Trial in progress: A phase I trial of dual EZH 1/2 inhibitor valemetostat tosylate (DS-3201b) in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with malignant solid tumors.

Abstract

TPS10059 Background: Enhancer of zeste homolog enzymes (EZH1 and EZH2) form parts of the polycomb repressive complex 2 and regulate gene expression by catalyzing the tri-methylation of lysine 27 residue of histone H3. SMARCB1/INI1 is one of the core components of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, with the loss of SMARCB1/INI1 causing the oncogenic activation of EZH2 and EZH1. The inhibition of EZH2 or both EZH2 and EZH1 can be effective against various hematological malignancies and SMARCB1/INI1-deficient solid tumors. Valemetostat tosylate (DS-3201b; valemetostat) is a potential first-in-class dual inhibitor of EZH1 and EZH2 that targets epigenetic regulations by inhibiting both EZH1 and EZH2 enzymes. A phase 2 single-arm study showed that valemetostat demonstrated promising response rates in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (Yoshimitsu M et al., presented at ASH Annual Meeting, 2021). Tumors characterized by SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency (a SWI/SNF mutation), such as malignant rhabdoid tumors, epithelioid sarcoma, or synovial sarcoma are quite frequently observed during childhood and adolescence, among whom valemetostat is expected to show antitumor effects. Methods: This open-label multi-center phase I trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of valemetostat in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with refractory/relapsed solid tumors. The inclusion criteria are relapsed, refractory, or progressive metastatic disease; >3 and <19 years of age during the dose escalation cohort and < 29 years of age in the expanded cohort; performance status of >50 (assessed by Karnofsky Performance score in patients >16 years old, and Lansky Performance score in patients <15 years old); and adequate organ function. Valemetostat is administered orally once a day without interruption. Three dose levels (150, 200, and 250 mg/1.7 m2) are assessed using a 3+3 design during the dose escalation cohort. After determining the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) during dose escalation cohort, up to 30 patients will be further enrolled, and the safety and efficacy data of valemetostat are determined in the expanded cohort. The primary endpoint is the incidence of dose limiting toxicity, whereas the secondary endpoints include safety, pharmacokinetics, overall response rate, progression-free survival. The overall response rate of the tumors with SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency or SWI/SNF mutation is also evaluated as a secondary endpoint. Exploratory endpoint includes overall survival. Enrollment into this trial began in March 2020, and enrollment into the dose escalation cohort was completed. Enrollment into the expanded cohort began in November 2021. Clinical Trial Information: jRCT2031190268.