STRIVE-02: A first-in-human phase 1 trial of systemic B7H3 CAR T cells for children and young adults with relapsed/refractory solid tumors.

Abstract

10011 Background: B7H3 (CD276) has limited expression in normal tissues and high cell-surface expression in pediatric solid malignancies providing rationale for immunologic therapeutic targeting. We present a first-in-human experience of B7H3 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) for children and young adults (CYA) with relapsed or refractory solid tumors (R/RST). Methods: CYA patients with R/RST were enrolled onto a Phase 1 trial (NCT04483778) to examine the safety of autologous T cells genetically modified to express scFV-IgG4hinge-CD28tm-4-1BB-zeta B7H3-specific CAR with the methotrexate resistance/selection cassette DHFRdm and the tracking/suicide construct EGFRt. All patients received lymphodepleting fludarabine and cyclophosphamide prior to infusion of cryopreserved CAR-T at the prescribed dose level. The maximal tolerated dose or biologically effective dose (BED) was determined based upon observed toxicity through day 28 from initial CAR-T infusion and using a 3+3 statistical design. Results: Sixteen subjects (age 11-24, median 17 years) enrolled and received dose level (DL) 1 (0.5 x 106 CAR-T/kg, n = 3) or DL2 (1 x 106 CAR-T cells/kg, n = 6). No dose limiting toxicity was observed following first infusion, most common toxicities were fatigue and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (n = 2, maximum CTCAE grade 2). Maximum circulating CAR-T expansion on first infusion was 4.98 cells/uL (range 0.23-4.98 cells/uL) with median persistence of 28 days (range 14-90). Best overall response of Stable Disease was observed in 3 of the 9 subjects infused. Given observed expansion and persistence, DL2 was determined to be the BED. A second infusion at DL2 in one subject demonstrated CAR T expansion to 1590 cells/uL (86% of circulating CD3 cells) with CTCAE grade 2 CRS and transient dose limiting CTCAE grade 4 liver enzyme elevation. A partial metabolic response on FDG-PET by PERCIST criteria was observed in this subject at Day 28. Conclusions: B7H3 CAR T cells are safe and demonstrate anti-tumor activity in CYA with R/RST. CAR-T cell expansion and persistence may be necessary to achieve objective responses. STRIvE-02 Arm B will explore dual expression of CD19 CAR with B7H3 CAR, using lymphocytic CD19 expression to drive CAR expansion and persistence. Clinical trial information: NCT04483778.