First-in-human phase 1 study of ETC-159 an oral PORCN inhbitor in patients with advanced solid tumours.

Abstract

2584 Background: The Wnt signalling pathway is involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration and implicated in stem cell function in several cancers. ETC-159 is a selective small molecule inhibitor of porcupine, an enzyme required for palmitoylation and secretion of all Wnt ligands. In preclinical studies, ETC-159 induced tumour regression in patient-derived xenograft models. Methods: Open-label, multi-centre study to determine safety, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (PD) of ETC-159 given orally, once every other day in a 28d cycle. PD was evaluated by AXIN2 mRNA levels in whole blood and hair follicles and bone turnover by radiological and serum markers. Dose escalation was by ordinal continual reassessment method with a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) period of 28d. Results: As of 18 Jan 2017, 16 patients (pts) were treated in 6 cohorts at 1 mg (2pts), 2 mg (2pts), 4 mg (3pts), 8 mg (4pts); 16 mg (3pts), and 30 mg (2pts). 80% were male, median age (range) was 55yr (19-68). One DLT was seen at 16 mg due to hyperbilirubinaemia. Adverse events (≥ 20%) were vomiting (32%); anorexia and fatigue (31%); dysgeusia and constipation (25%). ETC-159 Cmax increased with dose with a mean t1/2 of 14 hr. Plasma levels of ETC-159 that inhibited colony formation in vitro were attained from 4 mg onwards. Reduction of whole blood and hair follicle AXIN2 mRNA levels and doubling of serum β-CTX levels was first observed at 4 mg and at C1D15 in some patients. PD modulation increased with dose, consistent with on-target modulation of Wnt signalling. Two pts had β-CTX rise > 1000 pg/mL (reference limit) and a ≥ 5% reduction in bone density by C3D1. Both took vitamin D and calcium supplements and were given i.v. bisphosphonates. No responses were seen but 2 pts (2 mg: colorectal and 4 mg: peritoneal carcinoma) had stable disease for 6 and 8 cycles respectively. Dose-escalation is ongoing at 30 mg. Conclusions: ETC-159 inhibits Wnt signalling at doses that are well tolerated. β-CTX levels increased early on, and in two pts were associated with reduced bone mineral density. Early and regular monitoring of bone turnover is indicated. This study was sponsored by D3 which is funded by NMRC, NRF and BMRC Singapore. Clinical trial information: NCT02521844.