Trametinib In Patients Research Articles

473P - Phase I study of lapatinib and trametinib in patients with KRAS mutant colorectal, non-small cell lung and pancreatic cancer

BackgroundKRAS oncogene mutations are causing sustained signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway resulting in uncontrolled cell growth. Efforts to target KRAS directly or to inhibit downstream effectors have been unsuccessful. Preclinical research revealed that KRAS mutated (KRASm) cells are intrinsically resistant to MEK inhibitors due to upstream growth receptors that reactivate the MAPK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Concurrent inhibition of MEK, EGFR and HER2 resulted in synergistic anti-tumor activity, with complete inhibition of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. MethodsThis is a single-center, phase I dose-escalation study to assess the safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity of the MEK inhibitor trametinib combined with the dual EGFR/HER2 inhibitor lapatinib in patients with advanced KRASm and PIK3CA wildtype colorectal cancer (CRC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer. Patients received escalating doses of continuous or intermittent, once daily (QD) orally administered lapatinib and trametinib, starting at 750mg and 1mg, respectively. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and schedule. ResultsThirty-four patients with CRC (n=16), NSCLC (n=15) or pancreatic cancer (n=3) were enrolled across five dose-levels, 2 patients are still on treatment. Dose-limiting adverse events were reported in twelve patients; grade 3 diarrhea (n=3), rash (n=2), nausea (n=1), several grade 2 toxicities (n=1) and aspartate aminotransferase elevation (n=1) resulting in inability to receive 75% of the planned doses (n=2) or treatment delay (n=2). The established RP2D was 750mg lapatinib QD and trametinib 1.5mg QD 5 days on/2 days off. Out of 22 patients evaluable for response, regression of target lesions was seen in six, with one confirmed partial response in NSCLC. Reductions in pERK and pS6 levels were demonstrated in paired tumor biopsies. Pharmacokinetic results were as expected. ConclusionsLapatinib and trametinib could be combined in an intermittent dosing schedule with manageable toxicity. Preliminary signs of anti-tumor activity in NSCLC have been observed with sufficient target engagement. Clinical trial identificationNCT02230553. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe Netherlands Cancer Institute. FundingNovartis. DisclosureN. Steeghs: Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca/MedImmune; Research grant / Funding (institution): Bayer; Research grant / Funding (institution): Bristol-Meyers Squibb; Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Research grant / Funding (institution): GlaxoSmithKline; Research grant / Funding (institution): Pfizer; Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche; Research grant / Funding (institution): Genentech/Roche; Research grant / Funding (institution): Boehringer Ingelheim; Research grant / Funding (institution): Blueprint Medicines; Research grant / Funding (institution): AB Science; Research grant / Funding (institution): Deciphera; Research grant / Funding (institution): Genentech; Research grant / Funding (institution): Merck Sharp & Dohme; Research grant / Funding (institution): Amgen; Research grant / Funding (institution): Merus; Research grant / Funding (institution): Lilly; Research grant / Funding (institution): Incyte. K. Monkhorst: Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche; Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution): MSD; Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Benecke; Advisory / Consultancy: Pfizer; Advisory / Consultancy: BMS; Advisory / Consultancy: Abbvie; Advisory / Consultancy: Diaceutics. J.H.M. Schellens: Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, and patent holder on oral taxanes: Modra Pharmaceuticals. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

LBA61 - A randomized phase II/III study to assess the efficacy of trametinib in patients with recurrent or progressive low-grade serous ovarian or peritoneal cancer

LBA61 - A randomized phase II/III study to assess the efficacy of trametinib in patients with recurrent or progressive low-grade serous ovarian or peritoneal cancer

A Study to Test Different Doses of BI 1701963 Alone and Combined With Trametinib in Patients With Different Types of Advanced Cancer (Solid Tumours With KRAS Mutation)

A Study to Test Different Doses of BI 1701963 Alone and Combined With Trametinib in Patients With Different Types of Advanced Cancer (Solid Tumours With KRAS Mutation)

TraMel-WT: A Trial of Trametinib in Patients With Advanced Pretreated BRAFV600 Wild-type Melanoma

TraMel-WT: A Trial of Trametinib in Patients With Advanced Pretreated BRAFV600 Wild-type Melanoma

Dabrafenib and trametinib in patients with tumors with BRAF V600E/K mutations: Results from the molecular analysis for therapy choice (MATCH) Arm H.

3002 Background: The NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial assigns patients (pts) with solid tumors, lymphomas, or multiple myeloma with progression on prior treatment to a targeted therapy based on genetic alterations identified in pre-treatment biopsies. Arm H (EAY131-H) evaluated the combination of the BRAF inhibitor (inh) dabrafenib (DAB), and the MEK inh, trametinib (TRM), in pts with BRAF V600E/K mutations. Methods: Pts with melanoma, thyroid, or colorectal cancer were excluded. Pts with NSCLC were excluded after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DAB/TRM for this indication. Pts received DAB 150 mg po BID and TRM 2 mg PO daily on 28 day cycles until disease progression or intolerable toxicity; restaging was performed every 2 cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), 6-month PFS, and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 35 pts were enrolled from 1/2016-2/2018; 2 were ineligible (CrCl below criteria; labs out of window). Over 17 distinct tumor histologies were represented. 58% of pts were female, median age was 63 (range 21-85), 94% were Caucasian, and 48% of pts had received at least 3 prior therapies (range 1- 8). The confirmed ORR was 33.3% (90% CI 19.9%, 49.1%), with a median duration of response (DoR) of 12 months (mon). Varied histologies had a DoR of > 12 mon: histiocytic sarcoma, cholangiocarcinoma and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary, among others. Median PFS was 9.4 mon; the 6 mon PFS rate was 70.6% (90% CI 58.2%-85.5%), and an additional 10 pts had a PFS > 5.5 mon. Median OS has not been reached. At the time of data cutoff (12/2018) 11 pts continue on treatment. Adverse events (AE) were comparable to previously reported profiles of DAB/TRM; no new AEs were identified. The most frequent grade 3 AEs were fatigue, neutropenia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and urinary tract infection; there was 1 grade 4 sepsis; no grade 5 AEs. Conclusions: In this pre-treated, mixed histology cohort, DAB and TRM showed promising activity outside of currently approved FDA indications warranting further investigations. Correlative analyses are planned. Clinical trial information: NCT02465060.

EATON: An open-label, multicenter, phase I dose-escalation trial of nazartinib (EGF816) and trametinib in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer – preliminary data on safety and tolerability.

e20577 Background: Multiple mechanisms of resistance to EGFR TKIs therapy in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been described, most often including the acquisition of the secondary resistance mutations in exon 20 of EGFR. Preclinical models and clinical findings have also shown that co-occurring activation of the RAS/MEK pathway may result in reduced EGFR dependency, which may be overcome by co-inhibition of MEK. We thus hypothesize that the combined inhibition of EGFR and MEK may restore sensitivity to EGFR inhibition in patients with acquired resistance to EGFR inhibition and may as well prolong the acquisition of resistance in treatment-naïve patients. Methods: EATON is an international, multicenter, phase I, dose escalation investigator-initiated trial investigating the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), safety and preliminary efficacy of the combination of the third-generation EGFR inhibitor EGF816 with the MEK inhibitor trametinib (NCT03516214). Eligibility criteria: Advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR del19 or p.L858R, first-line or after failure of any EGFR TKI including osimertinib, independently of p.T790M status. Patients with high-level MET amplification are excluded. Dose level escalation will be based on a modified traditional cumulative 3+3 design, i.e. “up and down” (dose level 1: 100 mg nazartinib (EGF816) QD + 1 mg trametinib QD). A total number of 24 patients is planned to be enrolled in 8 trial sites in Germany and Spain. At a first stage, 18 (6´3) patients will be treated and evaluated. Exploratory endpoints aim at the identification of potential mechanisms of resistance to the trial treatment by massively parallel sequencing (MPS), FISH, phospho-protein analyses and whole exome/genome sequencing of baseline and PD biopsy tumour tissue. Additionally blood samples for MPS of cell free DNA will be collected throughout the trial treatment. Results: At the time of data-cut off for this abstract, one patient received treatment at dose-level 1. Treatment was withdrawn due to a serious, bacterial soft tissue infection of the hand outside the DLT period. Conclusions: Data on safety and tolerability of the combination of nazartinib and trametinib is premature. Updated results will be presented at the conference. Clinical trial information: NCT03516214.

A phase Ib dose-finding, pharmacokinetic study of the focal adhesion kinase inhibitor GSK2256098 and trametinib in patients with advanced solid tumours

BackgroundCombined focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and MEK inhibition may provide greater anticancer effect than FAK monotherapy.MethodsThis dose-finding phase Ib study (adaptive 3 + 3 design) determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of trametinib and the FAK inhibitor GSK2256098 in combination. Eligible patients had mesothelioma or other solid tumours with probable mitogen activated protein kinase pathway activation. Adverse events (AEs), dose-limiting toxicities, disease progression and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics were analysed.ResultsThirty-four subjects were enrolled. The GSK2256098/trametinib MTDs were 500 mg twice daily (BID)/0.375 mg once daily (QD) (high/low) and 250 mg BID/0.5 mg QD (low/high). The most common AEs were nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, pruritus, fatigue and rash; none were grade 4. Systemic exposure to trametinib increased when co-administered with GSK2256098, versus trametinib monotherapy; GSK2256098 pharmacokinetics were unaffected by concomitant trametinib. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.8 weeks (95% CI: 6.1–24.1) in subjects with mesothelioma and was longer with Merlin-negative versus Merlin-positive tumours (15.0 vs 7.3 weeks).ConclusionsTrametinib exposure increased when co-administered with GSK2256098, but not vice versa. Mesothelioma patients with loss of Merlin had longer PFS than subjects with wild-type, although support for efficacy with this combination was limited. Safety profiles were acceptable up to the MTD.

Treatment with Combination of Dabrafenib and Trametinib in Patients with Recurrent/Refractory BRAF V600E-Mutated Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)

BACKGROUNDHairy cell leukemia is a rare, indolent, B-cell lymphoproliferative disease characterized by the BRAF V600E mutation in 90% to 100% of patients. Few treatment options are available for patients who progress on first-line therapy with a purine analogue and/or rituximab. The efficacy of combined BRAF and MEK inhibition is well established in BRAF V600-mutated melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Here we report interim results of treatment with the combination of dabrafenib (BRAF inhibitor) and trametinib (MEK inhibitor) in patients with recurrent/refractory BRAF V600E-mutated HCL. METHODSIn this phase 2, open-label trial (ROAR; NCT02034110), patients with BRAF V600E mutations in 9 rare tumor types, including HCL, received continuous dabrafenib (150 mg twice daily) and trametinib (2 mg once daily) until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or death. For the HCL cohort, eligible patients had histologically confirmed HCL (according to WHO classification) that was refractory to first-line treatment with a purine analogue or relapsed after ≥ 2 prior lines of treatment. The presence of a BRAF V600E mutation was assessed locally and confirmed by a central laboratory. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR) based on criteria adapted from NCCN guidelines. Secondary endpoints were duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Minimal residual disease (MRD) status was assessed by flow cytometry in both peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates. For complete response (CR) without MRD, both peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate samples had to be negative. RESULTSAt the data cutoff (January 3, 2018), 43 patients with HCL had enrolled. Median age was 67 years (range, 40-81) and 38 (88%) were male. Twenty-one patients (49%) had received ≥ 4 prior treatments. At the time of data cutoff, 35 patients (81%) remained on study treatment, 5 (12%) in follow-up; 2 (5%) had withdrawn from study (loss to follow-up and consent withdrawal [n = 1 each]), and 1 (2%) had died. Eight patients had discontinued therapy due to adverse events (AEs; 5 [12%]), study withdrawal (2 [5%]), or disease progression (1 [2%]). Median time on study treatment was 17 months (range, 1-39). Among 41 patients evaluable for response, the investigator-assessed confirmed ORR was 78% (32/41; 95% CI, 62%-89%) with 20 (49%) having CR, (6 [15%] CR without MRD and 14 [34%] CR with MRD), and 12 (29%) partial response. All responses were ongoing at the data cutoff; 16 (50%) responses were lasting ≥ 18 months. PFS and OS rates at 12 months were both 97.6% (95% CI, 83.9%-99.7%). The most common AEs in patients with HCL were pyrexia (67%), chills (51%), hyperglycemia (44%), nausea (44%), peripheral edema (42%), cough (40%), and fatigue (40%). Grade 3/4 AEs were reported in 49% of patients, with the most common (> 5%) being hyperglycemia (9%), anemia (7%), and neutropenia (7%). AEs led to dose reduction and treatment interruption in 42% and 56% of patients, respectively. AEs led to permanent discontinuation in 5 patients (12%; headache and malaise [n = 1]; pyrexia, chills and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome [n = 1]; fat necrosis [n = 1]; hyperglycemia and pancreatic adenocarcinoma [n = 1]; Hodgkin lymphoma [n = 1]). CONCLUSIONSDabrafenib + trametinib was well tolerated and demonstrated a high rate of durable responses in patients with heavily pretreated recurrent/refractory BRAF V600E-mutated HCL. DisclosuresKreitman:NIH: Patents & Royalties: Co-inventor on the NIH patent for Moxetumomab Pasudotox. Moreau:Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Blay:Roche: Honoraria, Other: Non-financial support, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Other: Non-financial support, Research Funding. Wainberg:Merck: Consultancy; EMD Serono: Consultancy; Lilly: Consultancy; Five Prime: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Stein:Novartis: Other: Patient documentation fees; GSK: Other: Patient documentation fees. Willenbacher:Merck: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Other: Steering board, Research Funding. Ravandi:Macrogenix: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Xencor: Research Funding; Astellas Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Xencor: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Orsenix: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Macrogenix: Honoraria, Research Funding; Orsenix: Honoraria; Jazz: Honoraria; Jazz: Honoraria; Sunesis: Honoraria; Astellas Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Burgess:Novartis: Employment. Mookerjee:Novartis: Employment. Subbiah:Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; LOXO: Research Funding; Blueprint Medicine: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding.

Phase 1B Study of Momelotinib Combined With Trametinib in Metastatic, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog-Mutated Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Treatment Failure

IntroductionSpecific treatment options are lacking for Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-mutated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) despite treatment advances in other mutation-driven subgroups. Patients and MethodsIn this study we evaluated the multitargeted Janus kinase/TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) inhibitor momelotinib combined with the mitogen/extracellular signal-related kinase (MEK)1/MEK2 inhibitor trametinib in patients with platinum-treated, refractory, metastatic, KRAS-mutated NSCLC. Dose escalations (3 + 3 design) were conducted with momelotinib in combination with trametinib 1.0 mg once daily, then with trametinib in combination with the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of momelotinib. MTD was determined from dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) during patients' first 28-day cycle. Safety was the primary end point, and efficacy parameters, including disease control rate (DCR) at 8 weeks, were secondary end points. ResultsTwenty-one patients were enrolled (median age: 68 years; 14 [66.7%] female). The MTD was momelotinib 150 mg twice daily in combination with trametinib 1.0 mg once daily. DLTs that determined the MTD were increased alanine aminotransferase and fatigue. The most common adverse events of any grade were nausea (n = 14 [66.7%]), diarrhea (n = 11 [52.4%]), and fatigue (n = 11 [52.4%]). The most common Grade ≥3 event was hypoxia (n = 3 [14.3%]). No patients achieved objective response. DCR at 8 weeks was 12 patients (57.1%) (90% confidence interval [CI], 37.2%-75.5%). Median progression-free and overall survival were 3.6 months (90% CI, 2.2-5.6 months) and 7.4 months (90% CI, 4.0-15.3 months), respectively. Maximum momelotinib plasma concentrations were reached 1 to 2 hours after dosing, but were insufficient to achieve significant TBK1 inhibition. ConclusionThe additional use of momelotinib with trametinib does not improve on the activity of single-agent trametinib in KRAS-mutated NSCLC on the basis of historic data.

COMBATING NRAS MUTANT MELANOMA: FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE.

COMBATING NRAS MUTANT MELANOMA: FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE.

Dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with previously untreated BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: an open-label, phase 2 trial

BRAFV600E mutation occurs in 1-2% of lung adenocarcinomas and acts as an oncogenic driver. Dabrafenib, alone or combined with trametinib, has shown substantial antitumour activity in patients with previously treated BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to assess the activity and safety of dabrafenib plus trametinib treatment in previously untreated patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC. In this phase 2, sequentially enrolled, multicohort, multicentre, non-randomised, open-label study, adults (≥18 years of age) with previously untreated metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC were enrolled into cohort C from 19 centres in eight countries within North America, Europe, and Asia. Patients received oral dabrafenib 150 mg twice per day plus oral trametinib 2 mg once per day until disease progression, unacceptable adverse events, consent withdrawal, or death. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed overall response, defined as the percentage of patients who achieved a confirmed complete response or partial response per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1. The primary and safety analyses were by intention to treat in the protocol-defined population (previously untreated patients). The study is ongoing, but no longer recruiting patients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01336634. Between April 16, 2014, and Dec 28, 2015, 36 patients were enrolled and treated with first-line dabrafenib plus trametinib. Median follow-up was 15·9 months (IQR 7·8-22·0) at the data cutoff (April 28, 2017). The proportion of patients with investigator-assessed confirmed overall response was 23 (64%, 95% CI 46-79), with two (6%) patients achieving a complete response and 21 (58%) a partial response. All patients had one or more adverse event of any grade, and 25 (69%) had one or more grade 3 or 4 event. The most common (occurring in more than two patients) grade 3 or 4 adverse events were pyrexia (four [11%]), alanine aminotransferase increase (four [11%]), hypertension (four [11%]), and vomiting (three [8%]). Serious adverse events occurring in more than two patients included alanine aminotransferase increase (five [14%]), pyrexia (four [11%]), aspartate aminotransferase increase (three [8%]), and ejection fraction decrease (three [8%]). One fatal serious adverse event deemed unrelated to study treatment was reported (cardiorespiratory arrest). Dabrafenib plus trametinib represents a new therapy with clinically meaningful antitumour activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with previously untreated BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC. Novartis.

Dabrafenib plus trametinib versus dabrafenib monotherapy in patients with metastatic BRAF V600E/K-mutant melanoma: long-term survival and safety analysis of a phase 3 study

BackgroundPrevious analysis of COMBI-d (NCT01584648) demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with combination dabrafenib and trametinib versus dabrafenib monotherapy in BRAF V600E/K-mutant metastatic melanoma. This study was continued to assess 3-year landmark efficacy and safety after ≥36-month follow-up for all living patients.Patients and methodsThis double-blind, phase 3 study enrolled previously untreated patients with BRAF V600E/K-mutant unresectable stage IIIC or stage IV melanoma. Patients were randomized to receive dabrafenib (150 mg twice daily) plus trametinib (2 mg once daily) or dabrafenib plus placebo. The primary endpoint was PFS; secondary endpoints were OS, overall response, duration of response, safety, and pharmacokinetics.ResultsBetween 4 May and 30 November 2012, a total of 423 of 947 screened patients were randomly assigned to receive dabrafenib plus trametinib (n = 211) or dabrafenib monotherapy (n = 212). At data cut-off (15 February 2016), outcomes remained superior with the combination: 3-year PFS was 22% with dabrafenib plus trametinib versus 12% with monotherapy, and 3-year OS was 44% versus 32%, respectively. Twenty-five patients receiving monotherapy crossed over to combination therapy, with continued follow-up under the monotherapy arm (per intent-to-treat principle). Of combination-arm patients alive at 3 years, 58% remained on dabrafenib plus trametinib. Three-year OS with the combination reached 62% in the most favourable subgroup (normal lactate dehydrogenase and <3 organ sites with metastasis) versus only 25% in the unfavourable subgroup (elevated lactate dehydrogenase). The dabrafenib plus trametinib safety profile was consistent with previous clinical trial observations, and no new safety signals were detected with long-term use.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that durable (≥3 years) survival is achievable with dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAF V600-mutant metastatic melanoma and support long-term first-line use of the combination in this setting.

BRAF-MEK inhibition in melanoma brain metastases: a new hope

About 30% of patients with stage IV melanoma manifest clinically apparent melanoma brain metastasis at some point in their disease course. Until about 5 years ago, few patients with melanoma brain metastasis were eligible for clinical trials, and survival rates were dismal. The development of brain metastases is a complex process that involves tumour cells escaping from the primary or other metastatic sites, intravasating into the systemic circulation, and arresting in and extravasating from intracranial capillary beds, ultimately resulting in the establishment of new and progressive tumours. Although the biology of melanoma brain metastasis remains poorly understood, a number of signalling pathways have been implicated. STAT3 signalling is involved in extravasation, angiogenesis, and prevention of anoikis (death due to inadequate attachment to extracellular matrix). Increased PI3K/AKT signalling, often caused by loss of the negative regulator PTEN, has been reported in melanoma brain metastasis compared with matched extracranial lesions. 1 Chen G Chakravarti N Aardalen K et al. Molecular profiling of patient-matched brain and extracranial melanoma metastases implicates the PI3K pathway as a therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res. 2014; 20: 5537-5546 Crossref PubMed Scopus (126) Google Scholar Preclinical evidence also shows that the brain microenvironment contributes to melanoma growth and treatment resistance. 2 Niessner H Forschner A Klumpp B et al. Targeting hyperactivation of the AKT survival pathway to overcome therapy resistance of melanoma brain metastases. Cancer Med. 2013; 2: 76-85 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar Although the blood–brain barrier prevents most drugs from accessing normal brain, it is compromised in brain metastases, so therapeutics with extracranial activity frequently show intracranial activity. BRAF inhibitors have potent activity against extracranial BRAFV600-mutant metastatic melanoma; a trial 3 Long VB Trefzer U Davies MA et al. Dabrafenib in patients with Val600Glu or Val600Lys BRAF-mutant melanoma metastatic to the brain (BREAK-MB): a multicentre, open-label, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2012; 13: 1087-1095 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (734) Google Scholar of dabrafenib monotherapy showed that 39% of patients with melanoma brain metastases responded, despite little or no penetration through the intact blood–brain barrier. Dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma brain metastases (COMBI-MB): a multicentre, multicohort, open-label, phase 2 trialDabrafenib plus trametinib was active with a manageable safety profile in this melanoma population that was consistent with previous dabrafenib plus trametinib studies in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma without brain metastases, but the median duration of response was relatively short. These results provide evidence of clinical benefit with dabrafenib plus trametinib and support the need for additional research to further improve outcomes in patients with melanoma brain metastases. Full-Text PDF

Dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma brain metastases (COMBI-MB): a multicentre, multicohort, open-label, phase 2 trial

Dabrafenib plus trametinib improves clinical outcomes in BRAFV600-mutant metastatic melanoma without brain metastases; however, the activity of dabrafenib plus trametinib has not been studied in active melanoma brain metastases. Here, we report results from the phase 2 COMBI-MB trial. Our aim was to build on the current body of evidence of targeted therapy in melanoma brain metastases through an evaluation of dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma brain metastases. This ongoing, multicentre, multicohort, open-label, phase 2 study evaluated oral dabrafenib (150 mg twice per day) plus oral trametinib (2 mg once per day) in four patient cohorts with melanoma brain metastases enrolled from 32 hospitals and institutions in Europe, North America, and Australia: (A) BRAFV600E-positive, asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with no previous local brain therapy, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1; (B) BRAFV600E-positive, asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with previous local brain therapy, and an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1; (C) BRAFV600D/K/R-positive, asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with or without previous local brain therapy, and an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1; and (D) BRAFV600D/E/K/R-positive, symptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with or without previous local brain therapy, and an ECOG performance status of 0, 1, or 2. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed intracranial response in cohort A in the all-treated-patients population. Secondary endpoints included intracranial response in cohorts B, C, and D. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02039947. Between Feb 28, 2014, and Aug 5, 2016, 125 patients were enrolled in the study: 76 patients in cohort A; 16 patients in cohort B; 16 patients in cohort C; and 17 patients in cohort D. At the data cutoff (Nov 28, 2016) after a median follow-up of 8·5 months (IQR 5·5-14·0), 44 (58%; 95% CI 46-69) of 76 patients in cohort A achieved an intracranial response. Intracranial response by investigator assessment was also achieved in nine (56%; 95% CI 30-80) of 16 patients in cohort B, seven (44%; 20-70) of 16 patients in cohort C, and ten (59%; 33-82) of 17 patients in cohort D. The most common serious adverse events related to study treatment were pyrexia for dabrafenib (eight [6%] of 125 patients) and decreased ejection fraction (five [4%]) for trametinib. The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events, regardless of study drug relationship, were pyrexia (four [3%] of 125) and headache (three [2%]). Dabrafenib plus trametinib was active with a manageable safety profile in this melanoma population that was consistent with previous dabrafenib plus trametinib studies in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma without brain metastases, but the median duration of response was relatively short. These results provide evidence of clinical benefit with dabrafenib plus trametinib and support the need for additional research to further improve outcomes in patients with melanoma brain metastases. Novartis.

Dose escalation results of a phase 1b study of the MDM2 inhibitor AMG 232 with or without trametinib in patients (Pts) with relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

7027 Background: The ubiquitin ligase MDM2 inhibits the tumor suppressor p53. In preclinical AML models, MDM2 inhibitors have antitumor activity as monotherapy that is synergistic when combined with MEK inhibitors. This open-label phase 1b study assessed the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary antitumor activity of the investigational oral, selective MDM2 inhibitor AMG 232 as monotherapy or combined with the MEK kinase inhibitor trametinib in pts with r/r AML. Methods: Pts with r/r AML received AMG 232 for 7 days every 2 weeks (7 days on/7 days off) at 60, 120, 240, 480, and 960 mg PO QD as monotherapy (Arm 1) or combined with trametinib 2 mg PO QD (Arm 2). Primary endpoints were the incidence of adverse events (AEs), dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), and PK. Additional endpoints included best response (revised IWG) and serum MIC-1 level (increased MIC-1 suggests p53 activation). p53 target gene ( P21, BAX, and PUMA) expression in bone marrow was assessed by microarray. Results: In total, 35 pts (Arm 1, n = 26; Arm 2, n = 9; median age, 68 y; range, 26–86) were treated. Arm 1 enrolled AMG 232 at 60 mg (n = 4), 90 mg (n = 4), 180 mg (n = 5), 240 mg (n = 3), and 360 (n = 10). Twenty-two (85%) pts in Arm 1 had treatment-related AEs; the most common were nausea (n = 14), diarrhea (n = 14), and vomiting (n = 6). No DLTs occurred; one pt is still on treatment. The MTD was determined as 360 mg based on tolerance of gastrointestinal toxicity. Arm 2 enrollment is ongoing at a fixed AMG 232 dose of 60 mg plus trametinib (n = 9). AMG 232 plasma exposure increased with dose escalation; PK was unaffected by trametinib. Trametinib PK was as expected. Increases from baseline (BL) to day 10 in serum MIC-1 were dose dependent. Evidence of increased P21, BAX, and PUMA expression (BL to day 7 or 8) was seen (n = 3). One pt (Arm 2) had complete remission (CR); three pts (Arm 1) achieved CRi/MLFS. Median response duration was 66 days [range, 21–377+]). Conclusions: AMG 232 monotherapy was tolerable in pts with r/r AML at doses up to 360 mg on a 7 days on/7 days off schedule with expected PK, on-target biological effects, and early evidence of antileukemia activity. Clinical trial information: NCT02016729.

The oral VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib in advanced cholangiocarcinoma

Background:Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. MEK inhibition and antiangiogenic therapies have individually shown modest activity in advanced cholangiocarcinoma, whereas dual inhibition of these pathways has not been previously evaluated. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with the oral VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib plus the MEK inhibitor trametinib in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:In this open-label, multicentre, single-arm trial, adults with advanced unresectable cholangiocarcinoma received pazopanib 800 mg daily and trametinib 2 mg daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) with secondary end points including overall survival (OS), response rate, and disease control rate (DCR).Results:A total of 25 patients were enrolled and had received a median of 2 prior systemic therapies (range 1–7). Median PFS was 3.6 months (95% CI: 2.7–5.1) and the 4-month PFS was 40% (95% CI: 24.7–64.6%). There was a trend towards increased 4-month PFS as compared with the prespecified null hypothesised 4-month PFS of 25%, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.063). The median survival was 6.4 months (95% CI: 4.3–10.2). The objective response rate was 5% (95% CI: 0.13–24.9%) and the DCR was 75% (95% CI: 51%, 91%). Grade 3/4 adverse events attributable to study drugs were observed in 14 (56%) and included thrombocytopenia, abnormal liver enzymes, rash, and hypertension.Conclusions:Although the combination of pazopanib plus trametinib had acceptable toxicity with evidence of clinical activity, it did not achieve a statistically significant improvement in 4-month PFS over the prespecified null hypothesised 4-month PFS.

Phase I study of neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5FU) chemoradiation (CRT) and trametinib in patients with locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC).

685 Background: RAS/BRAF mutations constitutively activate the MAPK pathway in colorectal cancer, and may promote resistance to CRT. We propose that trametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, in combination with 5FU CRT for patients with LARC will improve outcome. Methods: Phase I study with standard 3+3 design in patients with Stage II/III rectal cancer with 3 dose levels of trametinib: 0.5, 1, and 2mg daily with 5FU 225mg/m2/day and 50.4 Gy. Trametinib was given over a 5-day lead-in and continued through the course of CRT. Patients undergo surgery 6-10 weeks after the completion of CRT. An expansion cohort at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) with 12 patients is ongoing. Tumor tissue is collected prior to therapy, at day 4/5 of trametinib, and at surgery. The primary endpoint is to determine the MTD of trametinib with CRT. Results: 15 patients (10 males, 5 females) have been enrolled and 14 patients are evaluable for toxicities to date. Median age is 53 years (range 35-74). Patients have completed enrollment to all dose levels, with 1 dose-limiting toxicity of diarrhea attributed to 5FU CRT. No grade 4/5 toxicities, and toxicities are shown in the table. Generalized skin rash led to trametinib discontinuation after 2 weeks of therapy for 1 patient, and was held 3 days for 2 patients. At the trametinib dose level of 2mg, 3 out of 7 (43%) patients had a pathological complete response and the average neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score is 8.1. Tumor RAS/BRAF mutation status is determined. Analysis of tumor tissue shows dose-dependent decrease in phosphorylated-ERK1/2 with increasing doses of trametinib. Conclusions: Initial evaluation shows that the combination of trametinib with 5FU CRT is tolerable and effective, and warrants further investigation in LARC. Clinical trial information: NCT01740648. [Table: see text]

SC05.03 Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer

SC05.03 Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer

Factors predictive of response, disease progression, and overall survival after dabrafenib and trametinib combination treatment: a pooled analysis of individual patient data from randomised trials

Dabrafenib plus trametinib treatment provides significant benefits over BRAF-inhibitor monotherapy in patients with BRAFV600E-mutant or BRAFV600K-mutant advanced melanoma; however, in many patients the disease progresses, leading to death. With many treatment options available, understanding clinical factors that predict long-term response and survival for treatments is important for optimisation of patient management. We aimed to identify clinical factors associated with long-term response and survival using pooled data from randomised trials of dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with metastatic BRAF-mutant melanoma. We did a retrospective individual data analysis based on all published randomised trials that included treatment-naive patients with BRAFV600E-mutant or BRAFV600K-mutant metastatic melanoma who received the approved dose of dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily plus trametinib 2 mg once daily. Data were pooled from patients in the BRF113220 (part C; March 26, 2010, to Jan 15, 2015), COMBI-d (May 4, 2012, to Jan 12, 2015), and COMBI-v (June 4, 2012, to March 13, 2015) randomised trials. Patients with untreated brain metastases were not permitted to enrol in these trials. Baseline factors, identified a priori based on known melanoma clinical or prognostic characteristics, were analysed for association with progression-free survival and overall survival using univariate and multivariate analyses and assessed for hierarchical effect on outcomes using regression tree analyses. We also analysed factors identified after baseline, on treatment, and at progression, for associations with survival after progression. The trials included in this analysis are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: BRF113220, number NCT01072175; COMBI-d, number NCT01584648; COMBI-v, number NCT01597908. 617 patients were included in this analysis with a median follow-up of 20·0 months (range 0-48·0, IQR 10·1-24·8); 396 patients had progression events (ie, disease progression or death) and 290 patients had died. Median progression-free survival (11·1 months [95% CI 9·7-12·9]), median overall survival (25·6 months [23·1-34·3]), 1-year progression-free survival (48% [44-52]) and overall survival (74% [71-78]), and 2-year progression-free survival (30% [26-34]) and overall survival (53% [49-57]) were consistent with those in the individual trials. Patients with normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration and fewer than three organ sites containing metastases (n=237) had the longest 1-year progression-free survival (68% [95% CI 62-74]) and overall survival (90% [87-94]) and 2-year progression-free survival (46% [40-54]) and overall survival (75% [70-81]), whereas patients with LDH concentration at least two times the upper limit of normal (n=70) had the shortest 1-year progression-free survival (8% [3-19]) and overall survival (40% [29-55]) and 2-year progression-free survival (2% [0-13]) and overall survival (7% [3-19]). Of patients with disease progression (n=379), survival after progression was longest in those with progression in baseline or new non-CNS lesions (n=205; median 10·0 months [95% CI 7·9-12·0]) and shortest in those with new CNS lesions or concurrent progression in baseline and new lesions (n=171; median 4·0 months [3·5-4·9]). Several patient and clinical characteristics at and after baseline are associated with outcomes with dabrafenib plus trametinib, and durable benefit is possible with targeted treatment in defined patient subsets. Novartis.

Abstract 2650: In depth immune profiling of the response of melanoma to MAPK inhibition

Abstract Melanoma patients with clinically palpable regional lymph node metastases (AJCC Stage III) carry a risk of relapse and death that approaches 70% at 5 years. The NeoCombi study is a pilot phase II study of neoadjuvant dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with resectable Stage IIIB-C BRAFV600 mutation positive melanoma. Patients receive 12 weeks of combined drug treatment, followed by surgical resection of all disease. Patients then continue combination drug treatment for a further 40 weeks. We aimed to identify host and tumour biomarkers that predict response to MAPK inhibition. Blood and tumour samples were obtained at baseline, early during treatment (3-7 days on therapy), at completion resection after 12 weeks on therapy, and, if relevant, on progression. Additional blood samples were also collected every 2 weeks up to 12 weeks of therapy. Samples were processed to generate plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), fresh frozen tumour and where possible, tumour-dissociates and cell lines (tumour and immune cells). We have profiled tumour-specific and peripheral immune responses using a combination of flow cytometry, mass cytometry and multiplex cytokine/chemokine arrays. We also profiled circulating tumour-associated DNA (ctDNA) in plasma. To date, we have accrued 17 patients onto the NeoCombi study. Primary analysis of the first 12 patients has been completed. Decreases in ctDNA and tumour viability, in addition to immunophenotype changes, were seen within 1 week of starting treatment. Changes in immunophenotype continued throughout the first 12 weeks of treatment with conversion of CD8+ and CD4+ naive (CD45RA+) cells to effector cells (CD45RA-) in most patients. We also noted that activation of regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+CD127-HLA-DR+) increased over the first 12 weeks of treatment in patients with partial pathological responses compared to those with complete pathological responses. Interestingly, the cytokine profile remained relatively stable across treatment within each patient, suggesting that factors already present at baseline may determine response to treatment. A pro-inflammatory cytokine signature has been identified as a potential biomarker of patients likely to relapse and in vitro validation studies are currently underway. Additionally, although ctDNA was only detectable in 42% of patients (compared to over 70% in patients with stage IV disease), high levels of ctDNA identified patients at highest risk of relapse and, if detectable, proved a useful marker to monitor treatment response. In conclusion, we have identified both host and tumour-specific biomarkers which may be useful to predict (and to monitor) response to MAPK inhibition in melanoma patients. Citation Format: Sarah J. Welsh, Suzanah Boyd, Helen McGuire, Maria Gonzales, Alexander M. Menzies, Hojabr Kakavand, Elisa James, Elizabeth Smith, Barbara Fazekas, Richard F. Kefford, Alex Guminski, Richard A. Scolyer, Georgina V. Long, Helen Rizos. In depth immune profiling of the response of melanoma to MAPK inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2650.