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Kunkel, Lori

Mayo Clinic

Hackensack University Medical Center

Citations 15

PX-171–004, a multicenter phase II study of carfilzomib (CFZ) in patients with relapsed myeloma: An efficacy update
Vij, Ravi , Wang, M., Stewart, A. Keith, Kukreti, Vishal , Le, M. H., Kunkel, Lori, Orlowski, Robert Z. , Jagannath, Sundar , Siegel, David S.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | August 25, 2020 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8537-8537

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.8537 Get It

8537 Background: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a proteasome inhibitor, active against hematologic malignancies. Preclinically, CFZ overcomes bortezomib (BTZ) resistance in multiple tumors, including myeloma (MM). PX-171–004 is an ongoing Phase II study evaluating safety and efficacy of CFZ in MM patients with relapsed disease after 1–3 prior therapies. Overall Response Rate (ORR) of 35.5% for all subjects was previously reported (ASH 2008); updated data are now available. Methods: Patients were divided into two cohorts: BTZ-naïve and BTZ-exposed. CFZ 20 mg/m2 was administered Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 in a 28-day cycle, for up to 12 cycles. Dexamethasone 4 mg po was administered prior to each dose in Cycle 1. The primary endpoint was ORR, defined as Partial Response (PR) or better. Secondary endpoints included Duration Of Response (DOR) and Time To Progression (TTP). Results: 31 patients were enrolled; 14 (45%) BTZ-naïve and 17 (55%) BTZ-exposed. Of the BTZ-exposed cohort, 2 subjects received BTZ exclusively as a single agent, 6 had BTZ in a chemotherapy combination, and 9 received BTZ in a transplant regime. Overall, 23 (74%) subjects had > 1 prior therapy and 27 (87%) received transplant. In BTZ-naïve patients, CFZ achieved an ORR of 57%; median DOR of 8.6 mos (range >1.9 to >9.7 mos). To date, 7 patients (50%) remain progression free and 3 patients have completed 12 cycles. The median follow-up was 10 mos and the median TTP has not been reached. For the BTZ- exposed group, CFZ achieved an ORR of 18%; median DOR not yet reached (>8.5 mos) (range >1 d to >8.5 mos). 7 patients (41%) are progression free and 3 patients have completed 12 cycles. Median follow-up and TTP were 9.2 and 8.9 mos, respectively. Conclusions: These preliminary results demonstrate that single-agent CFZ is tolerable for at least 1 yr and achieves sustained responses in relapsed MM. Prior BTZ mono/combination therapy does not preclude durable response with CFZ. These data support continuing evaluation of CFZ in the treatment of relapsed MM. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]
Final results of PX-171–003-A0, part 1 of an open-label, single-arm, phase II study of carfilzomib (CFZ) in patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM)
Vij, Ravi , Stewart, Keith, Somlo, George, Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Trudel, Sabrina, Schwartz, Rachel, Kunkel, Lori, Jagannath, Sundar , Siegel, David S.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | August 25, 2020 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8504-8504

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.8504 Get It

8504 Background: CFZ is a novel proteasome inhibitor of the epoxyketone class that exhibits a high level of proteasome selectivityand demonstrates antitumor activity in bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant MM pts in phase I studies. Methods: PX-171–003-A0 was an open-label, multicenter study that enrolled MM pts who relapsed from >2 prior therapies, failed BTZ and at least 1 immunomodulatory agent [thalidomide (THAL) or lenalidomide (LEN)], and were refractory to last treatment [progressing on or within 60 d of last therapy or <25% response to last therapy]. Pts received CFZ 20 mg/m2 IV d 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 every 28 d for up to 12 cycles (C). Clinical benefit response (CBR) was defined as MR or better. Results: 46 pts were enrolled, including 78% with progression on or within 60 d of last therapy and 22% with no response to last therapy. 39 pts completed at least 1 C of CFZ, had measurable M-protein, and were evaluable for response. Median prior therapies was 5 (range 2–15). 100% of pts received prior BTZ, 91% prior THAL, 89% prior LEN, and 83% prior stem cell transplant (SCT) and all had failed combinations including anthracyclines (80%) and/or alkylating agents (94%). Pts received a median of 3 C (range 1–12); 13 pts completed ≥6 C. CBR was 26% (10/39 eval pts), including 5 pts achieving PR and 5 pts achieving MR. 5 BTZ-refractory pts achieved MR or PR. Median TTP was 6.2 mo, the median DOR for the MR + PR was 7.4 mo. 8/10 pts achieved response during C1. 16 additional pts achieved SD for at least 6 wks. The most common adverse events were fatigue, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, upper respiratory infection, increased creatinine and diarrhea. Peripheral neuropathy occured in < 10% of pts with 1 Gr 3 in a pt with pre-existing Gr 2. Conclusions: Single-agent CFZ achieved a TTP of > 6 mo in relapsed and refractory MM pts who failed available therapies. 26% of patients had at least an MR and median duration of >7 mo with this steroid- and anthracycline-sparing regimen. CFZ toxicities were manageable and importantly, exacerbation of pre-existing PN was rare. The study has been expanded to enroll an additional 250 pts in this unmet medical need population at an escalated dose, and treatment has been extended beyond a year. [Table: see text]
A randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase III study of the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib (PCI-32765) versus ofatumumab in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (RR) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (S
Byrd, John C. , Brown, Jennifer R. , Reddy, Nishitha , Furman, Richard R. , Bloor, Adrian , Gill, Devinder, Dearden, Claire , Jäger, Ulrich, Barker, Christine, Lin, Jennifer, Kunkel, Lori, James, Danelle F. , Barrientos, Jacqueline C. , Devereux, Stephen , Kay, Neil E. , O’Brien, Susan , Kipps, Thomas J. , Schuster, Stephen J. , Thornton, Patrick D. , Hillmen, Peter

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: TPS8619-TPS8619

10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.tps8619 Get It

TPS8619 Background: Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) treatment approaches such as FCR have markedly improved outcomes for CLL pts when administered as initial or second-line therapy. Despite this progress, virtually all pts relapse and effective salvage regimens that induce durable remissions or can be administered safely to elderly pts or those with comorbidities are lacking. BTK, an essential mediator of B-cell receptor signaling, is a novel target in CLL. Ibrutinib, a first-in class inhibitor of BTK, promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration and adhesion in CLL cells. Phase II data of ibrutinib monotherapy in RR CLL demonstrated an estimated PFS and OS of 75% and 83% respectively at 26 months (Byrd Abst #189 ASH 2012). These findings confirmed BTK as an important target in CLL and supported initiation of a pivotal phase III study in pts with RR CLL/SLL. Methods: PCYC-1112-CA is an ongoing international Phase 3 randomized controlled study of ibrutinib versus ofatumumab for treatment of pts with RR CLL/SLL. The study is enrolling 350 planned pts in 9 countries. Pts are randomized 1:1 to receive ibrutinib 420 mg orally once daily or ofatumumab per the package insert at 300 mg for the first dose, then 2000 mg for a total of 12 doses over 24 weeks. Pts are stratified based on del 17p and disease refractory to purine analogs. Key inclusion criteria include RR CLL/SLL with >= 1 prior line of therapy including pts who experienced a short remission duration to purine analog based CIT, pts who are older or have comorbidities, and pts with del 17p. Pts must have active disease meeting criterion for requiring therapy and measurable nodal disease by CT. Key exclusion criteria include Richter’s transformation, stem cell transplantation within 6 months, GVHD or immunosuppression, platelet count <30,000 cells/ul or use of warfarin The primary objective of the study is PFS evaluated by an IRC. Other outcomes include ORR, OS, hematologic improvement, and safety. An independent DMC is monitoring the study. Clinical trial information: NCT01744691.
Response rates to single-agent carfilzomib in patients refractory or intolerant to both bortezomib and immunomodulators in trial PX-171-003-A1.
Wang, Michael , Vij, Ravi , Kukreti, Vishal , Alsina, Melissa , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Somlo, George, Kunkel, Lori, Rajangam, Kanya, Chang, Yulin , Stewart, A. Keith, Siegel, David S. , Martin, Thomas G. , Singhal, Seema , Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Jagannath, Sundar , Lonial, Sagar , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , Buadi, Francis K. , Reu, Frederic J. , Orlowski, Robert Z.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8035-8035

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.8035 Get It

8035 Background: Patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RR MM) who are refractory or intolerant to both bortezomib (BTZ) and immunomodulators (IMiDs; thalidomide [Thal] or lenalidomide [Len]) (ie, “double-refractory/intolerant”), have few therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Carfilzomib (CFZ), a next generation proteasome inhibitor (PI), has shown durable single-agent activity in clinical studies including 003-A1, an open-label, single-arm phase 2b trial in RR MM. The present analysis describes clinical activity in pts from 003-A1 with double-refractory/intolerant disease and in other groups of clinical interest including pts with disease refractory to all 5 approved classes of anti-MM tx (alkylators, anthracyclines, corticosteroids, IMiDs, and PIs) in clinical use (“refractory to all approved tx”). Methods: Pts from 003-A1 with double-refractory/intolerant disease were analyzed, as were pts with disease refractory to all approved tx. CFZ was given on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 of 28-day cycles (C), (20 mg/m2 in C1; 27 mg/m2 in C2–12). Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), overall survival, and safety. Results: The study ORR was 22.9% with median DOR of 7.8 mo (N=266). 228 pts (86%) with double-refractory/intolerant disease had ORRs of 20.6% and a median DOR of 7.4 mo. Conclusions: Single-agent CFZ demonstrated clinically meaningful, durable responses in pts with double-refractory/intolerant MM or disease refractory to all 5 approved classes of tx. The ORRs across groups of clinical interest were generally consistent with results for the entire study population. These results are notable for a next-generation PI and demonstrate the activity of single-agent CFZ in pts with advanced stage MM. [Table: see text]
Safety and Antitumor Efficacy of the Proteasome Inhibitor Carfilzomib (PR-171) Dosed for Five Consecutive Days in Hematologic Malignancies: Phase 1 Results.
Stewart, Keith, Vallone, Marcy K., Molineaux, Chris , Kunkel, Lori, Gericitano, J.F., O’Connor, Owen A. , Orlowski, Robert Z.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 409-409

10.1182/blood.v110.11.409.409 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a structurally- and mechanistically-novel proteasome inhibitor (PI) of the peptide epoxyketone class that exhibits a high level of selectivity for the unique N-terminal threonine active sites within the proteasome. CFZ is similar to bortezomib (BTZ; VELCADE®), in that it is a potent inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity, but unlike BTZ, CFZ has shown minimal cross-reactivity with the other catalytic sites within the proteasome or across other protease classes. Preclinical human tumor xenograft models indicate that consecutive day (D1, D2) dosing resulting in 48 hours of proteasome suppression was superior to split dosing (D1, D4). Methods: This phase 1 sequential dose escalation trial tested an intensive proteasome inhibition schedule with CFZ administered as an intravenous push (IVP) daily (QD) for 5 consecutive days on a 14 day cycle. The doses administered ranged from 1.2 mg/m2 to 20 mg/m2. Multiple myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that included mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Hodgkin’s disease (HD), or Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) were eligible if they had relapsed after 2 or more prior therapies. Results: A total of 29 subjects have been treated. The minimal effective dose (MED) was 11 mg/m2. A maximum of 80% proteasome inhibition was achieved in peripheral blood and mononuclear cells at ≥15 mg/m2. Five responses have occurred in 14 patients (6 MM, 3 MCL, 1 WM, 4 NHL) enrolled at ≥ the MED: 1 MM partial response (PR), 2 MM minimal responses (MR), 1 WM MR and one macroscopic CR in a patient with gastrointestinal MCL. Responses occurred in patients whose disease had failed therapy with BTZ, immunomodulatory agents, and stem cell transplant. Four NHL patients have had stable disease and remained on treatment for up to 7 months. Dose limiting toxicity reported at 20 mg/m2 included febrile neutropenia (reversible) and grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 (25%) or grade 4 events (8%) were primarily hematologic events. Most withdrawals occurred due to the inconvenience of frequent visits, or progressive disease. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that intensive CFZ dosing leading to sustained proteasome inhibition is well tolerated. The selectivity of the epoxyketone class of PI may promote a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, antitumor responses in heavily pretreated patients suggest non-cross resistant activity. Phase 2 trials in MM and solid tumors are proceeding with an alternate IV schedule. An oral agent suitable for frequent dosing schedules is under development.
Final Results From the Bortezomib-naïve Group of PX-171-004, a Phase 2 Study of Single-Agent Carfilzomib in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory MM
Vij, Ravi , Wang, Michael , Kukreti, Vishal , McDonagh, Kevin T., Alsina, Melissa , Belch, Andrew R. , Gabrail, Nashat , Matous, Jeffrey, Vesole, David H., Wear, Sandra, Kunkel, Lori, Stewart, Keith, Kaufman, Jonathan L. , Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Jagannath, Sundar , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , Reu, Frederic J. , Orlowski, Robert Z. , Wong, Alvin , Lee, Peter P.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 813-813

10.1182/blood.v118.21.813.813 Get It

Abstract Abstract 813FN2 Introduction: Carfilzomib is a next-generation proteasome inhibitor that selectively and irreversibly binds to its target, resulting in sustained inhibition absent of off-target effects relative to bortezomib. Carfilzomib has demonstrated durable anti-tumor activity and an acceptable tolerability profile in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Final results will be presented for the bortezomib-naïve group of PX-171-004, a phase 2 study of single-agent carfilzomib in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM. Herein we report the most recent data analysis available at time of abstract submission. Updated final results for the bortezomib-naïve group of PX-171-004, including OS data, will be presented at the meeting. Methods: Patients received either 20 mg/m2 for all treatment cycles (Cohort 1) or a stepped-up dose-escalating regimen of 20 mg/m2 for Cycle 1 and 27 mg/m2 for all treatment cycles thereafter (Cohort 2). Carfilzomib was administered over 2–10 minutes on Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 of every 28-day cycle, for a maximum of 12 cycles. The primary endpoint was the best overall response rate (ORR; [CR + VGPR + PR]) determined according to the IMWG Uniform Response Criteria. Secondary endpoints included the clinical benefit response rate (CBR; [ORR + MR per EBMT criteria]), progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DOR), OS, and safety. The result of efficacy analysis from disease assessment by the Independent Review Committee is presented in this abstract. Results: 127 of 129 enrolled bortezomib-naïve patients were evaluable for response. Prior therapies included thalidomide (59%), lenalidomide (59%), alkylating agents (81%), and stem cell transplant (73%). Patients had received a median of 2 prior regimens (1 in 54 patients, 2 in 40 patients, 3 in 28 patients, and ≥4 in 7 patients). 84 patients (65%) were disease refractory to their most recent therapy, defined as ≤25% response or progression during or within 60 days after completion of therapy. The median duration of carfilzomib treatment is 7 cycles (range 1−12) in Cohort 1; 8 patients were receiving drug as of February 2011 in Cohort 2 with a median treatment of 6.5 cycles (range 1−13) at that time. Best ORR was 42% in Cohort 1 and 52% in Cohort 2. Median TTP was 8.3 months and median DOR was 13.1 months in Cohort 1. The median TTP and DOR for Cohort 2 have not been reached at the time of this interim analysis; the lower bound of the 95% CI for the median TTP was 10.2 months, and 84% were estimated to have DOR ≥1 year at the time of data cutoff. Higher response rates for Cohort 2 compared with Cohort 1 do not appear to be associated with higher toxicities. Patients with unfavorable cytogenetic characteristics (≥1 abnormality) per mSMART criteria had an ORR of 37% and CBR of 42% compared with 50% and 65%, respectively, for patients with no abnormality. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), regardless of relationship to carfilzomib in Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, were fatigue (71%, 54%), nausea (54%, 43%), anemia (46%, 37%), and dyspnea (49%, 33%). These were primarily ≤Grade 2 in severity. The most common Grade 3/4 AEs were anemia (15%), lymphopenia (15%), thrombocytopenia (13%), pneumonia (12%) and neutropenia (12%). Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN) was mild and infrequent (16%). Only 1 case of Grade 3 PN (0.8%) was observed. Overall, 38 patients (30%) completed 12 cycles and 22 of these patients continued to receive carfilzomib therapy under a safety extension protocol (PX-171-010), an ongoing, multicenter, open-label phase 2 study to monitor long-term use of single-agent carfilzomib. Conclusions: To date we have seen robust and durable single-agent activity for carfilzomib in bortezomib-naïve patients with relapsed and often refractory MM with an ORR of 42−52% and a CBR of 59−63% from 2 separate dose cohorts in a population wherein 92% received an immunomodulatry drug and 73% had undergone an autologous stem cell transplant previously. These data are suggestive of a dose–response relationship and are being further evaluated in the exploratory phase 1b/2 study PX-171-007. Carfilzomib was associated with minimal PN and excellent long-term tolerability, with nearly one-third of patients completing 12 cycles and 22 of these continuing treatment beyond 1 year in the extension protocol PX-171-010. Disclosures: Vij: Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Kaufman:Millenium: Consultancy; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Keryx: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Jakubowiak:Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Wang:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; OrthoBiotec.Imedex: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Medicom World Wide: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Optum Health Education: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; PER Group: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Alsina:Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Allergan: Research Funding. Belch:Celgene: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Gabrail:Millennium: Research Funding. Matous:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Millenium: Speakers Bureau; Cephalon: Speakers Bureau. Vesole:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Orlowski:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kunkel:VLST biothech: Consultancy; Threshold: Consultancy; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Wong:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Stewart:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Initial Results of PX-171-004, An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Phase II Study of Carfilzomib (CFZ) in Patients with Relapsed Myeloma (MM)
Vij, Ravi , Wang, Michael , Stewart, A. Keith, Kukreti, Vishal , Taylor, J, Fuhrman, D, Cruickshank, Scott, Schwartz, Richard , Kunkel, Lori, Orlowski, Robert Z. , Jagannath, Sundar , Siegel, David S.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 112 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 865-865

10.1182/blood.v112.11.865.865 Get It

Abstract Background: (CFZ) is a novel proteasome inhibitor of the epoxyketone class that exhibits a high level of selectivity for the proteasome and has been shown in a phase 1 study to result in greater than 80% proteasome inhibition on a QDx2 consecutive day schedule. We piloted this agent in MM patients with relapsed disease after one to three prior therapies. Methods: PX-171-004 is an open-label, multicenter study. Pts are stratified into bortezomib (BTZ) naïve, BTZ responsive (> 6 month response) or BTZ non-responsive(< 6 months response) cohorts. Pts received CFZ 20 mg/m2 IV Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 every 28 days, for up to 12 cycles. Dexamethasone 4 mg po was administered prior to each dose in cycle 1. Responses were evaluated by the International Uniform Response Criteria for Multiple Myeloma. Results: 31 patients were enrolled, including 45% BTZ naïve, 45% BTZ responsive, and 10% BTZ non-responsive. 29 pts initiated therapy, completed at least one cycle of CFZ, had measurable M-protein and were evaluable for response. The mean number of prior therapies (excluding transplant) was 2.4;65% received prior thalidomide(THAL), 36% prior lenalidomide (LEN) and 87% prior stem cell transplant (SCT).To date, pts received a median of 4 cycles (range 1–8) of CFZ. 19 pts started at least 4 cycles, and 17 remain on therapy. In the evaluable BTZ naïve population (n=13), the overall response rate (ORR) was 54%, including 1 complete response (CR), 2 very good partial responses (VGPR), and 4 partial responses (PR). There were 4 additional pts with stable disease (SD). In 1 pt with insufficient data to evaluate response, due to tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) onset after 2 CFZ doses, an M-protein drop was noted that suggested a PR. Time to response was rapid, frequently occurring in the 1st cycle. There have been no progressions in this subset. With a median follow-up of 109 days, the time-to-progression(TTP) has not yet been reached, and all responders remain in remission. In 16 evaluable BTZ prior treated pts, 3 pts (19%) achieved PR, 1 (6%) pt achieved a minimal response (MR, as defined by EBMT criteria), and 9 pts had SD. The median TTP is 169 days for this subset. CFZ was generally well tolerated. The most common non-hematologic adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (61%), nausea (58%), vomiting (36%), and insomnia (32%). Worsening of hematologic parameters: neutropenia (32%), anemia (29%), and thrombocytopenia (23%) were primarily Grade 1/2; Grade 3/4 occurred in 10% or less of pts. Reports of peripheral neuropathy (PN) were uncommon. Increased creatinine, both drug and non-drug related, was seen in 5 pts (16%), but treatment was discontinued in only 1 pt due to a renal adverse event. Possible tumor lysis was reported in 2 BTZ naïve patients and resulted in early drug discontinuation in 1 pt, as described above; the 2nd event was fatal. Conclusions: The preliminary results of this trial indicate that CFZ has substantial activity as a single agent in relapsed MM patients, with an ORR of >50% in BTZ naïve patients, indicating better activity in this pt population. CFZ was generally well tolerated, and toxicities were manageable. TLS, which was observed in 2 pts, may be a reflection of the robust drug activity of CFZ. As observed in prior studies with CFZ, reports of PN were uncommon. These observations support further evaluation of CFZ as a promising new agent in MM. Enrollment in this study is ongoing, and additional studies of CFZ in combination with other chemotherapy agents in MM pts are underway.
Initial Results of PX-171-003, An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Phase II Studyof Carfilzomib (CFZ) in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Vij, Ravi , Stewart, A. Keith, Somlo, George, Reiman, Tony , Trudel, Suzanne , Taylor, J, Fuhrman, D, Cruickshank, Scott, Schwartz, Richard , Kunkel, Lori, Jagannath, Sundar , Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Siegel, David S.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 112 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 864-864

10.1182/blood.v112.11.864.864 Get It

Abstract Background: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a novel proteasome inhibitor of the epoxyketone class that exhibits a high level of selectivity for the proteasome and has been shown in a phase 1 study to result in greater than 80% proteasome inhibition on a QDx2 consecutive day schedule. We piloted this agent in MM patients with relapsed and refractory disease, who had failed bortezomib (BTZ) and at least one immunomodulatory (IMiD) agent, e.g., thalidomide (THAL) and/or lenalidomide (LEN). Methods: PX-171-003 is an open-label, multicenter study enrolling pts with MM who have relapsed from at least 2 prior therapies and who are refractory; defined as progressing on or within 60 days of last therapy or<25% response to the last therapy. Pts received CFZ 20 mg/m2 IV Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 every 28 days, for up to 12 cycles. Dexamethasone 4 mg po was administered prior to each dose in Cycle 1. Responses were evaluated by the International Uniform Response Criteria for Multiple Myeloma. Clinical benefit response (CBR) was defined as complete response (CR) + partial/very good partial response (PR/VGPR) + minimal response (MR, as defined by EBMT criteria). Responses were adjudicated by an independent review committee. Results: 46 pts were enrolled, including 78% with progression on or within 60days of last therapy and 22% with no response to last therapy. 39 pts initiated treatment, completed at least one cycle of CFZ, had measurable M-protein, and were evaluable (eval) for response. The mean number of prior therapies (excluding transplant) was 6.4(range 1 to 18). 100% of pts received prior BTZ, 91% prior THAL, 89% prior LEN, and 83% prior stem cell transplantation (SCT). To date, pts received a median of 3 cycles(range 1–9) of CFZ; 22 started at least 4 cycles. The CBR was 26% (10/39 eval pts), including 5 pts achieving PR, 5 pts achieving MR, and 16 additional patients achieving stable disease (SD). Time to response was rapid, frequently occurring in the 1st cycle. CFZ was generally well tolerated; the most common adverse events (AEs) were fatigue(65%), nausea (37%), upper respiratory infection (37%), and diarrhea (33%). Worsening of hematologic parameters: anemia (65%); thrombocytopenia (46%) and neutropenia(20%) were predominantly Grades 1 and 2. Increased creatinine, both drug and non-drug related, was seen in 15/46 pts (33%), but treatment was discontinued in only 3 patients due to a renal adverse event. Acute renal failure was documented in 4 pts (9%), 2 (4%) of whom also had possible tumor lysis. 78% of pts had Grade 1 or 2 peripheral neuropathy (PN) at baseline. Exacerbation of PN was rare, and there were no study discontinuations or dose reductions due to PN. Conclusions: In the context of this heavily pre-treated MM population, single agent CFZ was able to induce CBR in 26% of MM patients, the majority of whom had failed BTZ, LEN, THAL, and SCT. CFZ was generally well-tolerated, and toxicities were manageable. Importantly, exacerbation of pre-existing PN was rare and did not result in dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy. These observations support further evaluation of CFZ as a promising new agent in MM. Enrollment is proceeding at an escalated dose (based on tolerability) in this trial. Additional studies of CFZ in patients who are less heavily pretreated and in combination with other chemotherapy agents are ongoing.
Unfavorable Cytogenetic Characteristics Do Not Adversely Impact Response Rates in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Treated with Single-Agent Carfilzomib on the 003 (A1) Study
Martin, Thomas , Kukreti, Vishal , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Alsina, Melissa , Somlo, George, Song, Kevin , Kunkel, Lori, Wear, Sandra, Stewart, A. Keith, Wang, Lühua , Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Siegel, David S. , Singhal, Seema , Lonial, Sagar , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , Buadi, Francis K. , Reu, Frederic J. , Wong, Alvin , Orlowski, Robert Z. , Jagannath, Sundar

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1875-1875

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1875.1875 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1875 Introduction: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a next-generation proteasome inhibitor that has demonstrated durable single-agent antitumor activity in patients (pts) with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Previously we have shown that unfavorable cytogenetic features, defined as presence of any of del 13 or hypodiploidy by metaphase cytogenetic analysis and/or del 17p13, t(4;14), t (14;16) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), did not appreciably affect overall (≥PR) and clinical benefit (≥MR) response rates (ORR and CBR) in PX-171-003-A1, a large phase 2 study of single-agent CFZ in pts with R/R MM (Jakubowiak et al. Ann Oncol. 2011;22(S4): Abstract 117). The objectives of the present analysis were to evaluate the impact of specific cytogenetic abnormalities on efficacy and treatment outcomes. Methods: Pts with unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities (defined above) were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. All pts received CFZ at 20 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 of 28-day cycles (C) and were dose-escalated to 27 mg/m2 at C2. Pts were treated for up to 12 C. Responses were assessed by International Myeloma Working Group criteria, with minimal response (MR) by European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria. Assessments were confirmed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC). Results: A total of 234 pts were included in this analysis. Metaphase cytogenetic data were available for 203 pts (87%), and FISH data were available for 210 pts (90%); 178 pts had both (76%). Seventy-five of 234 pts (32%) had ≥1 abnormality and represented the unfavorable group in this analysis. Of these, 49 (65%) had abnormalities detected via metaphase cytogenetics, 47 (63%) by FISH, and 21 (28%) by both methods. Characteristics of pts in the unfavorable and normal/favorable groups were comparable overall, with the exception of a higher proportion of pts with International Staging System stage II/III in the unfavorable group (83% vs 64%). Response rates per the IRC, presented previously, included an ORR of 30% for pts with ≥1 abnormality compared with 23% for pts with none. The corresponding CBRs were 34% and 40%, respectively. Duration of response (DOR) and time to progression (TTP) values were 7 months (mo) (95% CI 4–9) and 4 mo (95% CI 3–6), respectively, for pts with ≥1 abnormality and 8 mo (95% CI 6–12) and 5 mo (95% CI 3–6), respectively, for pts with none. The ORRs, CBRs, and disease control rates (DCRs) according to specific cytogenetic abnormalities are presented below. Response rates were largely unaffected by the presence of specific unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities, with the possible exceptions of trends toward a higher response rate for t(4;14) and a lower rate for t(14;16), although the latter abnormality was only noted in 3 pts. The trend for better response rates in pts with t(4;14) corresponded to a DOR of 5.6 mo (95% CI 2.8–10.2). In contrast, the DOR appeared shorter for the subgroup of pts with del 17p13 (4.6 mo, 95% CI: 3.7–Not reached). Time-to-event endpoints including TTP are being analyzed for these and the other subpopulations, and data on these will be presented, along with overall survival stratified by cytogenetic abnormality. Conclusions: CFZ demonstrated comparable response rates in pts with relapsed/refractory MM in both the absence and presence of unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities in the 003-A1 study. Similarly, in the phase 2 PX-171-004 study, no significant difference in response rates between unfavorable and normal/favorable groups has been observed in a population of less heavily-pretreated pts with relapsed or R/R MM. Taken together, the results of these and other analyses to date suggest that responses to single-agent CFZ can be achieved in heavily pretreated pts and that overall, these responses appear not to be significantly influenced by poor prognostic cytogenetic features. Further analyses from studies with CFZ in newly diagnosed MM and in less heavily-pretreated pts are needed to determine whether a trend toward lower response rates and DOR for pts with del 17p13 is consistently observed in other populations. Disclosures: Jakubowiak: Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent carfilzomib, proteasome inhibitor, in the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Siegel:Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Singhal:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Martin:Celgene: Honoraria; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Lonial:Onyx: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Bahlis:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Alsina:Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Allergan: Research Funding. Kunkel:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Threshold: Consultancy; VLST biothech: Consultancy. Wong:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Orlowski:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Stewart:Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; OrthoBiotec. Imedex: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Medicom World Wide: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Optum Health Education: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; PER Group: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wang:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.
PX-171-004, An Ongoing Open-Label, Phase II Study of Single-Agent Carfilzomib (CFZ) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Myeloma (MM); Updated Results From the Bortezomib-Treated Cohort.
Wang, Lühua , Stewart, A. Keith, Kukreti, Vishal , Alsina, Melissa , McDonagh, Kevin T., Belch, Andrew R. , Shustik, Chaim, Le, Mai H. , Kunkel, Lori, Bennett, Mark K. , Kauffman, Michael , Vij, Ravi , Siegel, David S. , Orlowski, Robert Z. , Kaufman, Jonathan L. , Jakubowiak, Andrzej , Jagannath, Sundar , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 303-303

10.1182/blood.v114.22.303.303 Get It

Abstract Abstract 303 Background: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a novel proteasome inhibitor that binds its target selectively and irreversibly, resulting in greater and more sustained proteasomal inhibition compared to BTZ (Demo et al, Cancer Res 2007). CFZ overcomes BTZ-resistance in vitro (Kuhn et al, Blood 2007) and in a previous Phase 2 study (PX-171-003), single-agent CFZ achieved durable responses and maintained disease control [e.g. ≥ Stable Disease (SD)] in patients with progressive multiple myeloma (MM) despite treatment with essentially all available agents. PX-171-004 is an ongoing Phase 2 study of CFZ monotherapy in MM patients with relapsed or refractory disease following 1–3 prior therapies. Here we report updated data for the BTZ-treated cohort. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory (defined as < 25% response or disease progression during therapy) MM were enrolled and stratified based on prior BTZ exposure (e.g. BTZ-naïve and BTZ-treated). For the BTZ-treated cohort, tolerability and response to prior BTZ [≥ Minor Response (MR)] was not required. CFZ 20 mg/m2 IV was administered on Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 every 28 days, for up to 12 cycles. The primary endpoint was Overall Response Rate (ORR) [≥ Partial Response (PR)] by IMWG criteria. Secondary endpoints included Clinical Benefit Response (CBR = ORR + MR) and safety. Results: Thirty-five BTZ-treated patients were enrolled. Six (17%) patients had previously received BTZ exclusively as a single agent, 15 (43%) received BTZ as part of a chemotherapy combination and 10 (29%) received BTZ as part of a stem cell transplant (SCT) regimen. An additional 4 (11%) received BTZ in a chemotherapy combination as well as part of a separate transplant regimen. Other prior therapies included alkylators (89%), SCT (81%), thalidomide (69%), lenalidomide (37%), and anthracyclines (31%). Six (17%) patients had disease refractory to BTZ and 9 (26%) additional patients had discontinued BTZ due to toxicities. At baseline, 19 (54 %) patients had an ECOG score ≥ 1, 17 (49%) patients had neuropathy of Grade ≥ 1, 9 (26%) patients had impaired renal function (CrCl <60 mL/min) and 9 (26%) had diabetes. The median time since diagnosis was 3.6 years (range 1.2–13.2). To date, the mean number of CFZ doses administered was 29.3 (∼5 four-week cycles; range 4–72 doses, 0.7–12 cycles). Thirty-three patients who initiated therapy were evaluable for response per protocol. The ORR was 18% (6/33), including 1 CR and 5 PRs. An additional 4 (12%) patients had MR (CBR= 30%) and 13 (39%) had SD for ≥ 6 weeks. For evaluable patients who were either refractory or intolerant to their prior BTZ therapy, responses to CFZ included 1 PR and 1 MR and 8 SDs. The most common adverse events (AEs) (≥ 30% patients) were primarily Grades 1/2 and included fatigue (57%), nausea (54%), vomiting (37%), dyspnea (34%), diarrhea (34%), anemia (31%), increased creatinine (31%) and upper respiratory tract infection (31%). Grade 3/4 AEs occurring in ≥ 10% of patients were anemia (14.3%) and neutropenia (11.4%). There were no reports of febrile neutropenia. Dose modifications were rarely required. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) was uncommon (4 patients, 11%); only 1 patient had a Grade 3 event that lasted < 36 hours and did not result in missed doses or dose modification. None of the 9 patients with baseline renal impairment were discontinued for renal AEs. To date, 6 (17%) patients have completed the full 12-cycle protocol at the initial dose and schedule, 6 (17%) remain on study and 1 patient has received > 19 cycles on a recently initiated extended treatment protocol. Conclusions: In a BTZ-exposed population that includes BTZ treatment failures and significant comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, renal insufficiency, etc), the 18% ORR (CBR 30%) is notable for this steroid- and anthracycline-sparing regimen. Single-agent CFZ is well tolerated, even in patients with renal insufficiency, and both myelosuppression and PN are uncommon. These data support the continuing evaluation of CFZ as a safe and effective treatment option in MM. Disclosures: Siegel: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Wang:Proteolix, Inc.: Research Funding. Stewart:Genzyme, Celgene, Millenium, Proteolix: Honoraria; Takeda, Millenium: Research Funding; Takeda-Millenium, Celgene, Novartis, Amgen: Consultancy. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Jakubowiak:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Centocor Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. McDonagh:Proteolix: Research Funding. Belch:Ortho Biotech: Honoraria, Research Funding. Bahlis:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ortho Biotech: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Le:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Kunkel:Proteolix: Consultancy, Employment. Bennett:Proteolix: Employment. Kauffman:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Vij:Proteolix, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding.