Lymphodepletion (LD), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and high (HD-IL2) versus low-dose (LD-IL2) IL-2 followed by pembrolizumab (pembro) in patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma (MM).

Abstract

9543 Background: TIL adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy can produce durable responses for MM pts although efficacy appears lower in the era of checkpoint inhibitors. Toxicities from HD-IL2, including sepsis physiology, limits widespread use of this regimen. Suppression of transferred TIL by either tumor cells or the tumor microenvironment could limit TIL responses. Pembro is known to promote T cell activation, thus, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of TIL with pembro with HD-IL2 versus LD-IL2. Methods: Pts with MM who had tumor harvested and cryopreserved TIL at MD Anderson with PS 0-1 and normal organ function were eligible. All pts received a standard LD regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine, followed by infusion of pooled ex-vivo expanded TIL and either HD-IL2 (Arm 1: 720,000 IU/kg IV q 8 hrs up to 15 doses) or LD-IL2 (Arm 2: 2 million IU SC for 14 d). Pts received pembro 200mg IV starting 21 d post T cell infusion every 3 wks for up to 2 yrs. Pts were randomized 1:1 based on stage and LDH. Paired blood and tumor biopsies were obtained prior to LD, prior to first and second dose of pembro and at time of progression. Results: A total of 36 pts were planned to enroll (18 in each arm); however, the protocol met pre-specified futility boundaries in Arm 1 which prompted early closure after treatment of 14 pts (7 in each Arm). Median age was 50 yrs, 6 were female, 8 had cutaneous melanoma, 2 mucosal, 2 uveal and 2 unknown primary. 86% were stage M1c, 14% M1D, 50% had LDH elevation. Median lines of prior therapy were 3 (range 1-6), including prior anti PD-1 in 13 pts. Best overall response was 1 PR (for 10 mos), 2 SD, 3 PD, 1 NE in Arm 1; 1 PR (ongoing over 36 mos), 1 SD, 5 PD in Arm 2. With median follow up of 9.2 mos, PFS was 3.9 mos for Arm 1 and 2.1 mos for Arm 2 (p = 0.99). Median OS was 9.7 mos for Arm 1 and 8.8 mos for Arm 2 (p = 0.71). Toxicity was similar in both Arms but with lower rates of grade 3 febrile neutropenia (57% vs. 71%) and shorter hospital stay (median 16 vs. 18 d) in Arm 2 vs. Arm 1. Conclusions: In a heavily treated pt population, TIL with pembro achieved low response rates. Use of LD-IL2 did not diminish efficacy and may be better tolerated than HD-IL2 for TIL ACT. Correlative studies are ongoing to determine mechanisms of treatment response and failure. Clinical trial information: NCT02500576.