Karp, Daniel D.

Abstract Purpose: Intratumoral injection of Clostridium novyi-nontoxic (C. novyi-NT), lacking alpha-toxin, germinates and subsequently replicates in the tumor hypoxic regions, causing cell lysis and inflammation. This phase Ib study investigated the safety and synergistic effects of pembrolizumab and C. novyi-NT in advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods: Patients with injectable solid tumors received one intratumoral C. novyi-NT injection (day 8) across four dose cohorts (3 × 104 to 100 × 104 spores) with pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks, day 0–24 months). Sixteen patients were enrolled with a median age of 62.5 years, and the most common tumor types were breast cancer and melanoma. Results: The combination therapy demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with one grade 3 dose-limiting toxicity of abscess formation and the remainder of treatment-related adverse events in ≥10% of patients being grade 1 or 2 injection site reaction (25%), pyrexia (19%), pruritus (13%), leukopenia (13%), and anemia (13%). The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be pembrolizumab intravenously at 200 mg every 3 weeks and a single dose of 100 × 104C.novyi-NT spores intratumorally on day 8. The confirmed overall objective response rate of 25% was observed among four patients with nonkeratinizing undifferentiated nasopharyngeal squamous carcinoma, human papilloma virus–positive squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, vulvar melanoma, and chordoma. Among these patients, we obtained three partial responses and one complete response. The median duration of the response was 10.93 months, and stable disease was observed in 69% of patients. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of the C. novyi-NT and pembrolizumab combination as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment-refractory solid tumors.

TPS292 Background: PT-112 is a novel small I-O molecule currently in development for several cancers. Preclinical studies have shown the robust induction of immunogenic cell death by PT-112, leading to an anti-cancer adaptive immune response. Biodistribution experiments in mice showed PT-112’s partial bone affinity. In two prior phase I studies, late-line metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients (mCRPC pts) were treated with evidence of anti-cancer activity, including tumor volume reductions, improvements in PET and bone scans, PSA and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) reductions, and anecdotal cases of improvement in disease-related pain. This, taken together with the immunogenic and osteotropic properties observed in preclinical work, provided a strong rationale to further explore PT-112 in mCRPC, an immunologically “cold” disease with a high prevalence of bone metastases. Moreover, in an analysis of >6,000 mCRPC pts, circulating tumor cell (CTC) declines (CTC0 and CTC conversions) were correlated with improvements in survival to a greater extent than PSA declines (PSA50) (Heller et al., JCO, 36:6 2017), prompting incorporation of CTC changes as a secondary endpoint. Methods: The primary objective of the study is to define the dose regimen of PT-112 for pivotal study. Pts are randomized to one of three arms, receiving IV PT-112 on 28-day cycles via one hour infusions on (1) Days 1 and 15 at 250 mg/m2, (2) Days 1 and 15 at 360 mg/m2, or (3) Days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 at 360 mg/m2 followed by 250 mg/m2 on Day 15 of subsequent cycles. Key eligibility criteria include radiographically progressive disease at study entry; ≥3 life-prolonging therapies for metastatic disease including 1-2 taxanes, ≥1 new generation anti-androgen therapies, and other drugs FDA approved on the basis of survival; and allowing bone-only metastatic disease. Efficacy assessments comprise disease control rate at 4 months (DCR4) using RECIST and PCWG3 criteria, objective response rate, CTC0 and CTC conversion, PSA50 and ALP reductions. Additionally, T cell receptor sequencing is conducted to characterize treatment-induced changes in T cell fraction and clonal expansions, as a means of generating meaningful supportive data on the immune mechanism of PT-112 monotherapy. A Fleming two-stage design will be used to assess each arm, with a 20% DCR4 as the null hypotheses, requiring ≥6 of 25 pts responding in stage one and ≥14 of 45 in total to reject the null. In addition, other efficacy measures, such as CTC responses, as well as exposure/response and exposure/safety analyses will be applied to characterize the risk/benefit ratio and select the optimal dose regimen for PT-112. As of October 11th, 2022, 38 pts have been enrolled out of a planned maximum of 135. Clinical trial information: NCT02266745 .

e17025 Background: PT-112 is a novel pyrophosphate-platinum conjugate that induces immunogenic cell death, reaches highest concentrations in bone (osteotropism), and synergizes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in preclinical models. Phase I studies in solid tumors, as monotherapy and in combination with PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab (“PAVE”), as well as in multiple myeloma as monotherapy have demonstrated that PT-112 is well-tolerated and active. We present updated safety and exploratory efficacy findings in a mCRPC sub-population treated with PAVE, including a cohort of patients at a lower-frequency dosing schedule. Methods: A total of 32 mCRPC patients (pts) received 800 mg of avelumab on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle, of whom 18 received PT-112 on days 1, 8 and 15 at 200mg/m2 (n = 17) or 150 mg/m2 (n = 1); a separate cohort of 14 received PT-112 on days 1 and 15 at 300 mg/m2 (n = 13) or 200mg/m2 (n = 1). Results: Median age was 68 (range 47-87) and number of prior lines of therapy (Tx) was 7 (2-12), including prior platinum-containing therapy in 11 (34%) and ICI Tx in 9 pts (28%). Baseline grade 2 anemia was seen in 7 (22%) pts. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were anemia (47%) and thrombocytopenia (41%); 23 pts (72%) had ≥1 grade 3-4 TRAE, with no cases of bleeding, sepsis, or grade 5 TRAEs. Antitumor effects included 8 (25%) pts with a PSA reduction of ≥50% (PSA50); 5 (16%) were maintained through ≥1 follow-up. Of ten pts with RECIST-measurable disease, 3 had tumor volume reductions, one with a confirmed partial response (PR). Twenty-four (75%) pts experienced a reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (median reduction 15%), and improvement in patient-reported pain and quality of life was observed. For the 13 pts given 300 mg/m2 PT-112 bi-weekly, 7 (54%) had prior platinum-containing Tx and 4 (31%) had baseline grade 2 anemia. The most common TRAEs were anemia (69%) and thrombocytopenia (54%), with 11 (85%) pts having ≥1 grade 3-4 TRAE. Four pts (31%) had PSA50 reductions; 3 (23%) were maintained through ≥1 follow-up. Conclusions: PAVE is safe and generally well tolerated in mCRPC patients at the doses and schedules tested, providing meaningful antitumor effects in heavily pre-treated patients, including tumor volume, PSA and ALP reductions. Reductions in ALP may be indicative of anti-cancer activity at bone sites of disease. Although the sample sizes are small, the frequency of confirmed PSA50 responses and of grade 3-4 TRAEs was slightly higher in the group receiving biweekly 300 mg/m2 PT-112, and higher rates of TRAEs may be explained by higher baseline anemia and/or prior platinum Tx. Further clinical investigation of the combination of PT-112 plus ICIs in a less heavily pre-treated mCRPC population is warranted. A phase 2 study of PT-112 monotherapy in mCRPC is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03409458.

Abstract Purpose: Intratumorally injected Clostridium novyi-NT (nontoxic; lacking the alpha toxin), an attenuated strain of C. novyi, replicates within hypoxic tumor regions resulting in tumor-confined cell lysis and inflammatory response in animals, which warrants clinical investigation. Patients and Methods: This first-in-human study (NCT01924689) enrolled patients with injectable, treatment-refractory solid tumors to receive a single intratumoral injection of C. novyi-NT across 6 dose cohorts (1 × 104 to 3 × 106 spores, 3+3 dose-escalation design) to determine dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), and the maximum tolerated dose. Results: Among 24 patients, a single intratumoral injection of C. novyi-NT led to bacterial spores germination and the resultant lysis of injected tumor masses in 10 patients (42%) across all doses. The cohort 5 dose (1 × 106 spores) was defined as the maximum tolerated dose; DLTs were grade 4 sepsis (n = 2) and grade 4 gas gangrene (n = 1), all occurring in three patients with injected tumors >8 cm. Other treatment-related grade ≥3 toxicities included pathologic fracture (n = 1), limb abscess (n = 1), soft-tissue infection (n = 1), respiratory insufficiency (n = 1), and rash (n = 1), which occurred across four patients. Of 22 evaluable patients, nine (41%) had a decrease in size of the injected tumor and 19 (86%) had stable disease as the best overall response in injected and noninjected lesions combined. C. novyi-NT injection elicited a transient systemic cytokine response and enhanced systemic tumor-specific T-cell responses. Conclusions: Single intratumoral injection of C. novyi-NT is feasible. Toxicities can be significant but manageable. Signals of antitumor activity and the host immune response support additional studies of C. novyi-NT in humans.

8072 Background: Figitumumab (CP-751,871) is a fully human, IgG2monoclonal antibody against the insulin-like growth factor type I receptor (IGF-IR). We reported in a randomized phase II study (ASCO 2008), preliminary evidence of high activity of the combination of paclitaxel (T), carboplatin (C) and figitumumab (F) in advanced treatment-naïve NSCLC of squamous cell histology (n=11 pts). A single arm trial extension cohort was conducted to confirm those findings. Methods: Fifty-six pts with non-adenocarcinoma NSCLC were enrolled. Pts received T (200 mg/m2), C (AUC of 6) and F (20 mg/kg) q3weeks for up to 6 cycles; pts with response (PR) or stable disease were eligible to continue F as single agent until disease progression. Statistical hypotheses were 30% (null) versus 50% (response of interest). Protein expression of the IGF-IR in core tumor biopsies was quantified using automated quantitative analysis (AQUA) technology. Results: Pts were 72% male, 28% >70 years old and 91% stage IV. Median number of treatment cycles was 4, with 46% of pts receiving single agent F beyond cycle 4. TCF was well tolerated. The most common all-causality grade 3, 4 CTCAE adverse events were neutropenia (21%), hyperglycemia (14%) and fatigue (14%). Hyperglycemia adverse events almost always occurred within the first treatment cycle and were manageable with standard measures. Responses in squamous pts are currently 25 out of 40 pts according to RECIST, with final response assessment still pending for 7 additional pts (≥53%, p<0.001). One complete response and 7 striking PRs (50–80% tumor size reduction at cycle 2) were observed. Tumor size reductions with F maintenance treatment were also seen in 2 pts. Median progression free survival has not been yet reached at 4 months follow up. A trend (p=0.1) for higher IGF-IR expression in patients responding to TCF was observed in a small data set (n=12). Median tumor IGF-IR expression in pts responding to TCF therapy and non-responders were respectively 6287 and 4131 AQUA scores. Analysis of IGF-IR and other members of the IGF-IR pathway continues. Conclusions: These data further support the activity of figitumumab combination therapy in pts with squamous NSCLC. [Table: see text]

83 Background: PT-112, the first pyrophosphate conjugate in Phase I/II clinical development, induces robust immunogenic cell death and is osteotropic, prompting study in mCRPC during Phase I. We report safety and efficacy findings in the mCRPC sub-population given PT-112 monotherapy (NCT02266745) or in combination with avelumab (“PAVE”) (NCT03409458, ongoing). Methods: Patients (pts) received PT-112 days 1, 8, 15 of a 28d cycle; pts on the PAVE combination also received 800 mg avelumab days 1 and 15; all enrolled during dose escalation or at PT-112 doses previously deemed safe. Pts on therapy (Tx) for ≥2 cycles or who stopped Tx due to progressive disease or treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were evaluated for exploratory efficacy. Results: 10 pts on PT-112 (200-420 mg/m2) and 18 pts on PAVE (150-200 mg/m2 PT-112) were evaluable for safety. The most common PT-112 TRAEs were thrombocytopenia (70%, grade (Gr) ≤3) and fatigue (40%, Gr ≤2) with mono-Tx; nausea (50%, Gr ≤2) and fatigue (39%, Gr ≤2) with PAVE. Mono-Tx pts had 6.5 median prior lines of Tx; 2/7 pts with measurable disease (MD) had reductions in target lesions; prostate specific antigen (PSA) declined in 3/10 pts, 1 with ≥50% reduction; and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) reductions were seen in 9/10 pts. PAVE pts had 5.5 median prior lines of Tx; radiographic reductions were seen in 2/9 pts with MD; PSA declined in 6/14 pts, 3 with ≥50% decrease, with 1 responder progression free 11.3 months (microsatellite stable). An additional response is ongoing at 4 mos, with 93% PSA decrease and 48% reduction in target lesions (PIK3CBmut & PTEN loss). 13/14 pts with bone metastases had ALP reductions. Pain improvement, opioid cessation and improved performance status were noted in both cohorts. Conclusions: PT-112 was well-tolerated with evidence of efficacy in mCRPC as mono-Tx and in combination with avelumab in heavily pre-treated pts. Bone pain improvement and nearly universal observation of ALP reduction suggest marked therapeutic activity of PT-112 in bone metastases. Serologic / RECIST responses and prolonged disease control in multiple pts substantiate further development of PT-112 in mCRPC. Clinical trial information: NCT02266745, NCT03409458.

2519 Background: PT-112 is a novel platinum-pyrophosphate agent designed to avoid the toxicity and drug resistance mechanisms of conventional chemotherapy. Pre-clinical models show effects on multiple cell signaling components: p16 mediated G1/S cell cycle arrest; modulation of MDM2/p53 expression; extrinsic apoptosis initiation; and immunogenic cell death (ICD) induction. This Phase I first-in-human, multicenter, open label study assesses PT-112’s safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile in advanced solid tumor patients (pts), to determine the RP2D and signals of activity. Methods: Pts with advanced solid tumors and acceptable marrow / organ function received PT-112 IV over 1-hr on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 wks in a 3+3 dose escalation design. Intra-subject escalation was allowed. PK samples from cycles 1-2 were analyzed by ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS. Results: 44 pts have been treated across dose levels (DL) from 12-300mg/m2. Cumulative dosing ranged from 1 to 60 infusions, and cumulative exposure from 96 to 5,244 mg/m2. PK parameters were dose proportional. Target Cmax and AUC levels were achieved, with constant VD. DLTs were observed at 150mg/m2 (G3 pancytopenia); 250mg/m2 (G2 renal injury in a cervical ca pt with hydro-nephrosis); and 300mg/m2 (G3 rash). The most common treatment-related AEs were G1-2 fatigue (26% pts), nausea (23%), vomiting (14%), constipation (12%), and diarrhea (12%). Numerous signals of activity were observed at DLs ≥ 125mg/m2. These include a confirmed PR in a NSCLC pt with 6 prior lines of therapy and no response to TKI inhibition or PD-1 blockade; PFS > 6 months (7-18 months) in 3 pts; metabolic response via PET scan in bone and liver mets (basal cell and pancreatic ca.); biomarker responses in ovarian and prostate ca.; and nodal/metastatic volumetric reduction in 3 pts. Conclusions: PT-112 is a well-tolerated novel agent with a pleiotropic mode of action and feasibility for long-term and combination treatment. Numerous signals of anti-cancer efficacy in heavily pre-treated pts suggest lack of cross-resistance with conventional agents. MTD has not yet been reached. PT-112’s profile makes it an attractive candidate for further development, including in combination with immunotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02266745.

CRA7004 Background: Selenium was reported to have possible lung cancer chemopreventive benefits based on a large skin cancer trial secondary observation. (JAMA 1996; 276: 1957-1963). Since that time, research continued to suggest that Se could decrease risk of second primary tumor (SPT) in persons with resected NSCLC. In 2007, a publication from another group suggested an increased association of Se with type 2 diabetes (Annals Int Med 147:217-223). Methods: From Oct 2000-Nov 2009, 6 groups, led by ECOG, carried out a double blind, placebo controlled trial using selenized yeast 200 micrograms daily in a 2:1 randomization vs. placebo for 48 mo in completely resected stage I NSCLC. Participation was 6–36 mo post-op and required a negative mediastinal node biopsy, no excessive vitamin intake, normal liver function, a negative chest x-ray, and no other evidence of recurrence. Planned size of 1,960 participants had been designed to detect a 40% decrease in SPTs with 80% power. Methylation studies of sputum and blood (S. Belinsky) add important biologic correlates to this project. Results: Interim analysis occurred in Oct 2009 after 1,561/1,772 pts reached step 2 (completion of the 4 week (step 1) run-in period requiring at least 75% of the study drug to be taken). Endpoints included SPTs, recurrence, and toxicity. A total of 216 SPTs developed of which 84 (38.9%) were lung cancer. SPT (lung/overall) incidence was 1.36/3.66 per 100 person yrs for placebo vs. 1.91/4.11 for Se (p=.150). 5 yr progression free survival was 78% for placebo vs. 72% for Se. Study was stopped according to futility analysis. Grade 1 or 2 toxicity occurred in 38% of placebo and 39% Se. Grade 3 toxicity was 3% placebo vs. <1% Se. Compliance was excellent (>95% at 2 yrs). Conclusions: No increase in diabetes mellitus or skin cancer was detected. Se was safe but conferred no benefit over placebo. Methylation studies are continuing. [Table: see text]

Purpose We conducted a phase II study of combination of the anti–insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor antibody CP-751,871 with paclitaxel and carboplatin (PCI) in advanced treatment-naïve non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to paclitaxel 200 mg/m2, carboplatin (area under the plasma concentration-time curve of 6), and CP-751,871 10 to 20 mg/kg (PCI10, PCI20) or paclitaxel and carboplatin alone (PC) every 3 weeks for up to six cycles. PCI10-20 patients could continue CP-751,871 (figitumumab) treatment after chemotherapy discontinuation. Patients treated with PC experiencing disease progression were eligible to receive CP-751,871 at investigator's discretion. An additional nonrandomized single-arm cohort of 30 patients with nonadenocarcinoma tumor histology receiving PCI20 was enrolled on completion of the randomized study. Results A total of 156 patients were enrolled onto the randomized portion of the study. Safety and efficacy information are available for 151 patients (98 patients treated with PCI and 53 patients treated with PC). Forty-eight patients treated with PCI received PCI10 and 50 patients received PCI20 in two sequential stages. Twenty of 53 patients treated with PC received CP-751,871 after disease progression. PCI was well tolerated. Fifty-four percent of patients treated with PCI and 42% of patients treated with PC had objective responses. Sixteen of 23 patients assessable for efficacy in the nonrandomized single-arm extension cohort also responded to treatment. Of note, 14 of 18 randomly assigned and 11 of 14 nonrandomly assigned patients treated with PCI with squamous cell carcinoma histology had response to treatment, including nine objective responses in bulky disease. Responses were also observed in two patients with squamous histology receiving CP-751,871 on PC discontinuation. PCI20/PC hazard ratio for progression-free survival was 0.8 to 0.56, according to censorship. Conclusion These data suggest that PCI20 is safe and effective in patients with NSCLC.