Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Research Articles

Randomized phase 2 study of valproic acid combined with simvastatin and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel-based regimens in untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients: the VESPA trial study protocol

BackgroundMetastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) patients have very poor prognosis highlighting the urgent need of novel treatments. In this regard, repurposing non-oncology already-approved drugs might be an attractive strategy to offer more-effective treatment easily tested in clinical trials. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic deregulation is a hallmark of cancer contributing to treatment resistance in several solid tumors, including PDAC. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are epigenetic drugs we have investigated preclinically and clinically as anticancer agents. Valproic acid (VPA) is a generic low-cost anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer with HDAC inhibitory activity, and anticancer properties also demonstrated in PDAC models. Statins use was reported to be associated with lower mortality risk in patients with pancreatic cancer and statins have been shown to have a direct antitumor effect when used alone or in combination therapy. We recently showed capability of VPA/Simvastatin (SIM) combination to potentiate the antitumor activity of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo PDAC preclinical models.Methods/DesignVESPA is a patient-centric open label randomized multicenter phase-II investigator-initiated trial, evaluating the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of VPA/SIM plus first line gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel-based regimens (AG or PAXG) (experimental arm) versus chemotherapy alone (standard arm) in mPDAC patients. The study involves Italian and Spanish oncology centers and includes an initial 6-patients safety run-in-phase. A sample size of 240 patients (120 for each arm) was calculated under the hypothesis that the addition of VPA/SIM to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel-based regimens may extend progression free survival from 6 to 9 months in the experimental arm. Secondary endpoints are overall survival, response rate, disease control rate, duration of response, CA 19.9 reduction, toxicity, and quality of life. The study includes a patient engagement plan and complementary biomarkers studies on tumor and blood samples.ConclusionsVESPA is the first trial evaluating efficacy and safety of two repurposed drugs in oncology such as VPA and SIM, in combination with standard chemotherapy, with the aim of improving mPDAC survival. The study is ongoing. Enrollment started in June 2023 and a total of 63 patients have been enrolled as of June 2024.Trial registrationEudraCT number: 2022-004154-63; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05821556, posted 2023/04/20.

Clinical and translational results from REVOLUTION cohorts A (nivolumab + ipilimumab + chemotherapy) and B (hydroxychloroquine + ipilimumab + chemotherapy) in patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

4137 Background: Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is largely refractory to treatment, including immunotherapy. However, recent developments in chemoimmunotherapy combinations show promise. Herein, we report results from the first 2 cohorts of REVOLUTION, an ongoing, adaptive platform study designed to assess the safety and antitumor activity of novel chemoimmunotherapy combinations in patients (pts) with untreated mPDAC. Methods: REVOLUTION (NCT04787991) is an open-label, non-randomized, exploratory platform trial. Pts were assigned by investigator choice to one of the enrolling cohorts. All pts in Cohorts A and B received 1000 mg/m2 gemcitabine, 125 mg/m2 nab-paclitaxel, and 2 doses of 1 mg/kg ipilimumab. In addition, pts received 360 mg nivolumab Q3W in Cohort A or 600 mg hydroxychloroquine BID in Cohort B. Primary endpoint: safety. Secondary endpoints: ORR, DCR, DOR, PFS, and OS. Exploratory endpoints: pharmacodynamics and association of tumor and blood biomarkers with clinical activity. Each cohort utilized a Simon two-stage design: n=15 in Stage 1 with expansion to Stage 2 (an additional n=15) based on the totality of safety, efficacy and biomarker analyses. Results: Both cohorts enrolled 15 pts each. Median treatment duration was 6.5 and 5.6 months (mo), and median study duration was 19.1 and 12.7 mo for A and B, respectively. All pts experienced a treatment-related adverse event (TRAE). Grade 3-4 TRAEs occurred in 60% of A (most common: decreased neutrophil count [n=4]) and 53% of B (most common: anemia [n=5], decreased neutrophil count [n=4]). In B, 2 pts discontinued due to AEs, with none occurring in A. One grade 5 TRAE (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, deemed related to chemotherapy) occurred in B; none in A. Table shows efficacy results. Cohort A revealed increased activated/proliferating CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, Tregs, and soluble PD-1 in circulation. Cohort B showed increases in activated/proliferating CD4 T cells and signs of autophagy inhibition. Preliminary multi-omic analyses that aim to associate biomarkers with clinical response will be presented. Conclusions: REVOLUTION cohorts A and B demonstrated antitumor activity in pts with mPDAC. Cohort B treatment, which included hydroxychloroquine, incurred more early discontinuations. As designed, neither cohort will advance to Stage 2, highlighting the need for further tailored therapeutic approaches in mPDAC. Clinical trial information: NCT04787991 . [Table: see text]

Napabucasin plus nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine versus nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: an adaptive multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3, superiority trial

Compared with normal cells, tumour cells contain elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased levels of the antioxidant protein NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) correlate negatively with the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Napabucasin is an investigational, orally administered ROS generator bioactivated by NQO1. In the open-label, phase 3 CanStem111P study (NCT02993731), adults with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) were randomised (1:1) to napabucasin plus nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine or nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine alone. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). In exploratory analyses, OS was evaluated in the subgroup of patients with tumours positive for pSTAT3 (biomarker-positive). Between 30 January 2017 and 20 February 2019, a total of 1779 patients were screened across 165 study sites in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the US. Of the 565 and 569 patients randomised to the napabucasin and control treatment arms, respectively, 206 and 176 were biomarker-positive. Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) OS in the napabucasin and control treatment arms was 11.4 (10.5-12.2) and 11.7 (10.7-12.7) months, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.93-1.23). Due to the lack of OS improvement in the napabucasin arm, CanStem111P was terminated due to futility. In the biomarker-positive subgroup, no difference between treatment arms was found for OS. Grade ≥3 adverse events were reported in 85.4% and 83.9% of napabucasin-treated and control-treated patients, respectively. The incidence of gastrointestinal-related grade ≥3 events was higher with napabucasin (diarrhoea: 11.6% vs 4.9%; abdominal pain: 10.0% vs 4.8%). Our findings suggested that although the addition of napabucasin to nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine did not improve efficacy in patients with previously untreated mPDAC, the safety profile of napabucasin was consistent with previous reports. CanStem111P represents the largest cohort of patients with mPDAC administered nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine in the clinical trial setting. Our data reinforce the value of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as a platform for novel therapeutics approaches in mPDAC. The Sumitomo Pharma Oncology, Inc.

Gemcitabine (Gem) and nab-paclitaxel (NP) ± nivolumab (nivo) ± CD40 agonistic monoclonal antibody APX005M (sotigalimab), in patients (Pts) with untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC): Phase (Ph) 2 final results.

4019 Background: Results from a ph1b trial evaluating gem/NP with CD40 agonistic monoclonal antibody APX005M ± nivo demonstrated promising clinical activity in pts with untreated mPDAC (O’Hara 2021). Herein, we report results from the follow-on, randomized (rand) ph2 trial evaluating gem/NP ± nivo ± APX005M. Methods: Pts with untreated mPDAC were rand to 1 of 3 open-label arms: gem/NP/nivo (A), gem/NP/APX005M (B), gem/NP/nivo/APX005M (C). All pts were treated with 1000 mg/m2 gem and 125 mg/m2 NP. Patients received 240 mg nivo in arms A and C and 0.3 mg/kg APX005M (RP2D) IV in arms B and C. Ph1b pts were included in ph2 analyses. 1° endpoint: 1-year OS rate of each arm, compared to a 35% historical OS rate for gem/NP (Von Hoff 2013). Key 2° endpoints: ORR, DCR, DOR, PFS and safety. Tumor and blood were collected for biomarker analysis. Planned enrollment of 35 pts/arm provided 81% power for testing the alternative of 58% OS rate vs 35%, using a 1-sided, 1-sample Z test with 5% type I error. Trial was not powered for cross-arm comparison. Results: 93 pts were rand in ph2 (N = 34, 30, 29 to A, B, C); when ph1b pts included, a total of 105 pts (34, 36, 35) were analyzed for efficacy and 108 pts (36, 37, 35) for safety. Min follow-up was 14 months (mos). Baseline characteristics were balanced across arms, inclusive of tumor burden, presence of liver metastases and stage at initial diagnosis (stage 1-3 vs 4). 1-year OS rate was 57% (1-sided p = 0.007 vs 35% historical rate, 95% lower CI bound = 41%) for A, 51% (p = 0.029, 95% bound = 36%) for B and 41% (p = 0.236, 95% bound = 27%) for C. Median OS and secondary endpoints are listed in Table. TRAE rates were similar across arms and to ph1b. 8 (7%) pts experienced an AE leading to tx discontinuation (6, 1, 1 in A, B, C), 40 (37%) pts experienced a serious TRAE (14, 15, 11 in A, B, C) and 2 pts died due to TRAEs; 1 each in B (acute hepatic failure) and C (intracranial hemorrhage). Conclusions: In this ongoing, seamless ph1b/2 trial of gem/NP ± nivo ± APX005M in pts with mPDAC, antitumor activity was observed in all arms. 1° endpoint of 1-year OS > 35% was met when combining gem/NP with either nivo or APX005M; however, not the combination. Safety was manageable; consistent with ph1b. Detailed multiomic immune and tumor biomarker analyses are underway to elucidate mechanisms of action and inform pt subsets that benefit most from these combinations. Clinical trial information: NCT03214250. [Table: see text]

Phase 2 study of vismodegib, a hedgehog inhibitor, combined with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BackgroundThe Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Preclinical studies have shown that Hh inhibitors reduce pancreatic cancer stem cells (pCSC), stroma and Hh signalling.MethodsPatients with previously untreated metastatic PDA were treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Vismodegib was added starting on the second cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) as compared with historical controls. Tumour biopsies to assess pCSC, stroma and Hh signalling were obtained before treatment and after cycle 1 (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) or after cycle 2 (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel plus vismodegib).ResultsSeventy-one patients were enrolled. Median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 5.42 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.37–6.97) and 9.79 months (95% CI: 7.85–10.97), respectively. Of the 67 patients evaluable for response, 27 (40%) had a response: 26 (38.8%) partial responses and 1 complete response. In the tumour samples, there were no significant changes in ALDH + pCSC following treatment.ConclusionsAdding vismodegib to chemotherapy did not improve efficacy as compared with historical rates observed with chemotherapy alone in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic cancer. This study does not support the further evaluation of Hh inhibitors in this patient population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01088815.

A phase 1b dose escalation study of Wnt pathway inhibitor vantictumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer

SummaryVantictumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits Wnt pathway signaling through binding FZD1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 receptors. This phase Ib study evaluated vantictumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Patients received vantictumab at escalating doses in combination with standard dosing of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine according to a 3 + 3 design. A total of 31 patients were treated in 5 dosing cohorts. Fragility fractures attributed to vantictumab occurred in 2 patients in Cohort 2 (7 mg/kg every 2 weeks), and this maximum administered dose (MAD) on study was considered unsafe. The dosing schedule was revised to every 4 weeks for Cohorts 3 through 5, with additional bone safety parameters added. Sequential dosing of vantictumab followed by nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine was also explored. No fragility fractures attributed to vantictumab occurred in these cohorts; pathologic fracture not attributed to vantictumab was documented in 2 patients. The study was ultimately terminated due to concerns around bone-related safety, and thus the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination was not determined. The MAD of vantictumab according to the revised dosing schedule was 5 mg/kg (n = 16).

Final results from a phase II study of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and dasatinib (FOLFOX-D) in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Final results from a phase II study of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and dasatinib (FOLFOX-D) in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Final toxicity results from a phase II study of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and dasatinib (FOLFOX-D) in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

504 Background: Systemic chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) improves survival but most targeted agents have consistently failed to demonstrate clinical benefits. Src is overexpressed in PCa and promotes an aggressive cancer phenotype. Dasatinib (D) is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) affecting tumor proliferation through inhibition of Src, Bcr-Abl, CKit and other pathways. Inhibition of Src is associated with biologic modifications favorably modifying the PCa phenotype and has synergy with restoring inherent chemosensitivity. Src inhibition can also increase oxaliplatin activity and modulate Tcell responses. The addition of D to the well-established backbone of FOLFOX represents a multifaceted line of scientific investigation. Methods: This single arm phase II trial is to determine activity and toxicity of FOLFOX + D in previously untreated metastatic PCa. Pts must have at least 1 RECIST measurable target lesion, ECOG PS 0-2, normal QTc and adequate organ function. Treatment is standard q14d cycles of mFOLFOX6 with continuous D (150mg PO daily). Tumor assessments occur q8w. Endpoints are PFS (primary), objective and biochemical response rates, clinical benefit rate, freedom from metastases, overall survival (OS), toxicity, and quality of life. Exploratory tissue, circulating tumor cell and serum analyses to identify predictors of response are planned, particularly in those with durable disease control or exceptional response. Sample size is based on a 50% improved median PFS from 4 (historical) to 6 months. Results: Enrollment is now closed on this prospective phase II study with 42 of 42 evaluable pts. Baseline demographics are in Table 1. Toxicity and outcomes continue to be assessed. Conclusions: Final toxicity data will be presented at the meeting for this novel combination treatment in advanced PCa. Clinical trial information: NCT01652976. [Table: see text]

5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and dasatinib (FOLFOX-D) for previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

TPS517 Background: Systemic chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma improves survival and cancer related symptoms. Most targeted agents combined with gemcitabine have consistently failed to demonstrate clinical benefits. Src is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and promotes an aggressive cancer phenotype. Dasatinib (D) is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) affecting tumor proliferation through inhibition of Src, Bcr-Abl, CKit and other pathways. Inhibition of Src is associated with biologic modifications favorably modifying the pancreatic cancer phenotype and has synergy with restoring inherent chemosensitivity. Src inhibition can also increase oxaliplatin activity and modulate Tcell responses. The addition of D to the well-established backbone of FOLFOX represents a multifaceted line of scientific investigation. Methods: This is a multicenter phase II trial to determine activity and toxicity of FOLFOX + D in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Eligible pts must have at least 1 measurable target lesion by RECIST, ECOG PS 0-2, normal QTc and adequate organ function. Pts received standard cycles of mFOLFOX6 repeated q14d with continuous D (150mg PO daily). Tumor assessments occur q8w. Endpoints included progression-free survival (primary; PFS), objective and biochemical response rates, clinical benefit rate, freedom from metastases, overall survival (OS), toxicity, and quality of life. Exploratory tissue, circulating tumor cell and serum analyses to identify predictors of response are planned, particularly in those demonstrating durable disease control or exceptional response. Sample size was based on a 50% improved median PFS from 4 (historical) to 6 months. NCT01652976. Results: Enrollment continues on this prospective phase II study with 38 of 42 evaluable patients. There are no unexpected toxicities noted thus far. Clinical trial information: NCT01652976. [Table: see text]

A phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ganitumab or placebo in combination with gemcitabine as first-line therapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: the GAMMA trial

This double-blind, phase 3 study assessed the efficacy and safety of ganitumab combined with gemcitabine as first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned 2 : 2 : 1 to receive intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) (days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle) plus placebo, ganitumab 12 mg/kg, or ganitumab 20 mg/kg (days 1 and 15 of each cycle). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), safety, and efficacy by levels of circulating biomarkers. Overall, 322 patients were randomly assigned to placebo, 318 to ganitumab 12 mg/kg, and 160 to ganitumab 20 mg/kg. The study was stopped based on results from a preplanned futility analysis; the final results are reported. Median OS was 7.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.3-8.2] in the placebo arm, 7.0 months (95% CI, 6.2-8.5) in the ganitumab 12-mg/kg arm [hazard ratio (HR), 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82-1.21; P = 0.494], and 7.1 months (95% CI, 6.4-8.5) in the ganitumab 20-mg/kg arm (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76-1.23; P = 0.397). Median PFS was 3.7, 3.6 (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.84-1.20; P = 0.520), and 3.7 months (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.77-1.22; P = 0.403), respectively. No unexpected toxicity was observed with ganitumab plus gemcitabine. The circulating biomarkers assessed [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein-2, and -3] were not associated with a treatment effect on OS or PFS by ganitumab. Ganitumab combined with gemcitabine had manageable toxicity but did not improve OS, compared with gemcitabine alone in unselected patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01231347.

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) in gemcitabine and FOLFOX (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin)-treated patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: The randomized phase II PAN1 study.

228 Background: GEM-based treatment is a standard treatment for metastatic pancreas cancer. Monotherapy efficacy is only modest, and outcomes are improved by combination treatment or the non-GEM FOLFIRINOX triplet. There is a need for biomarkers to select between these divergent options. hENT1 is a potential predictive marker of benefit from GEM, but conflicting results have been observed in studies that have evaluated resected and metastatic pancreatic cancer. This principal objective of this study was to evaluate hENT1 prospectively as a predictive marker in GEM and non-GEM treated patients. Methods: Patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and tumour tissue available for hENT1 testing were randomized between GEM (1,000 mg/m2 D1, 8, 15 Q4w) or FOLFOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) 400 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 D1 and 5FU 2,400 mg/m2over 46 hours D1-3) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor samples were tested prospectively for hENT1 by immunohistochemistry. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: The study was open from July 2011 to February 2013, but closed after 16 of the planned 80 patients were enrolled. 1 patient who died before treatment was excluded from the outcome analysis. 7/16 patients were hENT1 high (43.8%, 95%CI 23.1-66.8%). In the GEM arm (n=7), the 4 who were hENT1 high had longer PFS and overall survivals (OS) than those who were hENT1 low (median PFS 5.7 vs. 1.8 months; median OS 13.9 vs. 3.5 months), whereas outcomes were similar with FOLFOX for both hENT1 groups. There were no unexpected adverse events. Conclusions: This prospective study showed a longer survival in those patients with high hENT1 treated with GEM. There was no difference in survival according to hENT1 expression in patients treated with FOLFOX. Given the small sample size this may be due to chance, but supports the need for further research into the predictive value of hENT1. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12610001047088.[Table: see text]

A randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 study of ganitumab (AMG 479) or conatumumab (AMG 655) in combination with gemcitabine in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ganitumab (a mAb antagonist of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor) or conatumumab (a mAb agonist of human death receptor 5) combined with gemcitabine in a randomized phase 2 trial in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with a previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤1 were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to i.v. gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) (days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle) combined with open-label ganitumab (12 mg/kg every 2 weeks [Q2W]), double-blind conatumumab (10 mg/kg Q2W), or double-blind placebo Q2W. The primary end point was 6-month survival rate. Results In total, 125 patients were randomized. The 6-month survival rates were 57% (95% CI 41-70) in the ganitumab arm, 59% (42-73) in the conatumumab arm, and 50% (33-64) in the placebo arm. The grade ≥3 adverse events in the ganitumab, conatumumab, and placebo arms, respectively, included neutropenia (18/22/13%), thrombocytopenia (15/17/8%), fatigue (13/12/5%), alanine aminotransferase increase (15/5/8%), and hyperglycemia (18/2/3%). Ganitumab combined with gemcitabine had tolerable toxicity and showed trends toward an improved 6-month survival rate and overall survival. Additional investigation into this combination is warranted. Conatumumab combined with gemcitabine showed some evidence of activity as assessed by the 6-month survival rate.

710P - Firgem, A Sequential Folfiri.3 (CPT-11 Plus Folinic Acid Plus 5-FU) Followed by Gemcitabine or Gemcitabine Alone in Patients with Previously Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Results of a Randomized Multicenter Ageo Phase II Trial

ABSTRACT Background CPT-11 showed modest activity and tolerability in metastaic pancreatic cancer (MPA). We developed a new strategy to improve efficacy and tolerability of CPT-11 based regimen in MPA patients (pts). Methods Chemotherapy-naive pts with histologically proven MPA, bilirubin levels Results Between 2007 and 2011, 98 pts were enrolled (males: 59, median age: 62 years, PS 0: 32%). Median follow-up was 23 months. Grade 3-4 toxicities per pts (%) in arm A/B were diarrhea 13/0, nausea-vomiting 11/4, neutropenia 51/25 and febrile neutropenia 4/0. No toxic death occurred. Response rate were 40 and 11% as disease control rate (CR + PR + SD) were 73 and 52% in arm A and B, respectively. The primary endpoint of the trial was met with rate of PFS at 6 months of 48% (95% CI: 33-63) in arm A while in arm B PFS was 30% (95% CI: 17 - 44). One year PFS was 23% (95%CI: 11.5-36) and 11% (95%CI: 4-21), respectively. Conclusions FIRGEM strategy is feasible and efficient with a manageable toxicity profile in good condition pts with MPA. A phase III trial comparing this strategy with the FOLFIRINOX triplet therapy focusing on quality of life should now be performed. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

FOLFIRI.3 (CPT-11 plus folinic acid plus 5-FU) alternating with gemcitabine or gemcitabine (G) alone in patients (pts) with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MPA): Results of the randomized multicenter AGEO phase II trial FIRGEM.

4018 Background: CPT-11 showed modest activity and tolerability in MPA. We developed a new strategy to improve efficacy and tolerability of CPT-11 based regimen in MPA pts. Methods: Chemotherapy-naive pts with histologically proven MPA, bilirubin levels < 1.5 ULN and performance status (PS) 0-1 were randomized in a phase II trial to receive either FOLFIRI.3 (CPT-11 90 mg/m2 as a 60-min infusion on day (D) 1, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 as a 2-hr infusion on day 1, followed by 5-FU 2000 mg/m2 as a 46-hr infusion and CPT-11 90 mg/m2, repeated on D3, at the end of the 5-FU infusion, every 2 weeks) for 2 months alternarting with G (1000 mg/m² at a fixed dose rate of 10 mg/m²/min on D1, D8, D15, D29, D36 and D43) for 2 months (arm A) or G alone (arm B). Using Fleming design the primary end point was rate of progression free survival (PFS) at 6 months from (H0) 25% over (H1) 45% needing to include 49 pts/arm. Results: Between 2007 and 2011, 98 pts were enrolled (males: 59, median age: 62 years, PS 0: 32%). Median follow-up was 23 months. Grade 3-4 toxicities per pts (%) in arm A/B were diarrhea 13/0, nausea-vomiting 11/4, neutropenia 51/25 and febrile neutropenia 4/0. No toxic death occurred. Response rate were 40 and 11% as disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) were 73 and 52% in arm A and B, respectively. The primary endpoint of the trial was met with rate of PFS at 6 months of 48% (95% CI: 33-63) in arm A while in arm B PFS was 30% (95% CI: 17 - 44). One year PFS was 23% (95%CI: 11.5-36) and 11% (95%CI: 4-21), respectively. Conclusions: FIRGEM strategy is feasible and efficient with a manageable toxicity profile in good condition pts with MPA. A phase III trial comparing this strategy with the FOLFIRINOX triplet therapy focusing on quality of life should now be performed.

A phase I study of nab-paclitaxel (A), gemcitabine (GEM), and capecitabine (X) in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MPA).

4048 Background: GEM-based doublets, such as GEM + capecitabine (X), may be beneficial in select pts with MPA. Given preclinical evidence of synergy when a taxane is added to GEM + X, as well as recent phase I/II study results showing substantial activity with GEM + nab-paclitaxel (A) (ORR of 48%, median OS > 12 mos at MTD), we conducted a phase I study evaluating the 3-drug combination of A, GEM, and X (AGX) given biweekly in pts with MPA. Methods: Pts with previously untreated MPA and ECOG PS 0-1 were eligible. A (100-150 mg/m2) and GEM (750-1000 mg/m2 at 10 mg/m2/min) were both administered on day 4, and X (500-1000 mg/m2 bid) on days 1-7, of each 14-day cycle. A 3+3 dose escalation design was used, with expanded cohort at MTD. Primary objective was to establish MTD of this regimen; secondary objectives include safety and preliminary assessment of efficacy. DLT definitions: gr 3-4 ANC or neutropenic fever; gr 4 plts; gr 2-4 hand-foot syndrome (HFS), neuropathy or diarrhea; or other gr 3-4 non-heme toxicity. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled across two dose levels (age range, 45-74 y). Final MTD was established at dose level 0, consisting of A 100 mg/m2, GEM 750 mg/m2, and X 750 mg/m2 bid. At dose level 1, two of 4 pts experienced DLTs (gr 3 LFT elevation, gr 3 ANC). For the entire study cohort, 10 pts (67%) experienced at least one gr 3-4 AE, including LFTs (20%), N/V (13%), and fatigue (7%). Gr 3-4 heme toxicity was uncommon. Other notable AEs (any grade): fatigue (87%), rash/HFS (67%), N/V (53%), diarrhea (40%), neuropathy (33%). Median # cycles received = 4 (range, 2-16). 73% of pts d/c’ed study treatment due to disease progression. Best response for the entire cohort (n=14 evaluable pts): 2 PR, 8 SD, 4 PD (disease control rate = 71%). Of 12 pts with elevated CA19-9 at baseline, 5 (42%) had >50% biomarker decline. Conclusions: Recognizing the limits of cross-study comparisons and small sample size, these results do not match those reported at MTD in the phase I/II trial of GEM (1000 mg/m2) + A (125 mg/m2). The modest activity seen with this AGX regimen may have resulted from suboptimal dosing, and suggests that dose intensity may be an important factor when trying to incorporate nab-paclitaxel into multidrug regimens.