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Summary Background Pancreatic cancer statistics are dismal, with a 5-year survival of less than 10%, and more than 50% of patients presenting with metastatic disease. Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. CPI-613 is a novel anticancer agent that selectively targets the altered form of mitochondrial energy metabolism in tumour cells, causing changes in mitochondrial enzyme activities and redox status that lead to apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy of tumour cells. We aimed to establish the maximum tolerated dose of CPI-613 when used in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy (comprising oxaliplatin, leucovorin, irinotecan, and fluorouracil) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods In this single-centre, open-label, dose-escalation phase 1 trial, we recruited adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma from the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem, NC, USA). Patients had good bone marrow, liver and kidney function, and good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] performance status 0–1). We studied CPI-613 in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin at 65 mg/m 2 , leucovorin at 400 mg/m 2 , irinotecan at 140 mg/m 2 , and fluorouracil 400 mg/m 2 bolus followed by 2400 mg/m 2 over 46 h). We applied a two-stage dose-escalation scheme (single patient and traditional 3+3 design). In the single-patient stage, one patient was accrued per dose level. The starting dose of CPI-613 was 500 mg/m 2 per day; the dose level was then escalated by doubling the previous dose if there were no adverse events worse than grade 2 within 4 weeks attributed as probably or definitely related to CPI-613. The traditional 3+3 dose-escalation stage was triggered if toxic effects attributed as probably or definitely related to CPI-613 were grade 2 or worse. The dose level for CPI-613 for the first cohort in the traditional dose-escalation stage was the same as that used in the last cohort of the single-patient dose-escalation stage. The primary objective was to establish the maximum tolerated dose of CPI-613 (as assessed by dose-limiting toxicities). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01835041, and is closed to recruitment. Findings Between April 22, 2013, and Jan 8, 2016, we enrolled 20 patients. The maximum tolerated dose of CPI-613 was 500 mg/m 2 . The median number of treatment cycles given at the maximum tolerated dose was 11 (IQR 4–19). Median follow-up of the 18 patients treated at the maximum tolerated dose was 378 days (IQR 250–602). Two patients enrolled at a higher dose of 1000 mg/m 2 , and both had a dose-limiting toxicity. Two unexpected serious adverse events occurred, both for the first patient enrolled. Expected serious adverse events were: thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and lymphopenia (all for patient number 2; anaemia and lymphopenia were dose-limiting toxicities); hyperglycaemia (in patient number 7); hypokalaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and sepsis (patient number 11); and neutropenia (patient number 20). No deaths due to adverse events were reported. For the 18 patients given the maximum tolerated dose, the most common grade 3–4 non-haematological adverse events were hyperglycaemia (ten [55%] patients), hypokalaemia (six [33%]), peripheral sensory neuropathy (five [28%]), diarrhoea (five [28%]), and abdominal pain (four [22%]). The most common grade 3–4 haematological adverse events were neutropenia (five [28%] of 18 patients), lymphopenia (five [28%]), anaemia (four [22%], and thrombocytopenia in three [17%]). Sensory neuropathy (all grade 1–3) was recorded in 17 (94%) of the 18 patients and was managed with dose de-escalation or discontinuation per standard of care. No patients died while on active treatment; 11 study participants died, with cause of death as terminal pancreatic cancer. Of the 18 patients given the maximum tolerated dose, 11 (61%) achieved an objective (complete or partial) response. Interpretation A maximum tolerated dose of CPI-613 was established at 500 mg/m 2 when used in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The findings of clinical activity will require validation in a phase 2 trial. Funding Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

e15661 Background: Biliary duct carcinoma is a rare but highly fatal malignancy. The five-year survival rate for advanced bile duct cancer is 2%, per SEER data. As such, new treatment options are desperately needed. CPI-613, a novel anticancer agent that selectively inhibits mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells, was employed in this study. Methods: This phase 1 study utilized a two-stage dose-escalation schema to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and safety of single agent CPI-613 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic bile duct cancers. The 1st cohort enrolled 4 patients at 2300 mg/m2, with no dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) observed. The 2nd cohort enrolled patients at 1200 mg/m2/day for pre-cycle (days 1-5) and 3000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 4 weekly for 3 weeks (28 day cycle). The 5th and 6th patient experienced a DLT. The 3rd cohort was initiated at 600 mg/m2 pre-cycle and 3000 mg/m2 weekly with no other DLTs observed. Results: To-date, 14 patients have been enrolled in the study. The MTD was determined at 600 mg/m2/day pre-cycle and 3000 mg/m2 as per schedule. Once the MTD was determined, the cohort was expanded and, 8 patients have been treated at the MTD with no DLTs observed. Two additional patients are planned to be enrolled at this dose prior to trial completion. Of these 8 patients, 3 are still alive with 1 having prolonged survival (15 months) and the other 2 still on treatment. The most commonly observed toxicities were mild, such as anemia, anorexia, dehydration, fatigue, nausea and thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: Treatment with CPI-613 was well tolerated by patients with heavy tumor burden and refractory disease. CPI-613 has recently been shown to be well tolerated in combination with FOLFIRINOX in pancreatic cancer patients. Due to the low toxicity of CPI-613 in this study, even among highly symptomatic patients, it is anticipated that combination with other active agents is feasible in patients with advanced bile duct cancer. CPI-613 represents a novel treatment that could prove to be an exciting therapeutic alternative for patients with previously limited options and poor survival. Clinical trial information: NCT01766219.

264 Background: Stage IV pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with limited treatment options. Current standard practice is combination chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine + Abraxane. Despite these two new treatment options, the response rate and survival are limited in stage IV pancreatic cancer. The glycolic and mitochondrial metabolisms are aberrant in pancreatic cancer and translate into chemo-resistance. Inhibition of glutamine metabolism can potentially synergize with therapies that increase intracellular reactive oxygen species such as chemotherapy. CPI -613 is a novel anti-mitochondrial developed by Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals. Methods: A phase I clinical trial with mFOLFIRINOX+ CPI-613 in never treated for stage IV pancreatic cancer patients was initiated. The goals of this phase 1trial are: (1) To determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) of CPI-613, when used in combination with mFOLFIRINOX, in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, (2) To assess the safety of CPI-613/ mFOLFIRINOX combination in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and (3) To obtain preliminary data on efficacy of treatment with CPI-613/ mFOLFIRINOX Results: The MTD for CPI 613 was identified at 500mg/m2. The treatment combination is feasible and well-tolerated. The combination treatment was not found to have higher toxicity than FOLFIRINOX alone. The objective response rate was 53.9 % which is higher than FOLFIRINOX alone (reported as 31.6%). One patient has a complete radiologic and clinical response and two other patients have near complete responses. Conclusions: The preliminary efficacy data of this phase I clinical trial will inform a multi-institutional randomized phase II study of FOLFIRINOX vs. m FOLFIRINOX+ CPI613 in the near future. Clinical trial information: NCT01835041.