Update on GALLANT: A phase 2 study using metronomic gemcitabine, doxorubicin, and docetaxel plus nivolumab in previously treated sarcoma (NCT04535713).

Abstract

e23569 Background: Metronomic dosing of gemcitabine, doxorubicin and docetaxel causes less severe side effects than standard chemotherapy for advanced sarcoma. Hypothesis: The addition of nivolumab to this regimen will have synergistic effects and improve treatment outcomes. Objectives: Primary objective: To assess progression-free survival (PFS); Secondary objectives: (1) To evaluate best overall response during treatment period confirmed in a 6-week follow-up, (2) PFS rate at 6 and 9 months, (3) Overall survival (OS) rate at 6, 12 months, and (4) Incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Methods: Inclusion criteria: Previously treated male and female subjects, > 18 years of age, pathologically confirmed diagnosis of locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic sarcoma, measurable disease by RECIST v1.1, and acceptable hematologic and organ functions. Exclusion Criteria: History of autoimmune disorder. Treatment schedule: Metronomic doses of gemcitabine (600 mg/m2 max:1000 mg), doxorubicin (18 mg/m2; max: 32 mg), docetaxel (25 mg/m2; max:42 mg) on Day 1 and Day 8, and nivolumab (240 mg) on Day 1 only. Repeat treatment cycles may be given every three weeks if the toxicity grade is <1. Results: Efficacy (n = 70). This population completed at least one treatment cycle and had a follow-up CT or MRI scan at week 6. Best Overall Response = 14 PR, 47 SD, 9 PD. ORR = 20%; DCR (CR+PR+SD) was 87%. Median PFS was 8.2 (95% CI: 5.85-10.55) months; 6- month PFS rate of 59%. Median OS was 17.6 (95% CI: 13.53-21.67) months, with 6-month OS of 84%. Safety (n = 75): Grade 3/4 TRAEs include thrombocytopenia (n = 26), white blood cell count decreased (n = 17), neutropenia (n = 16), fatigue (n = 15), anemia (n = 13), nausea (n = 9), anorexia (n = 5), diarrhea (n = 2), emesis (n = 1), febrile neutropenia (n = 1), sepsis (n = 1), rectal bleeding (n = 1), transaminitis (n = 1), dizziness (n = 1), shortness of breath (n = 1). There were no unexpected adverse events reported. Conclusions: Taken together, the data suggests that nivolumab plus metronomic doses of gemcitabine, doxorubicin and docetaxel (1) may have synergistic activity, and (2) by indirect comparison, may be as effective as standard first line therapy for advanced sarcoma with manageable toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT04535713 .