Phase I trial of subcutaneous (SQ) alemtuzumab (A) and CHOP in T-cell lymphoma: Preliminary results

Abstract

7594 Background: T-cell lymphomas are highly chemoresistant. Cure rates with combination chemotherapy do not exceed 25–30%. We showed that A, a humanized IgG1 targeting the CD52 antigen expressed on most human leukocytes, is cytotoxic for malignant T-cells in vitro and in vivo, regardless of p53 mutational status (Blood 106, 3380, 2005). Thus, we initiated a Phase I study with A and CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) in T-cell lymphoma. Methods: Accrual goal: 15–18 patients (pts) with untreated (u) or relapsed (r) peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), excluding ALK-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Primary objective: maximal tolerated dose (MTD). All pts receive single agent SQ A loading (3, 10, 30 mg) over 5 days, followed by one SQ A dose with each CHOP every 21 days for a total of 8 cycles. A dose levels: 3, 10, 20 and 30 mg. All pts receive valacyclovir and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole, plus G-CSF and erythropoietin according to guidelines. Results: Eight of the nine enrolled pts on cohort 1 (A=3 mg) and cohort 2 (A=10 mg) are evaluable for toxicity (uPTCL= 4, rPTCL=1, rCTCL=3). All pts completed single agent A loading on time and tolerated well further SQ A. No cycle was delayed due to myelosuppression. There were no opportunistic infections or neutropenic fevers. Four pts completed all planned therapy. Three pts did not complete therapy due to progression (2) or toxicity (1). One pt remains on study after 4 cycles. There were no Grade 4 adverse events (AEs). Grade 3 AEs included fatigue (1), anemia (1), dyspnea (1) and emesis (1). Cohort 1 was expanded due asymptomatic cytomegalovirus [CMV] reactivation requiring hospitalization for thrice daily foscarnet, thus resulting in Grade 3 AE. Protocol was amended and subsequent asymptomatic CMV reactivations (2) were treated with oral valganciclovir. No symptomatic CMV reactivation occurred. Conclusions: At current dose levels, SQ A can be easily and safely administered with CHOP chemotherapy and growth factor support, without excessive myelosuppression or infectious AEs. Asymptomatic CMV reactivation can be managed with oral valganciclovir. Further A dose escalation is in progress. [Table: see text]