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Purpose In RELAY, ramucirumab plus erlotinib (RAM + ERL) improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with untreated, metastatic, EGFR-mutated, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we present the exposure–response relationship of RAM from RELAY. Methods Patients received ERL (150 mg/day) with either RAM (10 mg/kg) or placebo (PBO + ERL) every 2 weeks (Q2W). A population pharmacokinetic model predicted RAM minimum concentration after first dose (Cmin,1), and at steady state (Cmin,ss), which were used to evaluate correlation between RAM exposure and efficacy and safety. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analyses were utilized to evaluate exposure–efficacy by Cmin,1 quartile. Exposure–safety was evaluated by assessing incidence rates for safety parameters by Cmin,ss quartile, with ordered categorical analysis used for ALT/AST only. Results Analyses included 216 patients treated with RAM + ERL and 225 patients treated with PBO + ERL. Adjusting for significant baseline covariates, no exposure–efficacy relationship was identified in RELAY: PFS hazard ratio (mean, 95% confidence intervals) for the Cmin,1 quartiles were 0.67 (0.45–0.99), 0.77 (0.53–1.12), 0.57 (0.38–0.84), and 0.50 (0.33–0.76). No apparent exposure–safety relationship was observed for selected safety endpoints, including Grade ≥ 3 hypertension, diarrhea, and dermatitis acneiform, and any grade hypertension, any grade and Grade ≥ 3 proteinuria, and any grade ALT/AST increased within liver failure/liver injury. Conclusions No association was observed between RAM exposure and response, suggesting that the RELAY regimen of RAM 10 mg/kg Q2W with ERL is an optimized, efficacious, and safe first-line treatment for patients with untreated, metastatic, EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02411448.

Purpose: Ramucirumab is an effective treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) and baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/mL. We aimed to identify prognostic and predictive factors of response to ramucirumab in patients with aHCC with AFP ≥400 ng/mL from the phase III REACH and REACH-2 randomized trials. Patients and Methods: Patients with aHCC, Child-Pugh class A with prior sorafenib treatment were randomized in REACH and REACH-2 (ramucirumab 8 mg/kg or placebo, biweekly). Meta-analysis of individual patient-level data (pooled population) from REACH (AFP ≥400 ng/mL) and REACH-2 was performed. A drug exposure analysis was conducted for those with evaluable pharmacokinetic data. To identify potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. To define predictors of ramucirumab benefit, subgroup-by-treatment interaction terms were evaluated. Results: Of 542 patients (316 ramucirumab, 226 placebo) analyzed, eight variables had independent prognostic value associated with poor outcome (geographical region, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score ≥1, AFP >1,000 ng/mL, Child-Pugh >A5, extrahepatic spread, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase). Ramucirumab survival benefit was present across all subgroups, including patients with very aggressive HCC [above median AFP; HR: 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49–0.84] and nonviral aHCC (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40–0.79). While no baseline factor was predictive of a differential OS benefit with ramucirumab, analyses demonstrated an association between high drug exposure, treatment-emergent hypertension (grade ≥3), and increased ramucirumab benefit. Conclusions: Ramucirumab provided a survival benefit irrespective of baseline prognostic covariates, and this benefit was greatest in patients with high ramucirumab drug exposure and/or those with treatment-related hypertension.

Supplementary Table from Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Patients with Advanced HCC and Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Treated with Ramucirumab in Two Randomized Phase III Trials

Figures S1 to S4

Purpose: Enhanced tumor cell survival through expression of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) is a hallmark of cancer. Survivin, an IAP absent from most normal tissues, is overexpressed in many malignancies and associated with a poorer prognosis. We report the first-in-human dose study of LY2181308, a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) directed against survivin mRNA.Patients and Methods: A dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of LY2181308 administered intravenously for 3 hours as a loading dose on 3 consecutive days and followed by weekly maintenance doses. Patients were eligible after signing informed consent, had exhausted approved anticancer therapies and agreed to undergo pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies to evaluate reduction of survivin protein and gene expression.Results: A total of 40 patients were treated with LY2181308 at doses of 100 to 1,000 mg. Twenty-six patients were evaluated at the recommended phase 2 dose of 750 mg, at which level serial tumor sampling and [11C]LY2183108 PET (positron emission tomography) imaging demonstrated that ASO accumulated within tumor tissue, reduced survivin gene and protein expression by 20% and restored apoptotic signaling in tumor cells in vivo. Pharmacokinetics were consistent with preclinical modeling, exhibiting rapid tissue distribution, and terminal half-life of 31 days.Conclusions: The tumor-specific, molecularly targeted effects demonstrated by this ASO in man underpin confirmatory studies evaluating its therapeutic efficacy in cancer.

Purpose: The PI3K/mTOR pathway is frequently aberrated in cancer. LY3023414 is a potent and selective ATP-competitive inhibitor of class I PI3K isoforms, mTOR, and DNA-PK. Here we report the dose-escalation results of the first-in-human phase I study of LY3023414.Patients and Methods: A 3+3 dose escalation for once-daily and twice-daily oral dosing of LY3023414 was followed by an expansion cohort for CYP3A4 drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Additional objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity.Results: Forty-seven patients with solid tumors received LY3023414 at once-daily (20–450 mg) or twice-daily dosing (150–250 mg). Dose-limiting toxicities were observed at 450 mg once-daily (thrombocytopenia, hypotension, hyperkalemia) in three of three patients, 250-mg twice-daily dosing (hypophosphatemia, fatigue, mucositis) in three of four patients, and in one of 15 patients at 200 mg twice-daily (nausea). Common related AEs included nausea (38%), fatigue (34%), and vomiting (32%) and were mostly mild or moderate. LY3023414 pharmacokinetics demonstrated dose-dependent increase in exposure with ≥ 90% target inhibition at doses ≥150 mg. DDI analysis demonstrated LY3023414 to be a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4. Durable partial response was observed in a patient with endometrial cancer harboring PIK3R1 and PTEN truncating mutations, and 13 additional patients (28%) had a decrease in their target lesions by up to 30%.Conclusions: LY3023414 has a tolerable safety profile and single-agent activity in patients with advanced cancers. The RP2D of LY3023414 monotherapy is 200 mg twice daily based on safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3253–62. ©2018 AACR.

Supplementary Figure from Phase Ib/II Study of Enzalutamide with Samotolisib (LY3023414) or Placebo in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

CCR Translation for This Article from A Phase 1 Dose Escalation, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of eIF-4E Antisense Oligonucleotide LY2275796 in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Supplemental Figures: S1-S4

Supplementary Figure from Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Patients with Advanced HCC and Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Treated with Ramucirumab in Two Randomized Phase III Trials

Purpose:To report efficacy and safety of samotolisib (LY3023414; PI3K/mTOR dual kinase and DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor) plus enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following cancer progression on abiraterone.Patients and Methods:In this double-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ib/II study (NCT02407054), following a lead-in segment for evaluating safety and pharmacokinetics of samotolisib and enzalutamide combination, patients with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer with progression on prior abiraterone were randomized to receive enzalutamide (160 mg daily)/samotolisib (200 mg twice daily) or placebo. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group criteria (PCWG2). Secondary and exploratory endpoints included radiographic PFS (rPFS) and biomarkers, respectively. Log-rank tests assessed treatment group differences.Results:Overall, 13 and 129 patients were enrolled in phase Ib and II, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicity was not reported in patients during phase Ib and mean samotolisib exposures remained in the targeted range despite a 35% decrease when administered with enzalutamide. In phase II, median PCWG2-PFS and rPFS was significantly longer in the samotolisib/enzalutamide versus placebo/enzalutamide arm (3.8 vs. 2.8 months; P = 0.003 and 10.2 vs. 5.5 months; P = 0.03), respectively. Patients without androgen receptor splice variant 7 showed a significant and clinically meaningful rPFS benefit in the samotolisib/enzalutamide versus placebo/enzalutamide arm (13.2 months vs. 5.3 months; P = 0.03).Conclusions:Samotolisib/enzalutamide has tolerable side effects and significantly improved PFS in patients with mCRPC with cancer progression on abiraterone, and this may be enriched in patients with PTEN intact and no androgen receptor splice variant 7.

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Supplementary Figures S1-S2.

Purpose: The antisense oligonucleotide LY2275796 blocks expression of cap-binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF-4E), an mRNA translation regulator upregulated in tumors. This phase I study sought an appropriate LY2275796 dose in patients with advanced tumors.Experimental Design: A 3-day loading dose, then weekly maintenance doses, were given to 1 to 3 patient cohorts, beginning with 100 mg and escalating. Plasma samples were collected to determine LY2275796 concentrations and tumor biopsies to quantify eIF-4E mRNA/protein.Results: Thirty patients with stage 4 disease received 1 or more LY2275796 dose. A dose-limiting toxicity was observed at 1,200 mg, with 1,000 mg the maximum-tolerated dose. Across all dose levels, most patients (87%) had only grade 1 to 2 toxicities. LY2275796 pharmacokinetics supported the dosing regimen. Comparison of pre- and postdose biopsies showed eIF-4E decreased in most patients. Fifteen patients had progressive disease, and 7 patients achieved stable disease (minimum of 6 weeks) as best response, with 2 patients on therapy for more than 3 months (one with melanoma, one with cystadenocarcinoma of the head/neck).Conclusions: LY2275796 was well tolerated up to 1,000 mg. Because tumor eIF-4E expression was decreased, but no tumor response observed, LY2275796 should be studied combined with other treatment modalities. Clin Cancer Res; 17(20); 6582–91. ©2011 AACR.

Purpose:Ramucirumab is an effective treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) and baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/mL. We aimed to identify prognostic and predictive factors of response to ramucirumab in patients with aHCC with AFP ≥400 ng/mL from the phase III REACH and REACH-2 randomized trials.Patients and Methods:Patients with aHCC, Child-Pugh class A with prior sorafenib treatment were randomized in REACH and REACH-2 (ramucirumab 8 mg/kg or placebo, biweekly). Meta-analysis of individual patient-level data (pooled population) from REACH (AFP ≥400 ng/mL) and REACH-2 was performed. A drug exposure analysis was conducted for those with evaluable pharmacokinetic data. To identify potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. To define predictors of ramucirumab benefit, subgroup-by-treatment interaction terms were evaluated.Results:Of 542 patients (316 ramucirumab, 226 placebo) analyzed, eight variables had independent prognostic value associated with poor outcome (geographical region, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score ≥1, AFP >1,000 ng/mL, Child-Pugh >A5, extrahepatic spread, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase). Ramucirumab survival benefit was present across all subgroups, including patients with very aggressive HCC [above median AFP; HR: 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49–0.84] and nonviral aHCC (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40–0.79). While no baseline factor was predictive of a differential OS benefit with ramucirumab, analyses demonstrated an association between high drug exposure, treatment-emergent hypertension (grade ≥3), and increased ramucirumab benefit.Conclusions:Ramucirumab provided a survival benefit irrespective of baseline prognostic covariates, and this benefit was greatest in patients with high ramucirumab drug exposure and/or those with treatment-related hypertension.

SummaryBACKGROUND LY3023414 is a selective, ATP competitive inhibitor of class I PI3K isoforms, mTORC1/2 and DNA-PK. A Phase 1 dose escalation, 200 mg twice daily (BID) of LY3023414 was the determined recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). We report the antitumor activity and safety of LY3023414 monotherapy in patients with advanced mesothelioma.METHODS Patients enrolled had advanced malignant pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma with measurable disease, ECOG PS 0–1, were refractory or ineligible to receive standard therapies. Patients received LY3023414 200 mg BID. This dose expansion cohort is intended to evaluate preliminary antitumor activity of LY3023414 by overall response rate. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics were assessed. Biomarkers associated with treatment response was an exploratory endpoint. RESULTS Forty-two patients received LY3023414 for a median duration of 11.2 weeks (range: 1.1–53.0). One patient had a confirmed partial response (PR) (ORR 2.4%). Three patients had an unconfirmed PR. Seventeen patients had stable disease (SD) (DCR 43%). Most common adverse events (AEs) included fatigue (43%), nausea (43%), decreased appetite (38%), vomiting (33%), and diarrhea (29%). AEs were mostly mild or moderate. Grade ≥ 3 AEs were reported for 21% of patients with fatigue as the most frequent event (10%). Alterations of BAP1 were identified in 11/19 patients as the most common molecular aberration, followed by SETD2 and NF2 alterations. No obvious pattern of genetic changes/mutations in single genes or pathways was associated with anti-tumor activity. CONCLUSION LY3023414 monotherapy (200 mg BID) demonstrated an acceptable and manageable safety profile with limited single-agent activity in patients with advanced mesothelioma. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01655225; Date of registration: 19 July 2012.

Purpose: To report efficacy and safety of samotolisib (LY3023414; PI3K/mTOR dual kinase and DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor) plus enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following cancer progression on abiraterone. Patients and Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ib/II study (NCT02407054), following a lead-in segment for evaluating safety and pharmacokinetics of samotolisib and enzalutamide combination, patients with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer with progression on prior abiraterone were randomized to receive enzalutamide (160 mg daily)/samotolisib (200 mg twice daily) or placebo. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group criteria (PCWG2). Secondary and exploratory endpoints included radiographic PFS (rPFS) and biomarkers, respectively. Log-rank tests assessed treatment group differences. Results: Overall, 13 and 129 patients were enrolled in phase Ib and II, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicity was not reported in patients during phase Ib and mean samotolisib exposures remained in the targeted range despite a 35% decrease when administered with enzalutamide. In phase II, median PCWG2-PFS and rPFS was significantly longer in the samotolisib/enzalutamide versus placebo/enzalutamide arm (3.8 vs. 2.8 months; P = 0.003 and 10.2 vs. 5.5 months; P = 0.03), respectively. Patients without androgen receptor splice variant 7 showed a significant and clinically meaningful rPFS benefit in the samotolisib/enzalutamide versus placebo/enzalutamide arm (13.2 months vs. 5.3 months; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Samotolisib/enzalutamide has tolerable side effects and significantly improved PFS in patients with mCRPC with cancer progression on abiraterone, and this may be enriched in patients with PTEN intact and no androgen receptor splice variant 7.

Aim: Design and execution of a dried blood spot (DBS-LC–MS/MS) assay for pharmacokinetic analyses in oncology patients. Results & discussion: The methodology was validated to collect and store DBS samples from multiple clinical sites, and analyze blood with diverse hematocrit ranges (25–55) to match the potential patient population. Bridging data comparing DBS and plasma showed high degree of concordance with DBS:plasma ratios of 0.81, demonstrating no preferential uptake or association with cellular components of the blood. Pharmacokinetic analysis supporting clinical development was performed using 20 μl of blood collected as DBS. Incurred sample reanalysis showed high correlation. Conclusion: Successful validation of a DBS method and implementation in the clinic enabled pharmacokinetic analysis during the clinical development of a novel oncolytic agent in oncology patients.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) H1047R mutations are activating oncogenic events that occur in ~15% of advanced breast cancers. While there is one PI3Kα inhibitor FDA-approved for patients with PI3Kα-mutated breast cancer, and many others in clinical development, all of these agents inhibit wild-type PI3Kα and its mutated form with approximate equal potency. As a result, their efficacy is limited by toxicities associated with on target wild-type PI3Kα inhibition, notably hyperglycemia as well as cutaneous and GI toxicity. LOX-22783 is a highly potent, mutant-selective and brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor. Here, we describe the preclinical profile of LOX-22783. H1047R selectivity was measured using biochemical kinase activity and cell-titer Glo and signal transduction assays. Tumor growth inhibition, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects were assessed in in vivo studies using xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-models. LOX-22783 inhibited growth and signaling responses in multiple H1047R-driven breast cancer cell lines and demonstrated high selectivity for H1047R mutated PI3Kα (EC50 values 250 nM) as well as the other wild-type PI3K isoforms (beta, gamma, and delta, all EC50 >250nM). In enzyme and cell-based assays, LOX-22783 dissociated from PI3Kα H1047R at a slower rate (3-6 hrs) compared to alpelisib (≤10 mins), potentially allowing for extended inhibition of PI3Kα H1047R by LOX-22783. LOX-22783 also normalized the EGF-stimulated membrane-localization of PI3Kα H1047R while alpelisib did not. LOX-22783 was highly kinome-selective when assayed at 3 µM, with no inhibitory activity on 17 lipid kinases or 374 protein kinases. In preclinical species, LOX-22783 demonstrated high oral bioavailability, including exposure in the CNS, a common site of metastases for patients with breast cancer. In vivo, LOX-22783 demonstrated dose-dependent tumor regression in H1047R breast cancer models without inducing hyperglycemia or other toxicities. Tumor pharmacodynamic analyses confirmed successful pathway inhibition. At doses resulting in 90% pathway inhibition, tumor regressions of ≥60% were observed. This wide therapeutic index is predicted to allow for maximizing dose intensity and efficacy in patients, without wild-type PI3Kα inhibition limiting target coverage for the H1047R mutant form. These data demonstrate that LOX-22783 potently and selectively inhibits mutant H1047R, but not wild-type PI3Kα, or other PI3K isoforms. LOX-22783 binds to an allosteric pocket distinct from the ATP binding site used by the approved and investigational PI3Kα inhibitors. We hypothesize that this profile will lead to differentiated efficacy and tolerability for patients with PI3Kα H1047R-mutated cancers, with the additional potential to address brain metastases. An IND submission is planned for 2022. Citation Format: Anke Klippel, Rui Wang, Loredana Puca, Andrew Lee Faber, Weihua Shen, Shripad V. Bhagwat, Kannan Karukurichi, Feiyu Fred Zhang, Carmen Perez, Ramon Rama, Ana Ramos, Yi Zheng, Zahid Bonday, James Thomas, Harold B. Brooks, Lisa J. Kindler, Sarah M. Bogner, Parisa Zolfaghari, Mark Hicks II, Sophie Callies, Brian Mattioni, Laurie LeBrun, Jim Durbin, Erin Anderson, Chris Mayne, Edward Kesicki, Gabrielle Kolakowski, Steven W. Andrews, Barbara J. Brandhuber. Preclinical characterization of LOX-22783, a highly potent, mutant-selective and brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P142.

This paper presents an architecture designed for simulation serious games, which automatically generates game-based scenarios adapted to learner's learning progression. We present three central modules of the architecture: (1) the learner model, (2) the adaptation module and (3) the logs module. The learner model estimates the progression of the development of skills targeted in the game. The adaptation module uses this estimation to automatically plan an adapted sequence of in-game situations optimizing learning. We implemented our architecture in Game of Homes, a simulation serious game, which aims to train adults the basics of real estate. We built a scripted-based version of Game of Homes in order to compare the impact of scripted-based scenarios versus generated scenarios on learning progression. We qualitatively analyzed logs files of thirty-six adults who played Game of Homes for 90 minutes. The main results highlighted the specificity of the generated pedagogical scenarios for each learner and, more specifically, the optimization of the guidance provided and of the presentation of the learning content throughout the game.

Aims Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents used to treat anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been associated with cardiovascular adverse events. Hepcidin production, controlled by bone morphogenic protein 6 (BMP6), regulates iron homeostasis via interactions with the iron transporter, ferroportin. High hepcidin levels are thought to contribute to increased iron sequestration and subsequent anaemia in CKD patients. To investigate alternative therapies to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for CKD patients, monoclonal antibodies, LY3113593 and LY2928057, targeting BMP6 and ferroportin respectively, were tested in CKD patients. Methods Preclinical in vitro/vivo data and clinical data in healthy subjects and CKD patients were used to illustrate the translation of pharmacological properties of LY3113593 and LY2928057, highlighting the novelty of targeting these nodes within the hepcidin-ferroportin pathway. Results LY2928057 bound ferroportin and blocked interactions with hepcidin, allowing iron efflux, leading to increased serum iron and transferrin saturation levels and increased hepcidin in monkeys and humans. In CKD patients, LY2928057 led to slower haemoglobin decline and reduction in ferritin (compared to placebo). Serum iron increase was (mean [90% confidence interval]) 1.98 [1.46-2.68] and 1.36 [1.22-1.51] fold-relative to baseline following LY2928057 600 mg and LY311593 150 mg respectively in CKD patients. LY3113593 specifically blocked BMP6 binding to its receptor and produced increases in iron and transferrin saturation and decreases in hepcidin preclinically and clinically. In CKD patients, LY3113593 produced an increase in haemoglobin and reduction in ferritin (compared to placebo). Conclusion LY3113593 and LY2928057 pharmacological effects (serum iron and ferritin) were translated from preclinical-to-clinical development. Such interventions may lead to new CKD anaemia treatments.

Purpose: The PI3K/mTOR pathway is frequently aberrated in cancer. LY3023414 is a potent and selective ATP-competitive inhibitor of class I PI3K isoforms, mTOR, and DNA-PK. Here we report the dose-escalation results of the first-in-human phase I study of LY3023414. Patients and Methods: A 3+3 dose escalation for once-daily and twice-daily oral dosing of LY3023414 was followed by an expansion cohort for CYP3A4 drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Additional objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity. Results: Forty-seven patients with solid tumors received LY3023414 at once-daily (20–450 mg) or twice-daily dosing (150–250 mg). Dose-limiting toxicities were observed at 450 mg once-daily (thrombocytopenia, hypotension, hyperkalemia) in three of three patients, 250-mg twice-daily dosing (hypophosphatemia, fatigue, mucositis) in three of four patients, and in one of 15 patients at 200 mg twice-daily (nausea). Common related AEs included nausea (38%), fatigue (34%), and vomiting (32%) and were mostly mild or moderate. LY3023414 pharmacokinetics demonstrated dose-dependent increase in exposure with ≥ 90% target inhibition at doses ≥150 mg. DDI analysis demonstrated LY3023414 to be a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4. Durable partial response was observed in a patient with endometrial cancer harboring PIK3R1 and PTEN truncating mutations, and 13 additional patients (28%) had a decrease in their target lesions by up to 30%. Conclusions: LY3023414 has a tolerable safety profile and single-agent activity in patients with advanced cancers. The RP2D of LY3023414 monotherapy is 200 mg twice daily based on safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3253–62. ©2018 AACR.

3091 Background: Prexasertib inhibits CHK1, a kinase involved in DNA repair and replication. LY3023414 inhibits PI3K/mTOR signaling, implicated in the development of malignant disease. Prexasertib + LY3023414 has resulted in enhanced antitumor activity in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in vitro models. Methods: This Phase 1b study in patients (pts) with solid tumors assessed escalating doses of prexasertib (60-105 mg/m2 IV every 14 days [q14d]) and LY3023414 (100-200 mg orally twice daily [BID]). Dose escalation ceased once the maximum tolerated dose of each monotherapy was reached. An initial expansion cohort (Arm E) explored prexasertib 105 mg/m2 q14d + LY3023414 200 mg BID. Subsequent expansion cohorts evaluated prexasertib 105 mg/m2 q14d + LY3023414 150 mg BID in pts with solid tumors with PIK3CA mutations (Arm E2) or TNBC (Arm E3). Results: Fifty pts were enrolled (escalation: n = 13; Arm E: n = 9; Arm E2: n = 15; Arm E3: n = 13). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed during escalation however DLT-equivalent toxicities were observed in 2 pts in Arm E (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, oral mucositis, abdominal pain, fatigue). Due to toxicity, a reduced dose of LY3023414 (150 mg BID) was assessed in Arm E2/E3. In the 28 patients treated in Arms E2/E3, common treatment-related adverse events (any grade; grade ≥3) were: leukopenia/neutropenia (82%; 79%), thrombocytopenia (46%; 36%), nausea (46%; 0%), stomatitis (39%, 4%), vomiting (36%; 0%), and anemia (29%; 18%). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 25% of pts. Dose reductions in Arm E2/E3 were common. In escalation, 2 pts achieved a partial response (PR) and 3 pts achieved stable disease (SD). In Arm E, 78% of pts achieved SD. Of the pts evaluable at the time of data transfer, PRs were achieved in 1 pt with an unknown primary (Arm E2) and 2 pts with TNBC (Arm E3). Each agent’s pharmacokinetic profile was consistent with prior monotherapy data. Conclusions: Prexasertib + LY3023414 showed preliminary efficacy in heavily pretreated pts with solid tumors but was associated with toxicity, suggesting supportive care may be required. Clinical trial information: NCT02124148.

5009 Background: Preclinical and phase 1 results suggest PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibition may enhance androgen receptor inhibition. We report the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 1b/2 study of ENZ±LY (a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor) in pts with mCRPC who progressed on abiraterone. Methods: Phase 1b pts received single-agent LY 200 mg twice daily (BID) for 1 wk prior to starting LY+ENZ. Phase 2 pts were randomized 1:1 to 160 mg daily ENZ with PL or 200 mg BID LY on a 28-d cycle. The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS: serological, radiographic [rPFS], or death) by PCWG2 criteria. Secondary objectives were rPFS, safety, decline in PSA, and PK. Exploratory biomarker analyses included outcomes by presence of androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7). 92 primary PFS events were needed for the study to have at least 80% power at one-sided alpha=0.20. Results: LY+ENZ was tolerable during Phase 1b with 1 dose limiting toxicity observed in 13 enrolled pts. Mean LY exposures remained in an efficacious range despite a 30% average decrease when combined with ENZ. In Phase 2, 129 pts were randomized to LY+ENZ (N=65) and PL+ENZ (N=64) (Table). Median PCWG2-PFS was 3.7 mos (LY+ENZ) vs 2.9 mos (PL+ENZ) (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.43, 0.99; p-value 0.0208). Conclusions: Combination LY+ENZ had a clinically manageable safety profile. The primary end-point of PCWG2-PFS was met and is supported by a clinically meaningful delay in rPFS in AR-V7 negative pts. The biomarker data provide important insights to inform future development strategies. Clinical trial information: NCT02407054. [Table: see text]

Survivin is expressed in tumor cells, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), regulates mitosis, and prevents tumor cell death. The antisense oligonucleotide sodium LY2181308 (LY2181308) inhibits survivin expression and may cause cell cycle arrest and restore apoptosis in AML. In this study, the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics/efficacy of LY2181308 was examined in AML patients, first in a cohort with monotherapy (n = 8) and then post-amendment in a cohort with the combination of cytarabine and idarubicin treatment (n = 16). LY2181308 was administered with a loading dosage of three consecutive daily infusions of 750 mg followed by weekly intravenous (IV) maintenance doses of 750 mg. Cytarabine 1.5 g/m(2) was administered as a 4-hour IV infusion on Days 3, 4, and 5 of Cycle 1, and idarubicin 12 mg/m(2) was administered as a 30-minute IV infusion on Days 3, 4, and 5 of Cycle 1. Cytarabine and idarubicin were administered on Days 1, 2, and 3 of each subsequent 28-day cycle. Reduction of survivin was evaluated in peripheral blasts and bone marrow. Single-agent LY2181308 was well tolerated and survivin was reduced only in patients with a high survivin expression. In combination with chemotherapy, 4/16 patients had complete responses, 1/16 patients had incomplete responses, and 4/16 patients had cytoreduction. Nine patients died on study: 6 (monotherapy), 3 (combination). LY2181308 alone is well tolerated in patients with AML. In combination with cytarabine and idarubicin, LY2181308 does not appear to cause additional toxicity, and has shown some clinical benefit needing confirmation in future clinical trials.

Background Hepcidin plays a central role in iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. Neutralizing hepcidin with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) may prevent ferroportin internalization, restore iron efflux from cells, and allow transferrin-mediated iron transport to the bone marrow. This multicenter, phase 1 study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and efficacy of a fully humanized mAb (LY2787106) with high affinity for hepcidin in cancer patients with anemia. Methods Thirty-three patients with hepcidin levels ≥5 ng/mL received LY2787106 either every 3 weeks (19 patients, dose range 0.3–10 mg/kg) (part A) or weekly (14 patients, dose 10 mg/kg) (part B). LY2787106 PK/PD markers of iron and hematology biology were measured. Results LY2787106 clearance (32 mL/h) and volume of distribution (7.7 L) were independent of dose and time, leading to a dose-proportional increase in concentration with dose. Consistent dose-dependent increases in serum iron, and transferrin saturation were seen at the 3 and 10 mg/kg dose levels, typically peaking within 24 h after LY2787106 administration and returning to baseline by day 8. Conclusions Our findings indicate that LY2787106 was well tolerated in cancer patients with anemia and that targeting the hepcidin-ferroportin pathway by neutralizing hepcidin resulted in transient iron mobilization, thus supporting the role of hepcidin in iron regulation. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT01340976 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-017-0427-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A 57-year-old man with metastatic melanoma was treated with the survivin inhibitor and antisense oligonucleotide LY2181308 as part of a First-in-Human Dose trial. After 18 months of treatment, he developed kidney injury and the treatment was discontinued. At 9 months and before the development of kidney injury, LY2181308 concentrations were 8- to 10-fold higher relative to median predicted values, but within the targeted exposure considered to be safe. However, at 17 months, 28 days after stopping LY2181308 therapy, LY2181308 concentration exceeded the predicted range by 38-fold. His decreased kidney function was slow to improve after stopping treatment. A kidney biopsy showed signs of acute tubular injury with regeneration. Complete recovery of kidney function occurred 6 months after treatment was stopped. The relationship between high exposures and slow LY2181308 clearance with the gradual improvement in kidney function after stopping the antisense treatment suggests that the oligonucleotide was related to the kidney injury. Based on this case report, kidney function should be monitored frequently in patients receiving long-term treatment with antisense oligonucleotides that specifically target survivin, particularly when they receive concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Purpose: LY2334737 is an orally available prodrug of gemcitabine. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicities (DLT) of daily administration of LY2334737 with or without erlotinib. Experimental Design: Patients with advanced or metastatic cancer were treated with escalating doses of LY2334737 monotherapy or in combination with continuous daily administration of 100 mg erlotinib. LY2334737 was given once daily for 14 days of a 21-day cycle. The study was extended with a bioequivalence trial to investigate a novel LY2334737 drug formulation. Results: A total of 65 patients were treated in this study. The MTD was 40 mg LY2334737. Fatigue was the most frequent DLT for LY2334737 monotherapy (4 patients) followed by elevated transaminase levels (2 patients), both observed at the 40- to 50-mg dose levels. Among the 10 patients in the combination arm, 2 had DLTs at the 40-mg dose level. These were fatigue and elevated liver enzyme levels. The most common adverse events were fatigue (n = 38), nausea (n = 27), vomiting (n = 24), diarrhea (n = 23), anorexia (n = 20), pyrexia (n = 18), and elevated transaminase levels (n = 14). The pharmacokinetics showed dose proportional increase in LY2334737 and gemcitabine exposure. The metabolite 2′,2′-difluorodeoxyuridine accumulated with an accumulation index of 4.3 (coefficient of variation: 20%). In one patient, complete response in prostate-specific antigen was observed for 4 cycles, and stable disease was achieved in 22 patients overall. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the 2 investigated LY2334737 drug formulations were bioequivalent. Conclusions: LY2334737 displays linear pharmacokinetics and the MTD is 40 mg with or without daily administration of 100 mg erlotinib. Signs of antitumor activity warrant further development. Clin Cancer Res; 17(18); 6071–82. ©2011 AACR.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • The plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are fairly well understood with well conserved pharmacokinetic properties across species, moderate clearance and extensive volume of distribution. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The tissue distribution and exposure and the pharmacodynamic (PD) or target inhibition following ASO administration are not yet well understood leading to still fairly empiric early clinical development strategies. This paper illustrates how preclinical PK and PD data were used to predict more accurately the ASO tissue exposure in humans and to support the early clinical development strategy. AIMS To predict the concentration and target inhibition profiles of the survivin inhibitor antisense oligonucleotide LY2181308 in humans. METHODS An indirect pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was built to predict the inhibition of survivin mRNA and protein in humans following LY2181308 dosing. Plasma and tissue PK data from cynomolgus monkeys were analyzed by non-linear mixed effect modelling techniques. Human PK parameters were predicted using allometric scaling. Assumptions about the pharmacodynamic parameters were made based upon the target and tumour growth inhibition data from mouse xenograft models. This enabled the prediction of the clinical PK/PD profiles. RESULTS Following a 750 mg dose, LY2181308 tumour concentrations ranging from 18.8 to 54 µg g−1 were predicted to lead to 50 to 90% target inhibition. In humans, LY2181308 tumour concentrations from 13.9 to 52.8 µg g−1 (n = 4, LY2181308 750 mg) were observed associated with a median survivin mRNA and protein inhibition of 20% ± 34 (SD) (n = 9) and 23% ± 63 (SD) (n = 10), respectively. The human PK parameters were adequately estimated: central Vd, 4.09 l (90% CI, 3.6, 4.95), distribution clearances, 2.54 (2.36, 2.71), 0.0608 (0.033, 0.6) and 1.67 (1.07, 2.00) l h−1, peripheral Vds, 25 900 (19 070, 37 200), 0.936 (0.745, 2.07) and 2.51 (1.01, 2.922) l, mean elimination clearance 23.1 l h−1 (5.6, 33.4) and mean terminal half-life, 32.7 days (range 22–52 days). CONCLUSION The model reasonably predicted LY2181308 PK in humans. Overall, the integration of preclinical PK/PD data enabled to appropriately predict dose and dosing regimen of LY2181308 in humans with pharmacologically relevant survivin inhibition achieved at 750 mg.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have potential as anti-cancer agents by specifically modulating genes involved in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about ASO biodistribution and tissue pharmacokinetics (PKs) in humans, including whether sufficient delivery to target tumor tissue may be achieved. In this preliminary study in human subjects, we used combined positron emission and computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging and subsequent modeling analysis of acquired dynamic data, to examine the in vivo biodistribution and PK properties of LY2181308 - a second generation ASO which targets the apoptosis inhibitor protein survivin. Following radiolabeling of LY2181308 with methylated carbon-11 ([11C]methylated-LY2181308), micro-doses (11C]methylated-LY2181308 was observed in tumors (mean=32.5ng*h /mL, per mg administered intravenously). Highest uptake was seen in kidney and liver and lowest uptake was seen in lung and muscle. One patient underwent repeat analysis on day 15 of multiple dose therapy, during administration of LY2181308 (750mg), when altered tissue PKs and a favorable change in biodistribution was seen. [11C]methylated-LY2181308 exposure increased in tumor, lung and muscle, whereas renal and hepatic exposure decreased. This suggests that biological barriers to ASO tumor uptake seen at micro-doses were overcome by therapeutic dosing. In addition, 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scans carried out in the same patient before and after treatment showed up to 40% decreased tumor metabolism. For the development of anti-cancer ASOs, the results provide evidence of LY2181308 tumor tissue delivery and add valuable in vivo pharmacological information. For the development of novel therapeutic agents in general, the study exemplifies the merits of applying PET imaging methodology early in clinical investigations.

PURPOSE: Enhanced tumor cell survival through expression of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) is a hallmark of cancer. Survivin, an IAP absent from most normal tissues, is overexpressed in many malignancies and associated with a poorer prognosis. We report the first-in-human dose study of LY2181308, a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) directed against survivin mRNA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of LY2181308 administered intravenously for 3 hours as a loading dose on 3 consecutive days and followed by weekly maintenance doses. Patients were eligible after signing informed consent, had exhausted approved anticancer therapies and agreed to undergo pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies to evaluate reduction of survivin protein and gene expression. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were treated with LY2181308 at doses of 100 to 1,000 mg. Twenty-six patients were evaluated at the recommended phase 2 dose of 750 mg, at which level serial tumor sampling and [(11)C]LY2183108 PET (positron emission tomography) imaging demonstrated that ASO accumulated within tumor tissue, reduced survivin gene and protein expression by 20% and restored apoptotic signaling in tumor cells in vivo. Pharmacokinetics were consistent with preclinical modeling, exhibiting rapid tissue distribution, and terminal half-life of 31 days. CONCLUSIONS: The tumor-specific, molecularly targeted effects demonstrated by this ASO in man underpin confirmatory studies evaluating its therapeutic efficacy in cancer.

Purpose: To determine the toxicity, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of oral gemcitabine (2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine; dFdC) in patients with cancer. Experimental Design: Patients with advanced or metastatic cancer refractory to standard therapy were eligible. Gemcitabine was administered p.o. starting at 1 mg once daily using dose escalation with three patients per dose level. Patients received one of two dosing schemes: (a) once daily dosing for 14 days of a 21-day cycle or (b) every other day dosing for 21 days of a 28-day cycle. Pharmacokinetics were assessed by measuring concentrations of dFdC and 2′,2′-difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU) in plasma and gemcitabine triphosphate in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and pharmacodynamics by measuring the effect on T-cell proliferation. Results: Thirty patients entered the study. Oral gemcitabine was generally well-tolerated. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Mainly moderate gastrointestinal toxicities occurred except for one patient who died after experiencing grade 4 hepatic failure during cycle two. One patient with a leiomyosarcoma had stable disease during 2 years and 7 months. Systemic exposure to dFdC was low with an estimated bioavailability of 10%. dFdC was highly converted to dFdU, probably via first pass metabolism and dFdU had a long terminal half-life (∼89 h). Concentrations of dFdCTP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were low, but high levels of gemcitabine triphosphate, the phosphorylated metabolite of dFdU, were detected. Conclusions: Systemic exposure to oral gemcitabine was low due to extensive first-pass metabolism to dFdU. Moderate toxicity combined with hints of activity warrant further investigation of the concept of prolonged exposure to gemcitabine.

Background This Phase-I-study aimed to determine the recommended Phase-II-dosing-schedule of LY2334737, an oral gemcitabine prodrug, in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors. Pharmacokinetics, cytokeratin-18 (CK18) levels, genetic polymorphisms, and antitumor activity were additionally evaluated. Methods Patients received escalating doses of LY2334737 either every other day for 21 days (d) followed by 7 days-drug-free period (QoD-arm) or once daily for 7 days every other week (QD-arm). The 28 days-cycles were repeated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation was succeeded by a dose-confirmation phase (12 additional patients to be enrolled on the maximum tolerated dose [MTD]). Results Forty-one patients received QoD- (40–100 mg) and 32 QD-dosing (40-90 mg). On QoD, 3/9 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) on the 100 mg dose (2 × G3 diarrhea, 1 × G3 transaminase increase); 1 additional DLT (G3 diarrhea) occurred during dose confirmation at 90 mg (12 patients). On QD, 1 patient each experienced DLTs on 60 mg (G3 transaminase increase) and 80 mg (G3 prolonged QTcF-interval); 2/7 patients had 3 DLTs on the 90 mg dose (diarrhea, edema, liver-failure; all G3). The MTD was established at 90 mg for the QoD-arm. Seven patients on QoD and 4 on QD achieved SD (no CR + PR). Pharmacokinetics showed a dose-proportional increase in exposure of LY2334737 and dFdC without accumulation after repeated dosing. Significant increases in CK18 levels were observed. Genetic polymorphism of the cytidine deaminase gene (rs818202) could be associated with ≥ G3 hepatotoxicity. Conclusions Both schedules displayed linear pharmacokinetics and acceptable safety profiles. The recommended dose and schedule of LY2334737 for subsequent Phase-II-studies is 90 mg given QoD for 21 day.

The impact of zosuquidar.3HCl, an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein, on the pharmacokinetics of daunorubicin and daunorubicinol was examined in a phase I trial using a population approach. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of zosuquidar.3HCl were also determined.The pharmacokinetics of daunorubicin and daunorubicinol were studied following daunorubicin administration on day 1 (50 mg/m2 i.v. infusion over 10 min) alone and on day 3 concomitantly with zosuquidar.3HCl (i.v. 200 or 300 mg/m2 over 6 h or 400 mg over 3 h). Of a total of 18 patients entered, 16 with acute leukemia completed the study.A three-compartment pharmacokinetic model adequately described daunorubicin concentration-time profiles. Five- and four-compartment models adequately described the daunorubicin-daunorubicinol pharmacokinetics in the absence and presence of zosuquidar.3HCl, respectively. The impact of zosuquidar.3HCl on coadministered daunorubicin was minimal, with a 10% reduction in daunorubicin clearance. The model predicted a 50% decrease in daunorubicinol apparent clearance in the presence of zosuquidar.3HCl. A direct concentration-effect relationship between zosuquidar.3HCl concentrations and inhibition of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) efflux in CD56 lymphocytes was defined by a sigmoid E(max) model. The IC(50) was 31.7 microg/l. The zosuquidar.3HCl dosing regimen led to concentrations in excess of the IC(90) (169.6 microg/l) and provided maximal P-glycoprotein inhibition during the distribution phases of daunorubicin.The decrease in daunorubicin and daunorubicinol clearance in the presence of zosuquidar.3HCl likely reflects inhibition of P-glycoprotein in the bile canaliculi impeding their biliary excretion. The results need to be interpreted carefully due to the sequential nature of daunorubicin administration and analysis.

Aims To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for paclitaxel in the presence of a MDR modulator, zosuquidar 3HCl. Methods The population approach was used (implemented with NONMEM) to analyse paclitaxel pharmacokinetic data from 43 patients who received a 3-h intravenous infusion of paclitaxel (175 mg m−2 or 225 mg m−2) alone in cycle 2 or concomitantly with the oral administration of zosuquidar 3HCl in cycle 1. Results The structural pharmacokinetic model for paclitaxel, accounting for the Cremophor ELTM impact, was a three-compartment model with a nonlinear model for paclitaxel plasma clearance (CL), involving a linear decrease in this parameter during the infusion and a sigmoidal increase with time after the infusion. The final model described the effect of Zosuquidar 3HCl on paclitaxel CL by a categorical relationship. A 25% decrease in paclitaxel CL was observed, corresponding to an 1.3-fold increase in paclitaxel AUC (from 14829 µg l−1 h to 19115 µg l−1 h following paclitaxel 175 mg m−2) when zosuquidar Cmax was greater than 350 µg l−1. This cut-off concentration closely corresponded to the IC50 of a sigmoidal Emax relationship (328 µg l−1). A standard dose of 175 mg m−2 of paclitaxel could be safely combined with doses of zosuquidar 3HCl resulting in plasma concentrations known, from previous studies, to result in maximal P-gp inhibition. Conclusions This analysis provides a model which accurately characterized the increase in paclitaxel exposure, which is most likely to be due to P-gp inhibition in the bile canaliculi, in the presence of zosuquidar 3HCl (Cmax > 350 µg l−1) and is predictive of paclitaxel pharmacokinetics following a 3 h infusion. Hence the model could be useful in guiding therapy for paclitaxel alone and also for paclitaxel administered concomitantly with a P-gp inhibitor, and in designing further clinical trials.

1064 Background: Thephosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) /mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is frequently activated in breast cancer. LY3023414 (LY) is an oral ATP- competitive inhibitor that selectively and potently inhibits class I PI3K isoforms, mTOR, and DNA-PK. The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of LY monotherapy was previously established to be 200 mg twice daily (BID). Here we present the safety and preliminary activity data of LY in combination with fulvestrant (F) for breast cancer patients (pts) as part of a multi-cohort Phase 1 study. Methods: Pts with advanced HR+, HER2- breast cancer refractory to standard treatment received 200 mg LY BID + 500 mg F (day 1 and 15, then once monthly). Eligible pts had measurable disease and baseline tumor tissue available. Primary objective was to determine a RP2D. Other objectives included assessment of pharmacokinetics (PK), antitumor activity, and biomarker analysis. Results: 9 pts received LY + F in the breast cancer expansion cohort. All pts had multiple lines of prior systemic therapy (range 3-12), including chemotherapy. Dose limiting toxicity was observed in one pt in the form of grade (Gr) 3 oral mucositis. Common possibly related adverse events included nausea (5 pts), vomiting (4 pts), oral mucositis (4 pts), decreased appetite (3 pts), fatigue (3 pts), mucosal inflammation (2 pts), and paresthesia (2 pts). No obvious impact of LY on F PK or of F on LY PK was observed. Median duration of treatment was 15 weeks (range 3-63). In the 6 pts evaluable for tumor response, there was 1 durable partial response according to RECIST (still on treatment for ≥11 months) and 4 further pts had a decrease in their target lesions for a disease control rate of 56%. The median progression-free survival for this cohort is 4.2 months (90% CI 1.8, NA). Of note, the partial response was observed in a pt harboring an activating PIK3CA mutation (H1047R). Further biomarker analysis is ongoing. Conclusions: The RP2D of LY in combination with F is 200mg BID and may cause tumor regression or stabilization in breast cancer pts. Clinical trial information: NCT01655225.

Background This Phase 1b study aimed to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose of LY2334737, an oral pro-drug of gemcitabine, in combination with capecitabine, an oral pro-drug of 5-fluorouracil, in patients with advanced solid tumors. In addition, pharmacokinetics (PK) and tumor response were evaluated. Patients and methods Patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors received 650 mg/m(2) capecitabine twice daily (BID) and escalating doses of LY2334737 once daily (QD; initial dose 10 mg/day), both for 14 days followed by 7-day drug holiday. Cycles were repeated until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. Results Fifteen patients received a median of 2 (range 1-7) treatment cycles; 14 patients discontinued due to PD, 1 due to toxicity (pyrexia). LY2334737 doses up to 40 mg/day were explored. Three dose-limiting toxicities were reported by 2 patients (fatigue, diarrhea, hyponatremia; all Grade 3). Seven patients achieved stable disease. Enrollment was stopped after unexpected hepatic toxicities were observed with LY2334737 QD in a study of Japanese patients. PK parameters for LY2334737 were consistent with the first-in-human study of LY2334737; PK data after 14 day combination treatment revealed no drug-drug interactions between LY2334737 and capecitabine. Conclusions No drug interactions or unexpected toxicities were observed in US patients when LY2334737 at doses up to 40 mg/day was administered QD in combination with capecitabine BID; the maximum tolerated dose was not reached.

Chemoresistance is mediated, in part, by the inhibition of apoptosis in tumor cells. Survivin is an antiapoptotic protein that blocks chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. To investigate whether blocking survivin expression enhances docetaxel-induced apoptosis in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we compared the antitumor activity of the survivin inhibitor LY2181308 plus docetaxel with docetaxel alone. We used change in tumor size (CTS) as a primary endpoint to assess its use in early decision-making for this and future studies of novel agents in NSCLC. Patients (N = 162) eligible for second-line NSCLC treatment (stage IIIB/IV) with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1 were randomized 2:1 to receive LY2181308 (750 mg intravenously, weekly) and docetaxel (75 mg/m2 intravenously, day 1) or docetaxel alone every 21 days. CTS from baseline to the end of cycle 2 was compared between the two treatment arms. The mean (SD) tumor size ratio for LY2181308/docetaxel and docetaxel was 1.05 (0.21) and 1.00 (0.15) (p = 0.200), respectively, suggesting no significant improvement in antitumor activity between the arms. Because there was also no significant difference between the two arms for progression-free survival (PFS) (2.83 months with LY2181308/docetaxel and 3.35 months with docetaxel [p = 0.191]), both arms were combined. Using the combined arms, CTS correlated with PFS (PFS = 4.63 months in patients with decreased CTS compared with 2.66 months in patients with increased CTS), supporting its use in early decision-making in phase II studies.

Controlling and coordinating a large number of Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) is an important challenge in video games. In order to obtain a realistic behaviour, traditional approaches relies hand-written rule based scripts or finite state machines. In the last decade, a new approach to artificial intelligence has emerged. Indeed, automated planning is now a way to control NPCs. However, the gap between theory and application is still quite not filled. In this paper, we address different approaches of i) goal selection and distribution for autonomous planning agents by a coordination module and ii) autonomous goal selection by planning agents using partial satisfaction planning. Our techniques result in a simpler way to coordinate NPCs, still effective in terms of CPU and produce realistic behaviour.

Objectives To compare the results of the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analyses of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements and manual blood pressure data in patients receiving moxonidine. Methods 32 patients with borderline to mild-to-moderate hypertension were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study. After receiving placebo for 1 week (run-in phase), the patients were randomly allocated to the placebo or the 0.6-, 0.9-, or 1.2-mg dose groups. Placebo and moxonidine were administered once daily for 1 week (drug-treatment phase). Four 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement profiles were obtained for each individual. Plasma samples (n = 9) and four measurements of manual blood pressure were taken at the start and end of the drug-treatment phase. Two additional manual blood pressure measurements were taken during the run-in and drug-treatment phases. Results Pharmacokinetics was described by a one-compartment model. For the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements, baseline circadian patterns were described with a two-cosine function model that included interindividual and interoccasion variability. Pharmacodynamics was described with use of an effect-compartment model [ke0 = 0.37 (1/h)] and an Emax model. For diastolic blood pressure the maximum drug-induced decrease (Emax) was 30.9 mm Hg and the steady-state plasma drug concentration eliciting half of maximum effect (C50) was 1.33 μg/L. Interindividual variability was estimated for ke0 (24.8%) and Emax (33.3%). For the manual blood pressure measurements, data was described by a time-invariant baseline model combined with an effect-compartment model and an Emax model. Mean population estimates were in agreement with those obtained during the analysis of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements. However, interindividual variability could be estimated for the baseline parameter only. Conclusions Although similar typical population estimates for the drug action–related parameters were obtained with use of manual blood pressure data and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements, the latter allowed for a more detailed description of the individual pharmacodynamic profiles because interindividual variability in pharmacodynamic parameters could be estimated together with increased precision in parameter estimates. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 68, 18–27; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.106907

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is partially characterised by overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins, such as survivin. In this phase 2 study, patients with metastatic CRPC (n=154) were randomly assigned (1:2 ratio) to receive standard first-line docetaxel/prednisone (control arm) or the combination of LY2181308 with docetaxel/prednisone (experimental arm). The primary objective was to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) for LY2181308 plus docetaxel. Secondary efficacy measures included overall survival (OS), several predefined prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-derived end points, and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) scores. The median PFS of treated patients for the experimental arm (n=98) was 8.64 mo (90% confidence interval [CI], 7.39-10.45) versus 9.00 mo (90% CI, 7.00-10.09) in the control arm (n=51; p=0.755). The median OS for the experimental arm was 27.04 mo (90% CI, 19.94-33.41) compared with 29.04 mo (90% CI, 20.11-39.26; p=0.838). The PSA responses (≥ 50% PSA reduction), BPI, and FACT-P scores were similar in both arms. In the experimental arm, patients had a numerically higher incidence of grades 3-4 neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and sensory neuropathy. In conclusion, this study failed to detect a difference in efficacy between the two treatment groups.

This Phase 1 study aimed to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose of LY2334737, an oral gemcitabine prodrug, when combined with standard dose docetaxel treatment in patients with advanced solid tumors. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumor activity were additionally evaluated.Patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors received escalating doses of LY2334737 once daily (QD) for 14 days, followed by a 7-day drug-free period. Docetaxel was given at 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks (q3w). Cycles were repeated until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity.Of 22 patients recruited, all Caucasian, 7 received an LY2334737 dose of 10 mg/day, 10 received 20 mg/day, 5 received 30 mg/day. Nineteen patients discontinued due to PD, 2 due to adverse events, 1 due to investigator decision. Dose-limiting toxicities: 2× febrile neutropenia (G3), 2× fatigue (1× G2, 1× G3), 1× neutropenia (G4). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was identified to be 10 mg/day. Two patients achieved partial response, 10 patients stable disease. Enrollment was stopped after unexpected hepatic toxicities were observed with LY2334737 QD for 14 days per cycle in another study of Japanese patients. PK data were consistent with the first-in-man study of LY2334737 and did not reveal any drug-drug interaction between LY2334737 and docetaxel.Combination of LY2334737 at doses up to 30 mg/day QD for 14 days per cycle with docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) q3w resulted in an undesirable toxicity profile and a low MTD of 10 mg/day. Alternative treatment schedules of LY2334737 should be explored.

Introduction: The iron transporter ferroportin is a membrane protein expressed in enterocytes that absorb dietary iron, macrophages of the spleen and liver that recycle iron from old red blood cells (RBCs), and hepatocytes that store and release iron according to body needs. Hepcidin (HEPC) regulates the absorption, plasma concentrations, and tissue distribution of iron through interactions with ferroportin, leading to degradation of ferroportin. LY2928057 (LY), a humanized immunoglobulin (IgG4) monoclonal antibody, binds to ferroportin and prevents the HEPC-mediated degradation of ferroportin without affecting iron efflux. Objectives: Objectives were to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of LY in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) after intravenous (IV) multiple doses of LY. The study, compliant with Helsinki declaration, was approved by institutional ethic review board and subjects provided written informed consent prior to enrolment. Methods: CKD patients (N=21) received IV doses (300, 600, or 1000 mg every 2 weeks; total, 3 doses) of LY following discontinuation (when LY treatment was initiated) of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and IV iron. Seven CKD patients received placebo. Safety assessments included: standard laboratory safety tests, vital signs, ECGs, and anti-drug antibodies. PD data comprised serum iron, transferrin saturation (TSAT), ferritin, HEPC, RBC count and hemoglobin (Hb). PK samples (up to 3 months post last dose) were assayed using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. LY PK data were analyzed using standard non-compartmental PK analysis. Summary statistics were used to describe LY PD data (parameters and ratios relative to baseline). A Bayesian analysis of the absolute change in Hb at week 6 relative to baseline was performed with the following success criterion: >60 % posterior probability of ≥0.8 g/dL difference between any LY dose group and placebo. Results - Safety CKD patients (19 of 28 were male), with mean (SD) age and weight of 53.6 (8) years and 87.35 (18) kg, participated. LY was well tolerated; serious adverse events (syncope, anemia, hypertension, respiratory failure/staphylococcal sepsis/pneumonia) were reported by 3 patients. These were not attributed to study drug. Results - Pharmacokinetics LY maximum concentrations were generally measured at the end of the 30-min infusion and concentrations decreased thereafter in a multiexponential manner. LY area under the concentration time curve (AUC or exposure) increased greater than dose proportionally from 300 to 600 mg and was roughly dose proportional from 600 to 1000 mg. This observation is consistent with binding, target-mediated clearance. LY volume of distribution was small (mean 4L) and LY clearance was low (mean 0.09 L/h) in the 600 to 1000 mg dose range, leading to a mean terminal half-life of 8 days (ranging from 5.5 to 13 days). The dosing of LY during HD did not significantly alter LY exposure. Results - Pharmacodynamics A dose-related increase in iron, with a maximum effect approximately 24 h after dose, was observed. Iron values returned to baseline in approximately 2-weeks post-LY dose. Concurrently, an increase in TSAT was observed (Figure 1). In addition, a decrease in ferritin levels was observed (Figure 2, after third dose, approximately 12% and 20% decrease relative to baseline at the 600 and 1000 mg doses, respectively). HEPC levels increased following LY administration. This is likely explained by the feed-back regulatory response of the body to the iron increase. Figure 3 illustrates that RBC and Hb declined to a lesser extent with LY 600 mg and 1000 mg dose levels compared to 300 mg dose levels and placebo treatment. The Bayesian analysis determined a posterior probability of 58% (less than 60%), for a greater than 0.8 g/dL difference between LY treatment and placebo, in the absolute change in Hb at week 6 relative to baseline Conclusion LY in CKD patients was well tolerated; no safety signals or trends were identified. Expected changes in PD markers (serum iron, HEPC, TSAT, ferritin, RBC, and Hb) were observed after LY administration; however, the effect on Hb did not meet the pre-defined success criterion. It is possible that co-administration of an ESA with LY is required for the increased iron to be optimally used for Hb synthesis in RBC. Disclosures Barrington: Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sheetz:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Callies:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Waters:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment. Berg:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pappas:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment. Marbury:Olando Clinical Research Center: Employment, Equity Ownership. Berg:Davita Clinical Research: Employment, Other: Full time employee of Davita Clinical Research, one of the research sites.

Purpose: The antisense oligonucleotide LY2275796 blocks expression of cap-binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF-4E), an mRNA translation regulator upregulated in tumors. This phase I study sought an appropriate LY2275796 dose in patients with advanced tumors. Experimental Design: A 3-day loading dose, then weekly maintenance doses, were given to 1 to 3 patient cohorts, beginning with 100 mg and escalating. Plasma samples were collected to determine LY2275796 concentrations and tumor biopsies to quantify eIF-4E mRNA/protein. Results: Thirty patients with stage 4 disease received 1 or more LY2275796 dose. A dose-limiting toxicity was observed at 1,200 mg, with 1,000 mg the maximum-tolerated dose. Across all dose levels, most patients (87%) had only grade 1 to 2 toxicities. LY2275796 pharmacokinetics supported the dosing regimen. Comparison of pre- and postdose biopsies showed eIF-4E decreased in most patients. Fifteen patients had progressive disease, and 7 patients achieved stable disease (minimum of 6 weeks) as best response, with 2 patients on therapy for more than 3 months (one with melanoma, one with cystadenocarcinoma of the head/neck). Conclusions: LY2275796 was well tolerated up to 1,000 mg. Because tumor eIF-4E expression was decreased, but no tumor response observed, LY2275796 should be studied combined with other treatment modalities. Clin Cancer Res; 17(20); 6582–91. ©2011 AACR.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have potential as anti-cancer agents by specifically modulating genes involved in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about ASO biodistribution and tissue pharmacokinetics (PKs) in humans, including whether sufficient delivery to target tumor tissue may be achieved. In this preliminary study in human subjects, we used combined positron emission and computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging and subsequent modeling analysis of acquired dynamic data, to examine the in vivo biodistribution and PK properties of LY2181308 - a second generation ASO which targets the apoptosis inhibitor protein survivin. Following radiolabeling of LY2181308 with methylated carbon-11 ([(11)C]methylated-LY2181308), micro-doses (