Kandel, Jessica J.

9017 Background: Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) that has demonstrated significant growth inhibition in several pre-clinical models of pediatric solid tumors. However, the agent has never been tested in pediatric patients. Methods: A phase I dose escalation study in children with refractory solid tumors was conducted to define the dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), and to determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) and recommended phase II dose of bevacizumab administered by IV infusion every 2 weeks in 28-day cycles. Cohorts were enrolled at dose levels of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg; the final dose level was expanded to include at least 3 children <6 years of age. Serial blood samples were collected for PK, plasma VEGF concentration, and circulating mature and progenitor endothelial cells (CECs/CEPs). Results: 20 patients (10 male), median age 13 yrs (range 1–21), were enrolled at dose levels 5 (n=3), 10 (n=3), and 15 (n=14) mg/kg. 18 patients were fully evaluable for toxicity (one withdrew consent prior to treatment and the second was removed for rapid disease progression). A total of 67 cycles were administered with a median of 3 per patient (range 1–16). Treatment was well tolerated and no DLTs were observed. Only one grade 3 toxicity, lymphopenia, was attributed to drug. Non-dose limiting, grade 1–2 toxicities included infusional reaction (n=3), rash (n=3), mucositis (n=2), and proteinuria (n=3). There was no hypertension, hemorrhage or thrombosis reported. There were no partial or complete responses; 3 pts with Ewings and 2 pts with soft tissue sarcoma had disease stabilization for > 3 months. The serum exposure to bevacizumab as measured by AUC appeared to increase in proportion to dose. The median clearance of bevacizumab was 4.1 ml/day/kg (range 3.2–15.9), and the median T1/2 was 11.8 days (range 3.9–14.6). In some patients, a rapid rate of rise in plasma VEGF, increase in mature CECs or decrease in CEPs was observed. Conclusion: Bevacizumab at doses up to 15mg/kg every two weeks is well tolerated in children with solid tumors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Purpose We conducted a pediatric phase I trial of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–neutralizing antibody bevacizumab (BV). Primary aims included estimating the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and determining the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), pharmacokinetics, and biologic effects of BV in children with cancer. Patients and Methods BV (5, 10, 15 mg/kg) was administered intravenously every 2 weeks in 28-day courses to children with refractory solid tumors. Results Twenty-one patients enrolled, 20 (median age, 13 years) were eligible, and 18 completed one course and were fully assessable for toxicity. A total of 67 courses were administered (median, three courses per patient; range, one to 16 courses). Treatment was well tolerated with no DLTs observed. Non-DLTs included infusional reaction, rash, mucositis, proteinuria, and lymphopenia. Increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure not meeting Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAEv3) pediatric-specific criteria for hypertension were observed. There was no hemorrhage or thrombosis. Growth perturbation was not detected in a limited sample over the first course. The serum exposure to BV as measured by area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) seemed to increase in proportion to dose. The median clearance of BV was 4.1 mL/d/kg (range, 3.1 to 15.5 mL/d/kg), and the median half-life was 11.8 days (range, 4.4 to 14.6 days). No objective responses were observed. Exploratory analyses on circulating endothelial mobilization and viability are consistent with the available adult data. Conclusion BV is well tolerated in children. Phase II pediatric studies of BV in combination with chemotherapy in dosing schedules similar to adults are planned.