Back to Authors

Adjei, Alex A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8039-6556

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Citations 159

N0321: A phase II study of bortezomib, paclitaxel, carboplatin (CBCDA), and radiotherapy (RT) for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Foster, Nathan R. , Molina, Julian R. , Dy, Grace K. , Rowland, Kendrith M. , Thomas, Sachdev , Northfelt, Donald W. , Kugler, John W., Adjei, Alex A. , (NCCTG), North Central Cancer Treatment Group, Schild, Steven E. , Sarkaria, Jann N. , (NCCTG), North Central Cancer Treatment Group

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 7073-7073

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.7073 Get It

7073 Background: In preclinical studies, combinations of bortezomib and RT result in synergistic tumor killing (Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2007;59:207-15). Our group reported the results from the phase I portion of this study previously (J Clin Oncol. 200;28 (suppl; abstr 7085)). Based on these data, we undertook a phase II study of bortezomib in combination with paclitaxel/CBCDA and RT. Methods: Based on results from our previously reported phase I trial, systemic therapy included bortezomib (1.2 mg/m² IV days 1,4,8,11), paclitaxel (175 mg/m² IV day 2), and carboplatin (CBCDA; AUC=6 day 2) given every 3 weeks for 2 cycles. Thoracic radiotherapy (RT) included 60Gy/30 daily fractions starting day 1. The primary endpoint was the 12-month survival rate. If 41 or more of these 60 patients (68%) were alive at least 12 months after study entry, the trial would be deemed as positive and further study would be warranted. Results: 27 pts were enrolled to the phase II portion: M/F=17/10; stage IIIA/IIIB=13/14; ECOG PS 0/1=9/18; and median age: 58 (range 43-79). 18 pts (67%) completed therapy per protocol. At a planned interim analysis, 23 of 26 evaluable patients (88.5%, 95% CI: 70-98%) survived for at least 6 months, which exceeded the boundary of 21 or more needed to continue to full accrual. This trial could have continued per protocol, but was closed early due to slow accrual. With a median follow-up of 15.0 months in the 17 patients still alive, the 12-month survival rate was 71% (95% CI: 49 – 85). The median OS was 19 months (95% CI: 11 – no upper). Grade 3 or higher adverse events (regardless of attribution) were reported in 22 (82%) patients. Grade 4/5 adverse events were reported in 15 (56%) patients. There was one grade 5 event (pneumonitis). The most common (5 or more patients) grade 3/4 adverse events were fatigue (22%), leukopenia (63%), neutropenia (67%), and thrombocytopenia (44%). Conclusions: The addition of bortezomib resulted in high levels of severe hematologic toxicity, but also demonstrated evidence of activity with a 12-month survival rate of 71% and a median OS of 19 months. Further testing of this regimen in a larger study appears warranted.
Should attribution be considered when interpreting adverse event data: A North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) evaluation of a phase III placebo controlled trial
Hillman, Shauna L., Mandrekar, Sumithra J. , Perez, Edith A. , Kugler, J. W., Adjei, Alex A. , Buckner, Jan C. , Bot, Brian M. , Sargent, Daniel J.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 6006-6006

10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.6006 Get It

6006 Background: In March 1998, the Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0 was implemented and introduced the collection and reporting of attribution of adverse events to study treatment. Collection and reporting of attribution adds time and cost to the clinical trial process, and its use while reporting adverse events (AE) in the literature has varied. We investigate whether attribution adds value to the interpretation of AE data. Methods: Patients on the placebo arm of trial 97–24–51 (CAI vs. Placebo) were chosen since the true relationship of the event to the study treatment is known (“unrelated”). Attribution was collected per CTCv2.0 and categorized as “not related” (not related or unlikely) and “related” (possible, probable, or definite). All reported AEs and the maximum severity for a given AE were evaluated. Patterns were evaluated using generalized estimating equations adjusting for multiple events per patient. Changes in attribution over time for the same event were computed. Results: 84 patients on the placebo arm experienced a total of 1013 AEs. 47% of AEs were reported as “related” with 36% reported as possibly related. Known CAI AEs were more likely to be reported as “related” (p = 0.005). Pulmonary AEs were more likely to be reported as “not related” (p = 0.0006). No patterns were observed by gender, age, PS, severity or treatment cycle of AE. When the same event was reported on the same patient in multiple cycles, the attribution category changed at least once 36% of the time with 25% changing from “related” to “unrelated” or vice versa. Conclusion: Almost 50% of events on a placebo arm of a phase III trial were reported as being attributed to study treatment and 25% of the time the same event was not consistently attributed. These data suggest that attribution is difficult to determine, unreliable, and thus its value in large phase III trials is questionable. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A phase I dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic (PK) study of a novel spectrum selective kinase inhibitor, XL647, in patients with advanced solid malignancies (ASM)
Wakelee, Heather A. , Adjei, Alex A. , Halsey, Joanne, Lensing, Janet L., Dugay, José, Hanson, L., Piens, Jill, Šikić, Branimir I. , Dugay, J. D., Reid, Joel M.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 3044-3044

10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.3044 Get It

3044 Background: XL647 is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor cell growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, including EGFR (erbB1), erbB2, VEGFR2/KDR, and EphB4. Methods: Patients (pts) with ASM were enrolled in successive cohorts to receive XL647 orally as a single dose on day 1 with PK sampling, followed by 5 continuous daily doses starting on day 4 with additional PK sampling. Pts then continued to receive XL647 for 5 consecutive days, followed by a break, with cycles repeating every 14 days. Tumor imaging was conducted at baseline, after the first 3 or 4 cycles, and then after every 4 cycles. Pts were allowed to stay on-study in the absence of unacceptable toxicity until evidence of disease progression. Results: A total of 37 pts have been treated across 9 dose levels to date: 0.06, 0.12, 0.19, 0.28, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, 4.68, and 7.0 mg/kg. One pt at 3.12 mg/kg had a dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of asymptomatic QTc prolongation on electrocardiogram, resulting in expansion of that cohort. The first two pts who received 7.0 mg/kg experienced DLTs of grade 3 diarrhea, requiring dose reduction. Both pts from the 7.0 mg/kg cohort tolerated 4.68 mg/kg well. Expansion of the 4.68 mg/kg cohort to 6 pts occurred without further DLTs and this is considered the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). One serious adverse event, grade 4 pulmonary embolism, was considered possibly related to study treatment in a pt dosed at 0.28 mg/kg. PK analysis indicates that XL647 shows approximately dose-proportional exposure, a mean time to maximal concentration (tmax) of 6–9 hours and an elimination half-life of 50–70 hours. To date, 1 pt (non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]) from cohort 1 had a partial response and 7 others (NSCLC [2], chordoma [2], adenoid cystic carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, colorectal) have had prolonged stable disease (>3 months). Conclusions: XL647 has been well tolerated. An MTD of 4.68 mg/kg oral dosing for 5 consecutive days every 14 days has been established. Exploration of additional dosing schedules is ongoing, including continuous daily dosing. [Table: see text]
Evaluation of platinum-based chemotherapy, glutathione metabolic genes, and survival in advanced non small cell lung cancer: A NCCTG 97–24–51 based study
Mandrekar, Sumithra J. , Hillman, Shauna L., Allen, Katie L., Cunningham, Julie M. , Jett, James R., Adjei, Alex A. , Perez, Edith A. , Yang, Ping , Sun, Zhifu , Wampfler, Jason A.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 13013-13013

10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.13013 Get It

13013 Background: The glutathione metabolic pathway is directly involved in the inactivation of platinum compounds. Our earlier work indicated that genotypes corresponding to varied glutathione-related enzyme activities may predict survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. Herein, we evaluated the role of glutathione-related genotypes on clinical outcomes in stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer patients who were stable or responding from one prior platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods: DNA samples from patients who had tumor regression or stable disease after treatment with one platinum based chemotherapy regimen were analyzed using 6 polymorphic DNA markers that encode 5 important enzymes in the glutathione metabolic pathway. The contrasting genotypes used in the analysis were GCLC (homozygous repeat 77 vs. heterozygous 7*), GPX1 (CC vs. other), GSTP1-I105V (AA vs. other), GSTP1-A114V (CC vs. other), GSTM1 (null vs. present), and GSTT1 (null vs. present). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, gender, treatment arm, ECOG performance status, stage, and prior tumor response, were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of the genotypes at each locus. Results: Data from 112 patients with a median follow-up of 10.6 (range: 0.4–56.3) months was used. No significant difference in time to disease progression was observed for any of the genotypes. Among the 6 genomic DNA markers, the GCLC genotype was an important prognostic factor for overall survival after adjusting for other factors. In particular, patients carrying a 77 repeat genotype (homozygous) had a significantly worse survival (Hazard ratio = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.05–2.63). Conclusions: Genotypes of glutathione-related enzymes, especially GCLC, may be used as host factors in predicting patients’ prognosis after platinum-based chemotherapy. Further investigation to define and measure the effects of these genes in chemotherapeutic regimens is needed. (This work was partly supported by NIH research grants CA77118, CA80127, and CA84354.) No significant financial relationships to disclose.
The value of combined modality therapy in elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Mandrekar, S. J., Jatoi, A., McGinnis, William L., Stella, Philip J., Deming, Richard L., Jett, J. R., Garces, Yolanda I. , Allen, Katie L., Adjei, Alex A. , Schild, Steven E.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 19503-19503

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.19503 Get It

19503 Background: This study was performed to assess the value of combined modality therapy in elderly patients by comparing the differences in outcome of those who received radiotherapy (RT) alone or RT plus chemotherapy for stage III NSCLC. Methods: North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) performed 2 recent phase III trials for stage III NSCLC. The first trial, 90–24–51, included 3 arms: once-daily radiotherapy (QDRT) alone, twice daily RT (BIDRT) alone, and concurrent chemotherapy plus BIDRT. The second trial, 94–24- 52 included 2 arms and compared concurrent chemotherapy with either QDRT or BIDRT. The chemotherapy arms of both trials included etoposide and cisplatin administered concurrently with RT. Only the patients ≥65 years of age (elderly) who participated in these trials were included in this analysis. Results: Of the 166 elderly patients included in this analysis, 37 received RT alone and 129 received concurrent chemotherapy plus RT. The median and 5-year survival rates were 10.5 months and 5.4% for the RT alone group compared to 13.7 months and 14.7% for the RT plus chemotherapy group (log-rank p=0.05). Patients who received RT plus chemotherapy experienced significantly greater severe (grade ≥3) toxicity than those who received RT alone (89.9% versus 32.4%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Elderly patients who participated in these trials appear to gain a survival advantage from RT and chemotherapy compared to RT alone. As is the case with younger patients, this benefit comes at the cost of additional toxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Glutathione pathway genes predict quality of life (QOL) in lung cancer patients: A NCCTG-97–24–51 based study
Mandrekar, Sumithra J. , Hillman, Shauna L., Allen, Kathleen, Jett, James R., Perez, Edith A. , Adjei, Alex A. , Yang, Ping

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 18037-18037

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.18037 Get It

18037 Background: Platinum compounds are major chemotherapeutic agents in lung cancer and are metabolized by the glutathione pathway enzymes. We reported that genotypes of glutathione-related enzymes, especially GCLC, may be host factors in predicting survival of patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer who were stable or responding from prior platinum-based chemotherapy (Yang et al., ASCO 2006). NCCTG investigators previously correlated allelic variants in 5-FU metabolizing genes with QOL in colorectal cancer patients (Sloan et al., ASCO 2004). We sought to evaluate the role of glutathione pathway genotypes on QOL. Methods: DNA samples were analyzed using 6 polymorphic DNA markers in the glutathione metabolic pathway. The contrasting genotypes in the analysis were GSTM1 and GSTT1 (null vs. present), GSTP1-I105V (AA vs. GA/GG), GSTP1-A114V (CC vs. CT/TT), GPX1 (CC vs. TT/TC), and GCLC (homozygous repeat 77 vs. heterozygous 7*). Forty-six patients completed the FACT-L and the UNISCALE QOL questionnaires at baseline and week-8, and we have results for all 6 genotypes. A clinically significant decline (CSD) in QOL was defined as a 10% decrease from baseline to week-8. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of all 6 genotypes with a CSD in QOL. Results: Patients carrying the GPX1-CC genotype had a CSD in the UNISCALE (Odds Ratio (OR): 10.0; p=0.02), total FACT-L score (OR: 7.9; p=0.03), the FACT-L physical well being construct (OR: 13.7; p=0.02), and the FACT-L functional well being construct (OR: 5.3; p=0.05). Other constructs, i.e., emotional, social and family, and additional concerns were not significantly associated with the genotypes. Conclusions: Genotypes of glutathione-related enzymes, especially GPX1 may be inherited factors in predicting patients’ QOL after platinum-based chemotherapy. Further investigation to define and measure the direct or indirect effects of these genes on QOL is critical, particularly, via drug responses, toxicities, and disease recurrence. (This work was partly supported by NIH grants CA77118, CA80127, and CA84354.) No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Age, gender, performance status and stage outperformed stage alone in predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with small cell lung cancer: A pooled analysis of 1,623 patients from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group
Foster, Nathan R. , Mandrekar, Sumithra J. , Nelson, Garth D. , Jett, James R., Adjei, Alex A. , Schild, Steven E.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 7723-7723

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.7723 Get It

7723 Background: It is critical that we understand the impact of patient, tumor, and treatment-related factors on patient prognosis for the proper design and analysis of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) trials. An analysis of 15 SCLC trials was performed to investigate and improve our understanding of several factors on OS. Methods: Data from 1623 patients (pts) were used. Age, gender, performance status (PS), tumor stage, body mass index (BMI), creatinine levels, hemoglobin levels, white blood cell counts (WBC), platelet counts, and bilirubin levels were tested for prognostic significance for OS both univariately and multivariately using a Cox Proportional Hazards Model. Models were stratified by protocol, and analyses carried out on the complete data available based on the selected covariates. Model discrimination (i.e., ability to discriminate patients with different survival times) was evaluated using the concordance index (COI). Results: Median follow-up was 63.1 months (range: 1.9 to 155.7). 58% and 42% of pts had extensive-stage or limited-stage SCLC, respectively. Patients with extensive-stage disease, PS>0, increased age, and male gender had significantly worse OS both univariately and multivariately. Patients with increased WBC had significantly worse OS univariately, however, WBC was not a significant predictor when adjusted for other factors. None of the other factors were prognostic for OS. Model discrimination improved by 6.3% when age, gender, PS, and stage were included in a model compared to a model with stage alone (COI improved from 0.63 to 0.67). Conclusions: Age, gender, PS and stage did better at predicting OS than stage alone. Further refinement of this model, including the addition of number of metastatic sites at baseline and treatment related factors, is currently underway. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]
A front-line window of opportunity phase II study of sorafenib in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A North Central Cancer Treatment Group study
Adjei, Alex A. , Molina, Julian R. , Hillman, Shauna L., Luyun, Ronnie F., Reuter, Nicholas F., Rowland, Kendrith M. , Jett, James R., Mandrekar, Sumithra J. , Schild, Steven E.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 7547-7547

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.7547 Get It

7547 Background: Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor with single-agent activity in previously treated NSCLC. In an effort to evaluate its single agent activity in previously untreated NSCLC, the NCCTG undertook a front-line “window of opportunity” study. Materials and Methods: Patients with stage IIIB (pleural effusion) or stage IV NSCLC received sorafenib dosed at 400 mg BID continuously, with a cycle defined as 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated weekly during the first 2 cycles with those who progressed rapidly going on to receive standard chemotherapy. Based on a two-stage Fleming design, if only at most 1 confirmed response was observed in the first 20 patients enrolled to stage I, the regimen would be considered ineffective. If 2 or more responses were observed, the study would proceed to stage 2 and accrue an additional 22 patients. If 5 or more confirmed responses were observed, the regimen would be recommended for further testing. Results: The study did not meet the stage I efficacy criteria (only 1 confirmed partial response in the first 20 patients) and was permanently closed after enrolling 25 evaluable patients [15 females, 10 males; 4 stage IIIB, 21 stage IV; median age 67 (45–85)]. 2 patients are still receiving treatment (14 and 15 months). No grade 3 or higher hematologic adverse events were observed. Thirteen (52%) patients had a grade 3 non-hematologic adverse event with fatigue (20%), diarrhea (8%), and dyspnea (8%) being the most common. There was one grade 4 pulmonary hemorrhage. A total of 3 (12%) PRs; and 7 (28%) SD were observed in the 25 patients 7 (28%) patients were progression- free at 24 weeks. Median survival and median time to progression were 8.8 and 2.9 months respectively. Conclusion: While the pre- specified efficacy endpoints were not met, the objective response rate of 12% and median survival of 8.8 months suggest that single agent sorafenib has activity similar to two-drug combinations. The feasibility and utility of the “window of opportunity” design in estimating the activity of novel compounds was demonstrated. Finally, the single-agent activity of sorafenib argues for combination studies with standard chemotherapy agents. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A phase I study of lapatinib and topotecan in patients with solid tumors
Molina, Julian R. , Erlichman, Charles , Adjei, Alex A. , Rubin, S. D., Friedman, R., Qin, Rui , Felten, Sara J., Kaufmann, Scott H. , Reid, Joel M.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 3598-3598

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.3598 Get It

3598 Background: Drug resistance to topotecan can be the result of BCRP/ABCG2 expression. BCRP is a member of the ABC transporter family that pumps anticancer drugs out of the cell. Lapatinib is a potent and selective dual inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or ErbB1) and ErbB2 (Her2/Neu). 4-aminoquinazoline tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been shown to enhance the cytotoxicity of topotecan through inhibition of BCRP-mediated drug efflux in cancer cells. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with advanced stage cancers were enrolled at escalating dose levels of lapatinib and topotecan in cohorts IA, IB and IIB (MTD). Treatment schedule included lapatinib (750 - 1500 mg/d) daily for 21 (cohort IA) or 28 days (cohort IB) and topotecan (2.4 - 4.0 mg/ m2), days 1, 8 and 15; cycles were repeated every 28 days. Three patients were treated at each dose level, 18 on cohort IA, 9 on cohort IB and 10 at MTD (cohort IIB). Assessments of toxicity were performed with each cycle and clinical response was determined per RECIST criteria every other cycle. Results: The MTD for cohorts IA and IB was reached at a dose of 1250 mg of lapatinib and 3.2 mg/m2 of IV topotecan on days 1, 8 and 15. No DLT were seen during the dose escalation stage of cohorts IA and IB. Ten patients were enrolled at the MTD. There were no grade 4+ events. Thirteen grade 3+ events, considered to be related to treatment, were seen in 6 patients. The most common grade 3+ toxicities included dehydration (2) diarrhea (2), nausea (3), vomiting (2), neutropenia (1), thrombocytopenia (1), and fatigue (1). No abnormalities in left ventricular ejection fraction were noted. Stable disease was seen in 46% of the 37 patients. Conclusions: The combination of lapatinib and topotecan is a well-tolerated regimen. The MTD for the combination is lapatinib 1,250 mg orally once daily for 21 or 28 days and topotecan 3.2 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15. Pharmacokinetic analysis for drug interaction will be available for presentation at the meeting. Supported in part by GSK and Mayo Clinic No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Phase I dose escalation study of the anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody CP-751,871 in patients with refractory solid tumors
Batzel, Gretchen N., Molife, L. Rhoda, Adjei, Alex A. , Haluska, Paul , Shaw, Heather S. , Yap, Timothy Anthony , Roberts, Michelle L. , Gualberto, Antonio , Bono, Johann S. de

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 3586-3586

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.3586 Get It

3586 Background: The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR), a tyrosine kinase, and its ligands (IGF-I & -2) are upregulated in many human tumors (e.g., breast, prostate, colon and non-small cell lung cancer) and enhance proliferative and prosurvival signaling. Inhibition of IGF-IR activation in tumor models suppresses tumor growth and increases tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy, supporting the development of agents targeting IGF-IR. CP-751,871 is a potent, highly specific, fully humanized, monoclonal antibody that inhibits IGF-IR autophosphorylation and induces receptor internalization. Methods: A Phase I dose escalation study was initiated to define the safety and tolerability, and to characterize the pharmacokinetic properties of CP-751,871 in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapies. Results: Following informed consent and screening, a total of 24 patients with refractory solid tumors (e.g. colorectal, NSCLC, sarcoma and prostate cancer; 1–6 previous regimens) were enrolled. Patients received 3 to 20 mg/kg of CP-751,871 by IV infusion on Day 1 of 3-week cycles in four dose-escalation cohorts of 3 patients. No dose limiting toxicities were identified and the maximum feasible dose (MFD) cohort of 20 mg/kg was extended with 12 additional patients. No higher than grade 3 CTCAE v3.0 toxicities, attributed to study drug, have been so far reported. Grade 3 toxicities, all reported in patients dosed with 20 mg/kg of CP-751,871, are increased GGT (4%) and fatigue (4%). Grade 2 toxicities include: anorexia (7%), diarrhea (7%), increased GGT (4%), hyperglycemia (4%), fatigue (4%), increased urinary frequency (4%), nausea (4%), increased ALT (4%) and increased AST (4%). Pharmacokinetic analysis is currently ongoing. No objective responses were observed. At the MFD, patients received a median of 4 cycles (1–16). Three patients were stable for > 6 months and one patient, currently at cycle 16, remains on study. An additional cohort of 12 adrenocortical cancer patients is under evaluation. Conclusions: These data indicate that CP-751,871 is safe and well tolerated. Due to its good safety profile, CP-751,871 may constitute a suitable targeted agent to use in combination with approved therapies in multiple tumor types. No significant financial relationships to disclose.