Whitesell, Luke

9018 Background: A pediatric phase I study of 17-allylaminogeldanamycin (17-AAG), an Hsp90 inhibitor, was conducted to determine the dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), the recommended phase II dose, the pharmacokinetics (PK), and to evaluate a surrogate marker for Hsp90 inhibition in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: Cohorts of 3–6 pts were enrolled at dose levels of 150, 200, 270 and 360 mg/m2/dose, administered as a 60 min infusion, on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 21-day cycle. PK and PBMC evaluations were done during the first course of therapy. Results: 17 pts (7 male), median 7 yrs of age (range 1–19), were enrolled. 5 pts who developed PD prior to completing a full cycle of therapy were not considered evaluable for toxicity. No DLTs occurred. Non-DLTs included elevated transaminases (n=6), anemia (n=3), and vomiting (n=3). Based on the adult recommended dose and challenges posed by infusing the large volumes of DMSO, dose escalation was stopped at dose level 4. No CRs or PRs were observed; 3 patients remain on therapy at 6, 7 and 9 months with SD. One patient with hepatoblastoma had a reduction in AFP and SD over 3 cycles. PK data is available from the initial 3 dose levels. Drug exposure increases in proportion to dose for both17-AAG and its metabolite 17-AG. At 270 mg/m2/dose the Cmax and AUC of 17-AAG were 5,303 ± 1,591 ng/ml and 13,150 ± 5,086 ng/ml*hr, respectively, similar to the exposure in adults. The mean terminal half-life for 17-AAG was 3.0 ± 0.5 hrs. Induction of Hsp72, a surrogate marker for inhibition of Hsp90 was detected at all dose levels. Conclusions: The recommended phase II dose of 17AAG is 360mg/m2/day. Non-DMSO formulations may allow for further dose escalation in children and should be studied. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the recommended phase 2 dose, dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), pharmacokinetic profile, and pharmacodynamics of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 inhibitor, 17-allylaminogeldanamycin (17-AAG). Experimental Design: 17-AAG was administered as a 60-min infusion, on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle at dose levels of 150, 200, 270, and 360 mg/m2/dose. Pharmacokinetic studies and evaluations for Hsp72 and Akt levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were done during the first course of therapy. Results: Seventeen patients (7 males), median 7 years of age (range, 1-19 years), were enrolled using a standard dose escalation scheme. No DLTs were observed. Although there were no objective responses, three patients remain on therapy at 6+, 7+, and 9+ months with stable disease. One patient with hepatoblastoma had a reduction in α-fetoprotein and stable disease over three cycles. At 270 mg/m2/dose, the Cmax and areas under the plasma concentration-time curves of 17-AAG were 5,303 ± 1,591 ng/mL and 13,656 ± 4,757 ng/mL h, respectively, similar to the exposure in adults. The mean terminal half-life for 17-AAG was 3.24 ± 0.80 h. Induction of Hsp72, a surrogate marker for inhibition of Hsp90, was detected at the 270 mg/m2 dose level. Conclusions: Drug exposures consistent with those required for anticancer activity in preclinical models were achieved without DLT. Evidence for drug-induced modulation of Hsp90 systemically was also detected. The recommended phase II dose of 17-AAG is 360 mg/m2/d. Non-DMSO–containing formulations may improve acceptance of this drug by children and their families.