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Isikwei, Emasenyie

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1069-6147

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 5

A phase 1 trial utilizing a pharmacokinetic endpoint to determine the optimal dose of ramucirumab in children and adolescents with relapsed or refractory solid tumors, including central nervous system tumors
Pilbeam, Kristy , Pradhan, Kamnesh R. , Croop, James M. , Liu, Xiaowei , Voss, Stephan D. , Isikwei, Emasenyie , Fox, Elizabeth , Weigel, Brenda J. , Pilbeam, Kristy L , Voss, Stephan D , Minard, Charles G. , Berg, Stacey L. , Reid, Joel M.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer | January 8, 2024 | Volume: 71 | Issue: 3 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/pbc.30817 Get It

AbstractBackgroundRamucirumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds the extracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR‐2) and prevents binding of VEGF ligands. Based on population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis and correlation with efficacy in adults, a target steady state trough concentration (Css,min) ≥ 50 µg/mL was established.ProceduresThis phase 1 trial (ADVL1416) used a rolling six design and a PK primary endpoint to define the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of ramucirumab in children with recurrent/refractory solid tumors. Two dose levels (DL) were planned (DL1: 8 mg/kg, DL2: 12 mg/kg administered intravenously [IV] every 2 weeks). Toxicity during the initial 6 weeks was used to assess maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Cycle 1 Day 42 trough (Cmin) ≥ 50 µg/mL was the target concentration for the PK endpoint. At the RP2D, cohorts for PK expansion and children with central nervous tumors were planned.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients were enrolled; 28 were eligible; median age [range] = 13.5 [1–21] years; 22 were evaluable for the PK endpoint. Dose‐limiting proteinuria occurred at both DLs; however, the MTD was not exceeded. At DL2 (12 mg/kg), the median Day 42 Cmin (n = 16) was 87.8 µg/mL; 15 of 16 patients achieved a Cmin ≥ 50 µg/mL.ConclusionRamucirumab was well tolerated in children and adolescents with solid tumors. The RP2D for ramucirumab was 12 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks. This trial demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating a primary PK endpoint to determine dose escalation and the RP2D in children. Studies of ramucirumab in children with selected solid tumors are ongoing.
Feasibility of pevonedistat combined with azacitidine, fludarabine, cytarabine in pediatric relapsed/refractory AML: Results from COG ADVL1712
Tarlock, Katherine , Liu, Xiaowei , Isikwei, Emasenyie , Fox, Elizabeth , Weigel, Brenda J. , Cooper, Todd M. , Isikwei, Emasenyie A, Cooper, Todd , Minard, Charles G. , Reid, Joel M. , Horton, Terzah M.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer | September 15, 2023 | Volume: 70 | Issue: 12 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/pbc.30672 Get It

AbstractBackgroundOutcomes for children with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are poor, and new therapies are needed. Pevonedistat is an inhibitor of the NEDD‐8 activating enzyme, a key regulator of the ubiquitin proteasome system that is responsible for protein turnover, with protein degradation regulating cell growth and survival.ProcedureWe evaluated the feasibility, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of pevonedistat (20 mg/m2 days 1, 3, 5) in combination with azacitidine, fludarabine, cytarabine (aza‐FLA) in children with R/R AML and MDS (NCT03813147). Twelve patients were enrolled, median age was 13 years (range 1–21). Median number of prior chemotherapeutic regimens was two (range one to five), and two (25%) patients had prior hematopoietic cell transplantation. Diagnoses were AML NOS (n = 10, 83%), acute monocytic leukemia (n = 1), and therapy‐related AML (n = 1).ResultsOverall, three of 12 (25%) patients experienced DLTs. The day 1 mean ± SD (n = 12) Cmax, VSS, T1/2, and CL were 223 ± 91 ng/mL, 104 ± 53.8 L/m2, 4.3 ± 1.2 hours, and 23.2 ± 6.9 L/h/m2, respectively. T1/2, VSS, and Cmax, but not CL, were significantly different between age groups. The overall response rate was 25%, with n = 3 patients achieving a complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi).ConclusionsPevonedistat 20 mg/m2 combined with Aza‐FLA was tolerable in children with R/R AML with similar toxicity profile to other intensive AML regimens. However, within the confines of a phase 1 study, we did not observe that the pevonedistat + Aza‐FLA combination demonstrated significant anti‐leukemic activity.
A Phase I/II Trial of Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab in Children and Young Adults with Relapsed/Refractory Solid Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study ADVL1412
Davis, Kara L. , Fox, Elizabeth , Isikwei, Emasenyie , Reid, Joel M. , Liu, Xiaowei , Minard, Charles G. , Voss, Stephan D. , Berg, Stacey L. , Weigel, Brenda J. , Mackall, Crystal L. , Voss, Stephan D , Berg, Stacey L , Reid, Joel M , Davis, Kara L , Mackall, Crystal

Clinical Cancer Research | October 3, 2022 | Volume: 28 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 5088-5097

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2164 Get It

Abstract Purpose: In many cancers, nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab improves response rates compared with either agent alone, but the combination has not been evaluated in childhood cancer. We conducted a phase I/II trial of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in children and young adults with recurrent/refractory solid tumors. Patients and Methods: ADVL1412, Part C assessed safety of nivolumab plus ipilimumab at two dose levels (DL): DL1 1 mg/kg of each drug and DL2 3 mg/kg nivolumab plus 1 mg/kg ipilimumab. Part D evaluated response at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) in Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Part E tested DL3 (1 mg/kg nivolumab plus 3 mg/kg ipilimumab) in Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Tumor response was measured using RECIST v1.1. Pharmacokinetics and PD-L1 expression on archival tissues were assessed. Results: Fifty-five eligible patients enrolled. Based on safety, tolerability, and similar drug exposure to the same doses administered in adults, DL2 was defined as the pediatric RP2D. Among 41 patients treated at the RP2D, 2 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities during cycle 1, and 4 patients experienced toxicities beyond that period. Two patients had clinically significant sustained partial responses (1 rhabdomyosarcoma, 1 Ewing sarcoma) and 4 had stable disease. Among 8 patients treated at DL3, 3 dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) occurred, all immune-related adverse events; no objective responses were observed. Conclusions: The RP2D of nivolumab (3 mg/kg) plus ipilimumab (1 mg/kg) is well tolerated in children and young adults with solid tumors and shows some clinical activity. Increased dose of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) plus nivolumab (1 mg/kg) was associated with increased toxicity without clinical benefit.
Phase 1 study of pevonedistat (MLN4924) a NEDD8 activating enzyme inhibitor, in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and irinotecan (IRN) in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors (ADVL1615).
Isikwei, Emasenyie , Liu, Xiaowei , Injac, Sarah G. , Fox, Elizabeth , Weigel, Brenda J. , Foster, Jennifer , Reid, Joel M. , Minard, Charles G. , Berg, Stacey L.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 10019-10019

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.10019 Get It

10019 Background: Pevonedistat (PEV), a first in class inhibitor of NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE), prevents the activation of Cullin-RING ligases (CRL) necessary for proteasome mediated degradation of key regulatory proteins important in cell survival. In adults with solid tumors, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in combination with chemotherapy is 20-25 mg/m2. Antitumor activity of PEV has been demonstrated in preclinical models of childhood cancer. In vivo additive activity has been demonstrated for PEV in combination with IRN and alkylating agents. The objectives of this study are to determine the MTD and recommended Phase 2 dose of PEV in combination with IRN and TMZ and describe the toxicities, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) properties of this combination. Methods: We conducted a phase 1 trial of PEV in combination with IRN and TMZ in pediatric patients (pts) with recurrent or refractory solid tumors and brain tumors. During cycle 1, PEV was administered intravenously on days 1, 8, 10, and 12, with IRN (IV, 50mg/m2) and TMZ (orally, 100mg/m2), on days 8-12 of a 28 day cycle. In subsequent cycles, PEV was administered on days 1, 3, and 5, with IRN and TMZ on days 1-5 of a 21 day cycle. Dose escalation was determined using the Rolling 6 Design. Results: 30 pts enrolled. All pts were eligible and evaluable for cycle 1 dose limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment. Median (range) age was 13 (1-21) years; 19 (63%) were male. Eleven pts had brain tumors, and 19 pts had solid tumors. Six pts each enrolled on PEV dose levels (DL) 1 (15mg/m2), 2 (20mg/m2), 3 (25mg/m2) and 4 (35mg/m2) as well as an expanded PK cohort at DL4. Cycle 1 grade 3/4 toxicities include lymphopenia (n = 5), leukopenia (n = 4), neutropenia (n = 2), elevated ALT (n = 2), elevated AST (n = 1), diarrhea (n = 1), flu-like symptoms (n = 1). The most frequent non-dose limiting AEs in cycle 1 were anemia (87%), WBC decreased (77%), nausea (57%), diarrhea (53%), ALT increased (50%), AST increased (50%), and vomiting (50%). PK analyses showed the mean area under the curve at the 25 mg/m2 dose level on day 8 (in combination with irinotecan and temozolomide) was 1300 hr•ng/mL, half-life (T ½) was 5-6 hours, time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 1 hour, and mean clearance was 20 L/hr/m2. There were 3 DLTs, 2 of which were related to protocol therapy (diarrhea and thrombocytopenia), among 12 patients on DL4. Thus the MTD was not exceeded at any dose level. PK at the 25 mg/m2 dose level are comparable to those in adult patients. PK from the 12 patients on DL4 (35mg/m2) as well as responses of all patients are pending. Conclusions: PEV in combination with IRN and TMZ is well tolerated in children with solid or brain tumors. PEV PK was not altered by the addition of irinotecan and temozolomide. Further PK and PD analyses are ongoing to establish the recommended phase 2 dose. Clinical trial information: NCT03323034.
Feasibility of pevonedistat combined with azacitidine, fludarabine, cytarabine in pediatric relapsed/refractory AML: Results from COG ADVL1712.
Tarlock, Katherine , Liu, Xiaowei , Menig, Sarah, Isikwei, Emasenyie , Bergeron, Sharon, Fox, Elizabeth , Weigel, Brenda J. , Cooper, Todd M. , Minard, Charles G. , Reid, Joel M. , Horton, Terzah M.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 10018-10018

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.10018 Get It

10018 Background: Outcomes for children with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML and MDS are poor and new therapies are needed. Pevonedistat is an inhibitor of the NEDD-8 activating enzyme, a key regulator of the ubiquitin proteasome system that is responsible for protein turnover, cell growth and survival. In preclinical models, pevonedistat was synergistic with cytarabine (AraC) and azacitidine (aza). The combination of pevonedistat + aza in adults with AML demonstrated improved responses compared to either single agent. We evaluated the feasibility, toxicity and pharmacokinetics (PK) of pevonedistat in combination with aza, fludarabine, AraC (Aza-FLA) in children with R/R AML and MDS. Methods: Pevonedistat 20 mg/m2, IV days 1, 3, 5, the recommended adult dose, was administered in combination with aza (75 mg/m2, days 1-5), fludarabine (30 mg/m2, days 6-10), and AraC (2000 mg/m2, days 6-10). Intrathecal AraC was administered at the start of therapy and additional doses given to patients with CNS leukemia. If < 33% of the initial 6 enrolled patients experienced dose limiting toxicity (DLT) during cycle 1 the regimen would be considered tolerable and 6 additional patients could enroll to further assess tolerability and PK. Pevonedistat PK was determined during cycle 1 following doses 1 and 5. Response was evaluated after cycle 1. Results: A total of 12 patients were enrolled, median age was 13 years (range 1-21). All patients received prior chemotherapy, median number of prior regimens was 2 (range 1-5) and 3 (25%) patients had prior hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Diagnoses were AML NOS (n = 10, 83%), acute monocytic leukemia (n = 1), and therapy related AML (n = 1). One of the initial 6 patients had DLTs (hypertension, GGT elevation, and proteinuria); pevonedistat 20 mg/m2 + Aza-FLA was considered tolerable. Six additional patients were enrolled, two had DLTs (weight loss, hypoxia). Overall, 3/12 (25%) of patients experienced DLTs. As expected, using the intensive Aza-FLA backbone, myelosuppression, electrolyte abnormalities, and hepatic transaminase elevation were common. Day 1 PK parameters (n = 12, mean±SD) were: Cmax= 223±91 ng/mL, AUC0-24h= 892±216 ng/hr/mL, T1/2=4.3±1.2 hours, CL = 23.2±6.9 L/hr/m2. PK parameters were similar following doses 1 and 5, for patients < 12 (n = 6) and ≥ 12 (n = 6) years, and to adult PK profiles. Ten patients were evaluable for response. The overall response rate was 30% (95% CI: 7,75) with 3 patients achieving a CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi). Conclusions: Pevonedistat 20 mg/m2 combinedwith Aza-FLA was tolerable in children with R/R AML. The toxicity of the regimen was similar to other intensive AML regimens. PK parameters were similar among the two age groups and were comparable to adults. Within the confines of a phase I study, there was limited anti-leukemic activity of the combination of pevonedistat +Aza-FLA in R/R AML. Clinical trial information: NCT03813147.