Targeting hyaluronan (HA) in tumor stroma: A phase I study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of pegylated hyaluronidase (PEGPH20) in patients with solid tumors.

Abstract

2579 Background: HA, a glycosaminoglycan, accumulates in ~25% of solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. Tumors that accumulate HA develop high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and become resistant to chemotherapy. In animal models, PEGPH20 reduced tumor-associated HA and increased efficacy of chemotherapy. Methods: This ongoing phase 1 study was designed to assess safety, tolerability, PK, PD, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of PEGPH20 as a single agent in patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors. IV PEGPH20 was administered in a twice weekly or a once weekly dosing schedule with oral dexamethasone (dex) pre-and post dose. Biomarkers included tumor histochemistry to detect HA depletion, plasma HA catabolites, and DCE-MRI or FDG-PET. Results: Fifteen patients have been enrolled into the study. Dose administration ranged from 0.5 µg/kg to 5 µg/kg. Musculoskeletal events (MSEs) were the most common and dose limiting toxicities. To date, up to 3 µg/kg twice weekly IV infusions of PEGPH20 were well tolerated with manageable Grade 1 MSEs in most patients. MTD has not been reached. Plasma concentrations of PEGPH20 showed dose proportional exposure with a terminal half life of ~2 days. Enzymatic activity of PEGPH20 was reflected by dose-dependent HA catabolites in plasma. Pre- and post-dose tumor biopsies from 2 colon patients demonstrated 23-60% reduction in tumor HA after 4 weeks of dosing. Serial DCE-MRI and FDG-PET demonstrated increased tumor perfusion (Ktrans) and decreased metabolic activity 8 and 24hrs post-PEGPH20 in one patient each. Doses of ≤3 µg/kg were tolerated with intermittent Grade 1-2 MSE. Enrollment at dose levels > 3 µg/kg is ongoing. Conclusions: Repeated IV PEGPH20 infusion resulted in dose-dependent systemic exposure and is tolerated with concomitant dex treatment. HA catabolites in plasma demonstrated the in vivo enzymatic activity of PEGPH20. Reduced HA in tumor biopsies and serial DCE-MRI and FDG-PET images confirmed PD activity. Increased tumor perfusion by PEGPH20 may enhance drug delivery to tumor. Combination studies of PEGPH20 with cytotoxic chemotherapy are planned.