Phase Ib study of cetuximab + BYL719 + IMRT in stage III-IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Abstract

6081 Background: Activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway is common in HNSCC. PI3K inhibitors have been shown to enhance radiosensitivity. BYL719 is an α-specific PI3K inhibitor that is synergistic and efficacious when combined with cetuximab, an FDA-approved radiosensitizing agent in HNSCC. This study evaluates the addition of BYL719 to cetuximab and radiation in the treatment of locally advanced HNSCC. Methods: This is a single-institution, phase I study. Patients with Stage III-IVB HNSCC received cetuximab 400 mg/m2 IV loading dose prior to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly infusions during IMRT. BYL719 was given orally during IMRT in 3 dose levels (DLs): 1) 200 mg, 2) 250 mg, and 3) 300 mg per day in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design. Results: 11 patients are evaluable; median age-60 years (36-73); Stage III-1, IVA-9, IVB-1; oropharynx primary-9, unknown primary-2; HPV-positive -10. 8 patients completed treatment. 3 patients were treated on DL 1 and 2 without a dose limiting toxicity (DLT). Both patients on DL 3 experienced a DLT of grade 3 mucositis. Related adverse events (AEs) of any grade experienced by all 8 patients include: mucositis, weight loss, and hyperglycemia. Related grade 3 and 4 AEs in at least 2 patients include: mucositis (4), dysphagia (4), and decreased lymphocyte count (2). An additional 3 patients have been enrolled onto DL 2 and are undergoing treatment. All other patients had a complete response (CR) on post-treatment PET (from 6/2015 - 9/2016) and remain free of disease. Of 6 patients with mutational analysis, 1 had an activating PIK3CA mutation associated with a rapid response on serial intra-treatment MRIs. Conclusions: BYL719 administered at DLs 200 mg or 250 mg oral daily with cetuximab and IMRT resulted in expected AEs of radiation-based treatment with cetuximab and tolerable class-related AEs of PI3K inhibitors. BYL719 300 mg oral daily exceeds the maximum tolerated dose; the phase II recommended dose is pending completion of expansion of DL 2. All patients who completed treatment had a CR. Further evaluation of the addition of BYL719 to the platinum-sparing regimen of cetuximab + IMRT in the treatment of locally advanced HNSCC is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02282371.