A phase 1, first-in-human (FIH), dose-escalation and dose-optimization study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity of CBI-1214 T-cell engager in participants with advanced or metastatic microsatellite-stable (MSS)/
TPS3678 Background: Advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an area of significant unmet clinical need, particularly for patients with MSS/MSI-L tumors. In recent years, there have been several advancements in the treatment of solid tumors with T cell engagers. Our ATLAS scRNA-seq based discovery platform identified LY6G6D as a highly-specific tumor-associated antigen in advanced and metastatic CRC. CBI-1214, a CD3 bispecific T cell engager targeting LY6G6D with potent in vitro and in vivo activity even at low LY6G6D expression levels of ~300 copies/cell ( Yigit B et al, AACR 2025 ), is being developed for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic MSS/MSI-L CRC. Methods: This ongoing, open-label FIH study (CBI-1214-001) is being conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti-tumor activity of CBI-1214 and to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or optimal biological dose (OBD) in participants with advanced or metastatic MSS/MSI-L CRC who have exhausted at least one prior line of systemic treatment and do not qualify for available targeted treatment options for actionable genomic alterations. Additional eligibility criteria include: at least 18 years of age, measurable disease (as defined by RECIST v1.1), available archival tumor tissue sample or a fresh tumor sample, ECOG PS 0 or 1, as well as adequate hematologic and organ functions. Patients whose CRC tumor tissues have been identified as dMMR or MSI-H are excluded. The study is conducted in two parts: Part 1 dose escalation, which starts with Part 1a as accelerated dose escalation, followed by Part 1b escalation, which is based on a modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI-2) design, and Part 2, which is designed as a randomized dose optimization study to select the final recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). For both parts of the study, the study intervention is administered as monotherapy, given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, in 21-day treatment cycles, with a step-up option. After an up-to-28-day screening period, eligible patients receive study medication and are followed for their entire treatment period plus a follow-up period of approximately 90 days. The study is open for recruitment in the United States (NCT07321106). Clinical trial information: NCT07321106 .
Optimized dose schedule of rucaparib and liposomal irinotecan/5‐fluorouracil in metastatic gastrointestinal cancers: A phase 1 study
Abstract Background This phase 1 study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of rucaparib (RUB), a poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, combined with liposomal irinotecan (nal‐IRI) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in metastatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. RUB targets DNA repair pathways, showing efficacy in tumors with homologous recombination deficiency, such as BRCA mutations. Preclinical data suggest synergy with irinotecan, but overlapping toxicities pose challenges. Methods Eighteen patients with metastatic GI cancers, who previously progressed on at least one systemic therapy, were enrolled. A novel sequential dosing regimen, informed by nal‐IRI pharmacokinetic analysis, was used. Twelve patients were evaluable for dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and 12 for response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 criteria. Results The MTD was established as RUB 600 mg twice daily, nal‐IRI 50 mg/m 2 , and 5‐FU 2400 mg/m 2 over 46 hours. The objective response rate (ORR) was 33% (4 of 12), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 75% (9 of 12). Common grade 3 adverse events included diarrhea (33%) and neutropenia (25%), with no grade 4/5 events. Responses were notable in patients with somatic ATM and BRCA mutations, especially those with prior platinum exposure. No DLTs occurred at the recommended phase 2 dose. Conclusions This optimized dosing schedule successfully established the MTD for RUB with nal‐IRI and 5‐FU, overcoming prior challenges with PARP inhibitor and irinotecan combinations. The promising ORR and DCR support further evaluation of this regimen in advanced GI malignancies.
Phase I study of palbociclib with cisplatin or carboplatin in the management of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Abstract Importance The addition of agents targeting critical signal mediators of cancer cell proliferation such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) potentiates the efficacy of platinum chemotherapy. Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of palbociclib combined with cisplatin (cis) or carboplatin (carbo) in advanced solid malignancies Design Enrollment on dose escalation (part I) proceeded using the Bayesian adaptive design Escalation with Overdose Control (EWOC). Setting Single institution investigator initiated trial. Participants Patients with any advanced cancer after at least one prior therapy were enrolled on dose escalation to determine recommended phase II doses (RP2D). Expansion cohorts were then opened for pancreaticobiliary tract cancers. Intervention Escalating doses of palbociclib in combination with different doses of cisplatin or carboplatin. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included safety, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results We enrolled 39 patients on dose escalation (part I) and 32 additional patients on dose expansion (part II). RP2D of palbociclib 100 mg on Day 2-22 + Cisplatin (cis) 60 mg/m2 IV on Day 1 Q4W (Arm A); and palbociclib 75 mg on Day 2-22 + Carboplatin (carbo) AUC 6 IV on Day 1 Q4W (Arm B). ORR for Part I were 12.5% (Arm A) and 25% (Arm B). Median PFS and OS for dose expansion were 2.1 and 4.9 months, respectively. For PDAC, mPFS was 1.9 months (95% CI: 1.7, 2.4), and OS was 3.7 months (95% CI: 2.7, 5.7). Most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs—all grade %): Arm A—neutropenia (66%), thrombocytopenia (26%), nausea, fatigue, and anemia (20% each); Arm B—neutropenia (64.7%), thrombocytopenia (53%), and anemia (29%). There were no grade 4-5 TRAEs. Conclusions and Relevance The combination of palbociclib with cisplatin or carboplatin had an acceptable safety profile and clinical responses in some treatment refractory advanced cancers. There was no objective response, but about half of PDAC patients had disease stabilization. Additional efforts are needed to exploit CDK abnormalities in these patients. Clinical trial registration number: NCT02897375
Trials in progress: Alliance A022104/NRG-GI010—A randomized phase II/III trial testing the efficacy of triplet versus doublet chemotherapy regarding clinical complete response and disease-free survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC;
TPS3650 Background: A total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) approach improves compliance with chemotherapy and increases rates of tumor response compared to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) alone in those with locally advanced rectal cancer. Recent data indicate that optimal sequencing of TNT involves consolidation (rather than induction) chemotherapy to improve complete response rates. The use of FOLFIRINOX has shown to improve response and outcomes compared to CRT and surgery alone. Data have also shown that patients with clinical complete response (cCR) after TNT may be managed with a watch and wait approach (WW) instead of preemptive total mesorectal resection (TME). However, the optimal consolidation chemotherapy regimen to improve cCR rates has not been established, and a randomized clinical trial has not robustly evaluated cCR as a primary endpoint. We designed this NCI-sponsored study of chemotherapy intensification to address this and to increase cCR rates, provide opportunity for organ preservation, and survival outcomes. Methods: In this multigroup randomized, seamless phase II/III trial (1:1), up to 760 patients with LARC, T4N0, any T with node positive disease (any T, N+) or T3N0 requiring abdominoperineal resection or coloanal anastomosis and distal margin within 12 cm of anal verge will be enrolled. Stratification factors include tumor stage (T4 vs T1-3), nodal stage (N+ vs N0) and distance from anal verge (0–4; 4–8; 8–12 cm). Patients will be randomized to receive neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiation (LCRT) followed by consolidation doublet (mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX (control arm)) or triplet chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX (experimental arm)) for 3–4 months. LCRT in both arms involve 4500 cGy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks +900 cGy boost in 5 fractions with a fluoropyrimidine. Patients will undergo assessment 8–12 (±4) weeks post-TNT completion. The primary endpoint for the phase II portion will compare cCR between treatment arms. A total number of 312 patients (156 per arm) will provide statistical power of 90.5% to detect a 17% increase in cCR rate, at a one-sided alpha = 0.048. The primary endpoint for the phase III portion will compare disease-free survival (DFS) between arms. A total of 285 DFS events will provide 85% power to detect an effect size of hazard ratio 0.70 at a one-sided alpha of 0.025, requiring enrollment of 760 patients (380 per arm). Secondary objectives include overall survival, organ preservation time, time to distant metastasis, and adverse event rates. This study has accrued 587 patients as of January 2025, and is investigating exploratory correlatives (e.g., ctDNA). Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24 CA196171. https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05610163. Clinical trial information: NCT05610163 .
Utilizing Patient Input in Rectal Cancer Trial Design
Abstract Background The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer now includes “watch-and-wait” (WW) management for patients who exhibit a clinical complete response (cCR) to total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). We assessed patients’ knowledge and preferences regarding WW with the goal of incorporating patient input into clinical trial design. Methods Rectal cancer patients in advocacy groups (COLONTOWN/Rectalburgh and Fight CRC) were surveyed regarding perceptions about treatment strategies, tolerable risks of treatment failure, and preferences on clinical trial design. Surveys were initially distributed in 2019, with the shift toward WW prompting re-survey of select questions in 2023. Results All respondents preferred enrollment in trials that incorporated patient input. Most respondents (76%) preferred treatment that incorporated chemotherapy escalation over radiation escalation. Furthermore, when presented with a hypothetical patient who developed a cCR after chemoradiation (without the option for WW), 58% of patients chose surgical treatment (with 100% risk of permanent ostomy and 80% chance of cure) over omission of surgery (with <80% chance of cure). In contrast, when the hypothetical patient developed a cCR after TNT (with an option for WW), 82% of patients opted for selective WW over surgery. Conclusions This work successfully integrated patient advocacy groups as a resource for obtaining patient input. Surveys revealed patients had a strong preference for chemotherapy escalation, for selective WW when offered, and for incorporation of input into future clinical trial design. These findings describe how well-informed patients approach complex medical decision-making and serve as a starting point for future studies seeking to incorporate patient voices.
636 A phase 1 trial of CUE-102, a novel WT1-pHLA-IL2-Fc T cell engager in HLA-A*0201 positive patients with WT1-positive recurrent/metastatic cancers
ATHENA: A phase 1/2 study of AZD5851, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy directed against GPC3 in adult patients with advanced/recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
TPS2675 Background: Checkpoint inhibitor therapy is the standard first-line treatment for advanced/recurrent HCC, but there is a significant unmet therapeutic need for patients (pts) who progress after first-line treatment. Adoptive cellular immunotherapy may provide a novel treatment option. Glypican-3 (GPC3), a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is overexpressed by tumor cells in HCC and virtually absent in healthy tissues, making it an ideal target for CAR-T therapy. AZD5851 is an autologous CAR-T product that expresses a CAR specific for GPC3 and a dominant negative (dn)TGFβRII as an armoring strategy. Expression of dnTGFβRII can block TGFβ signaling, protecting CAR T-cells from the immunosuppressive effects of this cytokine. Early clinical data with C-CAR031, a CAR-T product with the same GPC3-specific CAR and dnTGFβRII-armoring transgene as AZD5851, showed promising tolerability and antitumor activity in pts with HCC [1]. ATHENA (NCT06084884) is a first-in-human, single-arm, open-label, multicenter phase 1/2 study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of AZD5851 in pts with GPC3+ advanced/recurrent HCC, for whom ≥1 prior line of standard therapy failed or was not tolerable. Methods: Eligible pts are aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed advanced/recurrent or metastatic and/or unresectable HCC, GPC3+ tumor sample as determined by immunohistochemistry, ≥1 prior line of standard systemic therapy, ≥1 measurable lesion per RECIST 1.1, Child-Pugh A, ECOG PS 0/1, and adequate organ and bone marrow function. Approximately 24 pts will be enrolled in Part A (Phase I, dose escalation) and 50 in Part B (Phase II dose expansion). Pts will undergo apheresis to collect peripheral blood mononuclear cells for AZD5851 production, after which they may receive approved bridging therapy for disease control. Upon successful generation of AZD5851 product, pts will undergo lymphodepletion before receiving a single dose of IV AZD5851. Subsequent follow-up is divided into 3 stages: Stage 1, active follow-up of all pts through 6 months post AZD5851 infusion; Stage 2, further evaluation of pts who have not progressed or started a new anticancer regimen during Stage 1; Stage 3, long-term follow-up for all pts who have received AZD5851. The primary endpoints are to assess the safety/tolerability of AZD5851 (both study parts), and to determine the recommended dose(s) of AZD5851 for expansion and phase 2 trials (Part A). Secondary endpoints include efficacy (objective response rate, best overall response, duration of response, disease control rate, durable response rate, time to response, progression-free survival, and overall survival) and pharmacokinetics. Exploratory endpoints include pharmacodynamic biomarkers and immunogenicity. Enrollment began Nov 2023. 1. Zhang et al. AACR 2023. Abstract CT097. Clinical trial information: NCT06084884 .
A phase 1, open-label, dose escalation, and expansion study of CUE-102, a novel WT1-pHLA-IL2-Fc fusion protein, in patients with HLA-A*0201-positive disease and WT1-positive recurrent/metastatic cancers.
3553 Background: Immuno-STATs are modular fusion proteins designed for the selective activation of tumor antigen specific CD8+ T cells. CUE-102, the second Immuno-STAT in clinical trials, is composed of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, HLA-A*0201, a peptide epitope derived from the Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) protein, and 4 molecules of reduced affinity human interleukin-2 (IL-2). In preclinical studies CUE-102 binds, activates and expands WT1-specific CD8+ T cells with the potential to enhance anti-tumor immunity in patients with WT1+ cancers. Here we present the results of the dose-finding portion (Part A) of the CUE-102-01 study. Methods: CUE-102-01 is a 2 part phase 1 study. HLA-A*02:01 positive patients with WT1+ advanced colorectal (CRC), gastric (GA) and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), pancreatic (PDAC) or ovarian (OvCa) tumors refractory to standard therapies were eligible for participation. WT1 status is determined by IHC via central testing. CUE-102 monotherapy was administered intravenously every three weeks in doses ranging from 1 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg following 3+3 design rules with a Bayesian Logistic Regression Model overlay. Dose levels that exhibit an immune or tumor response may be expanded to further characterize activity and toxicity as allowed by safety rules. Results: Dose escalation was successfully completed in 28 patients with CRC (17), PDAC (6), GA/GEJ (3) and OvCa (2). No DLTs were observed. Three dose levels (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg) exhibited evidence of immune activity and were expanded up to 9 patients each for further evaluation. CUE-102 was well-tolerated with > 96% of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) grade ≤2. The most common TRAEs, were fatigue, infusion reactions, nausea and vomiting. There were no cases of CRS Grade ≥ 2. Preliminary PK data demonstrate dose dependent increases in exposure across the dose range assessed. Preliminary analysis of patient samples demonstrates selective expansion of WT1-specific CD8+ T cells. Stable disease of ≥ 6 weeks (range 6-36 weeks), as determined by RECIST 1.1, has been observed in 10 of 23 patients (DCR 43.5%). Conclusions: CUE-102 is a novel T cell engager that demonstrates acceptable tolerability, favorable PK, and supportive preliminary PD readouts. No DLTs or drug-related SAEs have been observed in doses up to 8 mg/kg as of the data cut-off. Adverse events have been manageable and consistent with the CUE-102 mechanism of action and underlying disease. Early signs of disease stabilization and anti-tumor activity in late-stage patients are encouraging. Part B is a dose expansion that further evaluates safety, PK/PD, recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), antitumor efficacy and is currently enrolling patients. Clinical trial information: NCT05360680 .
Abstract CT136: Phase Ib study of siltuximab and spartalizumab in advanced pancreatic cancer
Abstract Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis. Most patients present with advanced stages. Heightened levels of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) are associated with carcinogenesis, immune suppression, and poor prognosis in PDAC. Preclinical data of dual inhibition of IL-6 and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) facilitates CD8+ T-cell migration into pancreatic tumors and was effective in controlling tumor growth in syngeneic and genetically engineered PDAC mouse models. Siltuximab (Sil) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody which targets the IL-6 molecule specifically. Spartalizumab (Sparta) is a high-affinity ligand-blocking humanized IgG4 antibody against the PD-1 receptor. We developed a phase Ib/II trial to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity and preliminary antitumor activity of Sil and Sparta in metastatic PDAC (mPDAC). Methods: Patients (pts) with mPDAC who have progressed on at least one line of systemic chemotherapy were eligible for the trial. Other selected inclusion criteria were ≥18 years of age, ECOG PS 0-1 and measurable disease per RECIST v1.1. The phase Ib trial design is standard 3+3, with a primary endpoint of recommended phase II dose (RP2D). An additional 24 patients were planned for an expansion cohort. Sil was administered at escalating dose levels of 6 mg/kg (DL1) and 11 mg/kg (DL2), in combination with Sparta at 300 mg IV on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Key secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR = CR + PR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: We enrolled 4 patients on DL1 and escalated to DL2/RP2D in the absence of a dose limiting toxicity (DLT). A total of 31 patients were subsequently treated at the RP2D (escalation + expansion). The median age was 68 years, 42% were male. Majority were White (63%) and 20% were Black. About 43% had head of pancreas primary tumors and 86% had liver involvement. The median number of lines of prior therapy was 3 (range 1-4). There was no objective response among the 4 patients on DL1; 1 had stable disease (SD) for 11 weeks as best response. 17 of 31 patients on RP2D had only a baseline assessment and came off study for progression of disease, prior to follow-up imaging assessment for response evaluation. Of the 14 RP2D patients with a follow-up assessment, ORR was 0% (3 were SD and 11 had progression of disease (PD) as best response), mPFS - 2.2 mos (95% CI: 1.9, 2.6), mOS - 5.5mos (95% CI: 2.8, 6.5). Treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade included fatigue (23%), anemia (18%), and increased liver enzymes (9.5%). There were no grade 4-5 TRAEs. Conclusions: The combination Sil/Sparta had an acceptable safety profile but did not elicit responses in advanced PDAC pts. Correlative studies using paired biopsies and blood are ongoing to determine how dual IL-6/PD-1 blockade impacts stromal and immune biomarkers in relationship to the clinical outcome measures. Funding and medications for the study were provided by Novartis and Recordati Rare Diseases Inc (NCT04191421) and NIH/NCI (R21CA266088). Citation Format: Olatunji B. Alese, Olumide Gbolahan, Kathleen M. Coleman, Yichun Cao, Sujata Kane, Sarah Craven, Emily Greene, Natalie Horvat, Andrew McDonald, Walid L. Shaib, Christina S. Wu, Mehmet Akce, Maria Diab, Jeffrey M. Switchenko, Gregory B. Lesinski, Bassel F. El-Rayes. Phase Ib study of siltuximab and spartalizumab in advanced pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT136.
Lenvatinib in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.
TPS578 Background: Liver transplantation is a curative treatment option in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) however; up to 20% of patients develop recurrent disease. HCC recurrence post-transplant is usually extrahepatic (up to 67%) hence requires effective systemic therapy options. Available data are limited and restricted to small non-randomized studies and case series. Lack of prospective clinical trial data and limited data indicates an area of unmet need in treatment of recurrent HCC after liver transplantation. This phase II study aims evaluate the safety and efficacy of lenvatinib in patients with recurrent HCC after liver transplantation. Methods: This is a multi-institutional phase II trial with lenvatinib in patients with recurrent HCC after transplantation. Lenvatinib is administered 12 mg daily orally in patients ≥60 kg, and 8 mg daily orally in patients <60 kg. Each cycle is 28 days. Restaging scans will be performed every 8 weeks. Eligible patients must have histologically proven HCC that has recurred after liver transplantation and not amenable for surgical resection, age ≥18 years, ECOG PS 0-1, Child Pugh Class A, measurable disease per RECIST version 1.1, adequate organ function, no prior systemic therapy with lenvatinib or another systemic therapy in the post-transplant setting. Prior liver directed therapy is allowed, should be at least >28 days prior to the study enrollment, and should have at least one measurable untreated lesion by RECIST 1.1 Primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints are safety/tolerability, progression free survival, and overall survival. Pre-treatment and on-treatment peripheral blood samples will be collected for correlative research. A Simon`s two stage Minimax design is employed (H0: ORR = 5%; H1: ORR = 24%; Type I error = 0.05; power = 80%). In the first stage, 11 patients will be accrued, and if there is no objective response among them, the study will be stopped for futility. Otherwise, additional 6 patients will be accrued for a total of 17 patients. This study is currently enrolling patients. Clinical trial information: NCT05103904 .