A phase I trial of GRN163L (GRN), a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor, in advanced solid tumors

Abstract

3581 Background: Telomerase is over-expressed in most malignancies and is the predominant mechanism by which cancer cells maintain adequate telomere length and immortalization. GRN is a 13-mer oligonucleotide direct inhibitor of the telomerase active site, and has demonstrated broad anticancer effects in preclinical models. Methods: This is a phase I dose escalation study of GRN given weekly as a 2 hr infusion to patients (pts) with refractory, advanced solid tumors. Endpoints included safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy. Results: As of 1/3/08, 20 pts with advanced solid tumors (including 6 colorectal, 3 lung, 2 mesothelioma, 2 pancreas, 7 other) have been treated in escalating dose cohorts at 0.4–4.8 mg/kg of GRN/wk. The pts ranged from 50–74 years of age (median 64 years) and had received 1- 10 prior chemotherapies. Most possibly/probably related adverse events have been reversible, Grade 1–2, and include aPTT prolongation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, anemia, elevated GGT and pe...