) had a PR and 5 (42%) had SD. Conclusion: The MTD was HAI cisplatin 100 mg/m and systemic doxil 35 mg/m. This regimen demonstrated antitumor activity, especially in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene transfer for the treatment of erectile dysfunction has completed phase 1 safety testing and has shown the necessary safety to proceed to the next level of clinical trial. This review focuses on the background of the components of that have led to US Food and Drug Administration acceptance of human gene transfer trials for nonlethal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]