A phase I study of the APE1 protein inhibitor APX3330 in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Abstract

3097 Background: APX3330 is an orally administered anti-cancer, anti-CIPN agent targeting the APE1 protein. APE1 maintains NFkB, STAT3, AP-1 and HIF-1a in a reduced form, acting as a regulator of transcription factors. A dual function protein, APE1 also plays a role in protecting against oxidative DNA damage in neurons. APX3330 is a highly selective inhibitor of APE1 redox function in tumors that enhances the neuronal protection function of APE1. Methods: We report on study NCT03375086 evaluating APX3330 in patients with incurable malignancies. Eligibility required adequate organ function, PS 0-2 and tumors not amenable to curative therapy. 1° and 2° objectives included determining the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), the safety and PK/PD profiles of APX3330 and reporting any RECIST anti-tumor activity. Patients received APX3330 b.i.d, in 21-day cycles. AE evaluation included 1 pt/cohort until the occurrence of ≥ G2 toxicity at which time the study proceeded in a 3+3 design. Additional patient were also recruited in cohorts in order to attain PK/PD and biopsy samples. Results: Between 2/18 and 8/18, 19 subjects (13M, 6F) with median age of 69 y started therapy. Dose (mg/d) escalation and number of patients treated (n) per each cohort proceeded as follows: 240 mg (1), 360 (4), 480 (2), 600 (6) and 720 (6). APX3330 was well tolerated at dose levels from 240-600 mg/d. The most frequent treatment-related adverse event (all grades) was G1 fatigue. A G3 rash occurred in two subjects at the 720 mg level defining 600 mg/d as the RP2D for further development. Six subjects had disease stabilization for ≥ 4 cycles, and of these, four subjects with the following diagnosis, RECIST response and days on study included: (CRC, PR, 356), (Endometrial, SD, 316), (Melanoma, SD, 245), (Prostate, SD, 246). Final PK and PD data, including proteomic, transcriptome, APE1 serum levels and CTC analyses are pending and will be reported at the conference. Conclusions: APX3330 is an orally administered inhibitor of APE1. This phase I study identified 600 mg PO daily as the RP2D for further development. RECIST evaluation identified signs of clinical activity in this un-selected population of patients with advanced cancer. PD analyses indicate APX3330 mediated targeting of the APE1 protein. Clinical trial information: NCT03375086.