Abstract

Abstract Background: CDK7 has 3 critical roles in cancer: enhanced transcription of oncogenes and upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes, acceleration of the cell cycle through phosphorylation of other CDKs and driving estrogen receptor (ER) resistance to hormonal therapy. Inhibition of CDK7 is therefore a potential novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. Samuraciclib (CT7001), a once daily oral CDK7 inhibitor has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinical activity in combination with fulvestrant (SERD) in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer who have previously been treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor [1]. Extended benefit was observed in patients with no TP53-mutation per circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis detectable at baseline. Limitations in the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and route of administration (intramuscular only) of fulvestrant mean that oral alternatives are desirable. Recently, the EMERALD phase 3 study of the oral SERD elacestrant demonstrated a significant PFS benefit over standard of care endocrine treatment in the ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer population previously treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. [2]. Non-clinical data indicate that the underlying biology driving samuraciclib combination with endocrine therapy translates from fulvestrant to elacestrant, clinical evaluation is warranted [3]. This open-label Phase 1b dose escalation and Phase 2 dose expansion study will evaluate the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of samuraciclib in combination with elacestrant. ctDNA analysis is informative for both elacestrant and samuraciclib, via ESR1-mutation status and TP53-mutation status respectively, and is an integral part of the study design. Trial Design: Eligible patients will provide written informed consent, be aged 18 years or older, have histologically or cytologically confirmed ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer not amenable to resection or radiotherapy of curative intent, have received an aromatase inhibitor in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in either the adjuvant or advanced setting, be receiving a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist if pre/perimenopausal and have RECIST v1.1 evaluable disease. Prior SERD, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) or chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer are not permitted. The study will enrol ~48 patients. All patients will undergo baseline Guardant360 ctDNA analysis to establish their ESR-1 and TP53-mutation status. Patients will undergo RECIST v1.1 evaluation at baseline every 8-weeks until week 48, followed by every 12-weeks thereafter. Initially both samuraciclib and elacestrant will be administered once daily in a dose escalation/de-escalation approach under supervision of the study Safety Review Committee. The primary endpoint in Phase 1b is the identification of tolerable combination dose levels for both samuraciclib and elacestrant and in Phase 2 expansion to quantify the progression free survival benefit of the combination. Secondary endpoints are tolerability, clinical benefit response at 24 weeks, overall response rate, duration of response, best percent change in tumor size, pharmacokinetics and correlations between ctDNA detectable ESR1 and TP53 mutations and efficacy/safety finding in this patient population. The study opened for recruitment in June 2023.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call