Comparison of intratumoral docetaxel exposure in cancer patients between nanoparticle entrapped docetaxel (CPC634) and conventional docetaxel (Cd): The CriTax study

Background Ineffective chemotherapy may partly be caused by subtherapeutic intratumoral drug levels. Nanomedicines are developed to improve the therapeutic index, by increasing intratumoral drug exposure and preserving healthy tissue. CPC634 is a new nanoparticle entrapping docetaxel. Here, we hypothesized that CPC634 increases intratumoral docetaxel level and overall duration of exposure. Methods In this randomized cross-over study we assessed both plasma and intratumoral pharmacokinetics (PK) of docetaxel after intravenous administration of 75 mg/m2 conventional docetaxel (Cd) and CPC634. We aimed to identify a 25% increase of intratumoral docetaxel exposure after CPC634 infusion compared to Cd. Adult patients were randomized to receive Cd in cycle 1 and CPC634 in cycle 2 or vice versa. Tumor biopsies were taken 24, 48, 72, 96, 168 or 336 hours after infusion during both cycles. Total docetaxel concentration (TDC) was determined for both drugs and released docetaxel for CPC634 in tumor tissue and plasma. PK data were analyzed using mixed modeling. Results In total, 21 evaluable patients were included. In plasma, the area under the curve (AUCinf) of released docetaxel was higher (+27%, 95% CI: 11-44%, P = 0.001) while peak plasma concentration (Cmax) (-91%, 95% CI: -92:-89%, P Conclusions The plasma PK profile of CPC634 is favorable compared to Cd since a lower Cmax, lower clearance and prolonged higher systemic exposure is seen. Higher intratumoral TDC levels were reached with CPC634, while released docetaxel levels were comparable to Cd. The almost 4-fold increased tumor accumulation for prolonged period of time of TDC supports the expectation that CPC634 will exhibit beneficial efficacy/safety balance. Additional studies assessing the intratumoral exposure to CPC634 (NCT0371243) and a phase II efficacy study of CPC634 in platinum resistant ovarian cancer patients (NCT03742713) are currently ongoing. Clinical trial identification Netherlands Trial Registry NL6299 (NTR6474). Legal entity responsible for the study Prof. Dr. A.H.J. Mathijssen as principle investigator. Funding Cristal Therapeutics. Disclosure C.J.F. Rijcken: Officer / Board of Directors: Cristal Therapeutics; Leadership role: Cristal Therapeutics; Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options: Cristal Therapeutics; Full / Part-time employment: Cristal Therapeutics. R. Hanssen: Full / Part-time employment: Cristal Therapeutics. R.H.J. Mathijssen: Research grant / Funding (institution): Astellas; Research grant / Funding (institution): Bayer; Research grant / Funding (institution): Boehringer; Research grant / Funding (institution): Cristal Therapeutics; Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Research grant / Funding (institution): Pamgene; Research grant / Funding (institution): Pfizer; Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche; Research grant / Funding (institution): Sanofi; Honoraria (institution): Servier; Honoraria (institution): Novartis; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Pfizer; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Astellas. S.L. Koolen: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Novartis; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Pfizer; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Roche; Research grant / Funding (institution): Astellas; Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Research grant / Funding (institution): Cristal Therapeutics; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Ipsen. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.