Citations

Abstract Purpose: The objectives of this phase 1, first-in-human study were to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary activity of the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Experimental Design: TH-302 was administered intravenously over 30 to 60 minutes in two regimens: three times weekly dosing followed by 1 week off (arm A) and every 3-week dosing (arm B). Results: Fifty-seven patients enrolled (arm A: N = 37 and arm B: N = 20). The TH-302 dose was escalated from 7.5 to 670 mg/m2 in arm A and from 670 to 940 mg/m2 in arm B. The most common adverse events were nausea, skin rash, fatigue, and vomiting. Hematologic toxicity was mild and limited. Grade 3 skin and mucosal toxicities were dose limiting at 670 mg/m2 in arm A; the MTD was 575 mg/m2. In arm B, grade 3 fatigue and grade 3 vaginitis/proctitis were dose limiting at 940 mg/m2; the MTD was 670 mg/m2. Plasma concentrations of TH-302 and the active metabolite Br-IPM (brominated version of isophosphoramide mustard) increased proportionally with dose. Two partial responses were noted in patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and melanoma in arm A at 480 and 670 mg/m2. Stable disease was observed in arms A and B in 18 and 9 patients, respectively. Conclusions: The MTD of TH-302 was 575 mg/m2 weekly and 670 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Skin and mucosal toxicities were DLTs. On the basis of responses in metastatic melanoma and SCLC, further investigations in these indications were initiated. Clin Cancer Res; 17(9); 2997–3004. ©2011 AACR.

Purpose This phase III study compared the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab (BV) when combined with several standard chemotherapy regimens versus those regimens alone for first-line treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative metastatic breast cancer. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned in 2:1 ratio to chemotherapy plus BV or chemotherapy plus placebo. Before random assignment, investigators chose capecitabine (Cape; 2,000 mg/m 2 for 14 days), taxane (Tax) -based (nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m 2 , docetaxel 75 or 100 mg/m 2 ), or anthracycline (Anthra) -based (doxorubicin or epirubicin combinations [doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide, epirubicin/cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide, or fluorouracil/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide]) chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks. BV or placebo was administered at 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), 1-year survival rate, objective response rate, duration of objective response, and safety. Two independently powered cohorts defined by the choice of chemotherapy (Cape patients or pooled Tax/Anthra patients) were analyzed in parallel. Results RIBBON-1 (Regimens in Bevacizumab for Breast Oncology) enrolled 1,237 patients (Cape cohort, n = 615; Tax/Anthra cohort, n = 622). Median PFS was longer for each BV combination (Cape cohort: increased from 5.7 months to 8.6 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.84; log-rank P < .001; and Tax/Anthra cohort: increased from 8.0 months to 9.2 months; HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.80; log-rank P < .001). No statistically significant differences in OS between the placebo- and BV-containing arms were observed. Safety was consistent with results of prior BV trials. Conclusion The combination of BV with Cape, Tax, or Anthra improves clinical benefit in terms of increased PFS in first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer, with a safety profile comparable to prior phase III studies.

Abstract The diazeniumdiolate O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2diolate (JS-K, NSC 724771) is a nitric oxide (NO)-donating prodrug that was designed to release NO upon reaction with glutathione-S-transferase which is overexpressed in some tumors. We demonstrated that JS-K reacts with nucleophiles in biological fluids and has an extremely short half-life in mice. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that liposomal encapsulation improves the in vivo half-life, tissue distribution and acute toxicity profile of JS-K. We investigated the pharmacokinetics of [3H]JS-K in CD mice administered the drug in DMSO or DMPC (dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine) liposomes (20:1 molar ratio of DMPC: JS-K) and in tumor-bearing athymic nu/nu NCr mice administered the radiolabeled drug in DMPC liposomes. The terminal elimination half-life of total radioactivity (2 hours) was similar for both formulations. We did not detect [3H]JS-K in any plasma or red blood cell samples from mice administered 6 mg/kg JS-K in DMSO and only trace amounts of [3H]JS-K were detected in samples collected at the earliest time-points from mice administered 6 mg/kg JS-K in DMPC liposomes. Small amounts of radioactivity, presumably associated with JS-K metabolites, were detected at the solvent front of HPLC chromatograms. Very little radioactivity and no JS-K was detected in tumor samples. Finally, we developed an LC/MS/MS assay to investigate formation of JS-K metabolites in biological samples and used that method to measure concentrations of JS-K and its metabolites in plasma, red blood cells, liver tissue and tumor tissue collected from tumor-bearing mice administered 3 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg JS-K in DMPC liposomes. We confirmed extremely rapid in vivo degradation of JS-K in the systemic circulation following intravenous administration and rapid formation of several expected metabolites including high concentrations of the glutathione conjugate of the dinitrophenol moiety and piperazine. Supported by NCI Contract NO1-CM-52206. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2662.

Abstract Endoxifen (END), the active metabolite of tamoxifen (TAM), is currently being developed as a drug for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer based on recent in vitro and clinical data demonstrating that TAM drug effect is substantially related to circulating plasma concentrations of END, a secondary metabolite produced by human CYP2D6 metabolism. Women with deficient CYP2D6 metabolism have lower END concentrations and a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence. We characterized the pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of END in female rats and dogs. We further compared END exposure following equivalent doses of END and TAM. Rats were administered 2 mg/kg i.v. END, 20 − 200 mg/kg oral END or 80 mg/kg oral TAM. Fasted dogs were administered 0.5 mg/kg i.v. END, 15 − 100 mg/kg oral END or 30 mg/kg oral TAM. Plasma END concentrations were also measured in rats or dogs after oral dosing once per day for 4 consecutive days. Plasma samples were analyzed using a validated reverse-phase HPLC method with fluorescence detection. In the single-dose administration study, terminal elimination half-life and plasma clearance values in rats given 2 mg/kg i.v. END were 6.3 h and 2.4 L/h/kg, respectively. Plasma concentrations above 0.1 µM and 1 µM END were achieved with 20 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses, respectively, and those concentrations were maintained for longer than 24 h. Oral absorption of END was linear over the range of 20 − 140 mg/kg with a bioavailability greater than 67%. END exposure in rats following 80 mg/kg oral END was 100-fold greater than END exposure following 80-mg/kg oral TAM. Following 0.5 mg/kg i.v. END to dogs, terminal elimination half-life and plasma clearance values were 9.2 h and 0.4 L/h/kg, respectively. Plasma concentrations above 1 µM and 10 µM were achieved with the 15 mg/kg dose and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and those concentrations were maintained for longer than 24 h. Absorption was linear over the range of 15 − 100 mg/kg with a bioavailability greater than 50%. END exposure in dogs following 30 mg/kg oral END was 10-fold greater than END exposure following 30-mg/kg oral TAM. In the repeated-dose administration study, the day 4 END peak plasma concentration in rats increased from 1 to 9 µM as the daily END dose was increased from 20 to 200 mg/kg. The day 4 END peak plasma concentration in dogs exceeded 20 µM and plasma concentrations remained above 2 µM for 24 hours following 4 daily doses of 30 mg/kg END. Based on these data, we conclude that END has high oral bioavailability; high concentrations may be maintained after repeated dosing in dogs and rats; and substantially higher END concentrations are achievable following an oral dose of END in comparison to a similar dose of TAM. Supported by NCI contract N01-CM-52206. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2607.

Abstract In collaboration with NCI, we are developing endoxifen (END), the active metabolite of tamoxifen (TAM), as a drug for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen treated women with reduced or absent CYP2D6 enzyme activity have significantly lower END plasma concentrations. In a retrospective analysis of two different prospective tamoxifen trials (NCCTG and ABCSG), we have demonstrated that genetic or drug-induced reductions in CYP2D6 metabolism are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence in Tam treated ER positive breast cancer. To test the hypothesis that clinically relevant concentrations and exposures of END are achieved following oral administration of END, we characterized the pharmacokinetics of i.v. and oral END and oral TAM in female mice. Endoxifen was synthesized and provided by NCI/DTP. Plasma samples were analyzed using a validated reverse-phase HPLC method with fluorescence detection. Following i.v. administration of a 1 mg/kg dose, peak plasma concentration, terminal elimination half-life and plasma clearance values were 0.26 µM, 6.5 h and 11.8 L/h/kg, respectively. Oral pharmacokinetics and bioavailability were determined following doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg. Peak plasma concentrations of 0.76 µM were achieved with a 50 mg/kg dose and plasma concentrations above 0.1 µM were maintained for longer than 8 h. Peak plasma concentrations of 8 µM were achieved with a 200 mg/kg dose and plasma concentrations above 2 µM were maintained for 24 h. Bioavailability was 50% and greater than 100% following the 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses, respectively. Based on pharmacokinetic data for oral END and TAM normalized to a 50 mg/kg oral dose, END plasma concentrations and total exposure were 20-fold greater following oral END as compared to oral TAM. In conclusion, END has high oral bioavailability in mice and substantial plasma concentrations are achieved and maintained after a single oral END dose. Compared to an equivalent oral dose of Tam, substantially higher END concentrations are achieved following oral END. These data suggest that the primary administration of End may overcome the limitations related to human CYP2D6 metabolism, and support the ongoing development of endoxifen as a primary therapy for ER breast cancer. Supported by the Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center Grant (CA15083) and the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE (CA 116201; MMA, JMR, MPG). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3603.

Background: Tissue adaptations in response to pitching are an expected finding during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the throwing elbow of adult pitchers. These changes are considered normal in the absence of symptom complaints. It is unclear when during the playing career these tissue adaptations are initiated. Hypothesis: Abnormalities in the appearance of the throwing elbow compared with the nonthrowing elbow would be visible during MRI assessment of this asymptomatic population of high school–aged throwers. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty-three uninjured, asymptomatic male high school–aged baseball pitchers (mean age, 16 years) with no history of elbow injury were recruited for the study. Participants had a minimum of 3 years’ experience with pitching as their primary position (mean experience, 6 years). Bilateral elbow MRI examinations were performed using a standardized protocol including fast spin-echo proton-density (axial and coronal), T1-weighted (sagittal), and T2-weighted fat-saturated (axial, sagittal, and coronal) sequences. Osteoarticular, ligamentous, musculotendinous, and neural structures were evaluated and compared bilaterally. The images were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist who was blinded to all the gathered data on these athletes, including limb dominance. Results: Three participants (13%) had no abnormalities. Fifteen individuals (65%) had asymmetrical anterior band ulnar collateral ligament thickening, including 4 individuals who also had mild sublime tubercle/anteromedial facet edema. Fourteen participants (61%) had posteromedial subchondral sclerosis of the ulnotrochlear articulation, including 8 (35%) with a posteromedial ulnotrochlear osteophyte, and 4 (17%) with mild posteromedial ulnotrochlear chondromalacia. Ten individuals (43%) had multiple abnormal findings in the throwing elbow. Conclusion: Thickening of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament and posteromedial subchondral sclerosis of the trochlea are common findings in the high school–aged pitcher and may be considered normal clinical findings in the absence of symptom complaints. Other changes in tissue appearance of the throwing elbow are uncommon in this age group and should be regarded with a higher level of caution when evaluating for the presence of injury. An understanding of the MRI appearance of the uninjured youth pitcher is necessary for clinicians to distinguish between normal adaptations and the presence of injury.

Abstract Background: Endoxifen, the active metabolite of tamoxifen (Tam), is currently being developed as a drug for the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER) + breast cancer (BC). HER2 expression in ER+ BC is associated with Tam resistance, and in vivo Tam administration to mice bearing ER+/HER2+ xenografts stimulates BC growth (Shou, JNCI 2004). In humans, endoxifen is the most important Tam metabolite responsible for inhibiting estrogen induced BC growth (Wu, Cancer Research 2009). CYP2D6 metabolism affects the concentrations (conc) of endoxifen (Stearns, JNCI, 2003) and associated with worse disease free survival (DFS) in Tam treated BC (Goetz, JCO, 2005). We sought to determine the activity of Tam and its metabolites in ER+/HER2+ BC cell lines and to evaluate the role of CYP2D6 metabolism in Tam-treated patients (pts) with ER+/HER2+ BC. Additionally, we sought to determine endoxifen conc in mice administered oral Tam.Methods: MCF7 (parental and HER2-expressing) and BT474 (ER+/HER2+) cells were used to compare the activity of Tam, 4HT, and endoxifen on estrogen- stimulated growth. Oral tam PK were characterized in mice treated with standard dose of Tam (4 mg/kg; 100 μg). Clinical data were obtained via a retrospective analysis of Tam-treated pts with ER+/ HER2+ BC randomized to receive 5 years of Tam (NCCTG 89-30-52). CYP2D6 metabolism (extensive or decreased) was based on CYP2D6 genotype (*3, 4, 6, 10, 17, 41) and co-administration of a CYP2D6 inhibitor (yes/no). HER2 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or FISH (tumors 0, 1, or 2+ by IHC). The association between CYP2D6 and DFS was assessed using the log-rank test and proportional hazards modeling.Results: Compared to Tam, endoxifen potently inhibited the growth of estrogen- stimulated BT474 cells. In MCF7 cells, expression of HER2 shifted the conc of endoxifen required for 50% inhibition of growth (IC50) from 54 nM (parental) to 131 nM (HER2 expressing). Using the range of conc of Tam and its metabolites observed in humans (Tam, 300-500 nM; 4HT, 5-10 nM; and endoxifen, 10-200 nM), only endoxifen potently inhibited estrogen- stimulated growth of MCF7HER2+ cells and only at conc achievable in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (&gt;50nM). In mice, conc of 4HT and endoxifen were below 15 nM following an oral dose of 4 mg/kg. In NCCTG 89-30-52, both CYP2D6 phenotype and HER2 status was determined in 201/256 randomized pts. HER2 was expressed in 23/215 (11%) but not associated with DFS overall (p=0.62). In the HER2+ subset, pts with decreased CYP2D6 metabolism (n=10) had significantly shorter DFS compared to extensive metabolizers (n=9) (HR 9.5, p=0.03; 95% CI 1.16-76.9).Conclusions: Our in vitro and clinical data provide a simple pharmacological model for understanding HER2 resistance in Tam-treated breast cancer. Mice, which lack the CYP2D6 enzyme, may not be an appropriate model for understanding tam resistance given low conc of both 4HT and endoxifen. Given that the in vitro conc of endoxifen needed to inhibit the growth of ER+/HER-2+ BC are achievable in only a subset of humans (CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers), the primary administration of endoxifen could overcome de novo Tam resistance in ER+/HER2+ BC. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2006.

Abstract Abstract #4018 Background: Preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to identify occult breast disease in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. We sought to determine the accuracy of MRI in predicting the actual pathologic tumor size in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.&#x2028; Methods: Preoperative breast MRI was reviewed in 460 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. The size in terms of maximum tumor dimension, of 476 incident breast cancers on MRI were recorded and correlated with the actual pathologic size upon surgical resection. The correlation of size from MRI to pathology was determined. The size discrepancy was analyzed in relation to tumor size and histology.&#x2028; Results: MRI demonstrated 476 breast cancers (460 in the ipsilateral breast and 16 with concurrent contralateral breast cancer). Median age was 62 with a range of 25 to 91. The T stages of the population included T0 in 19% of the women, 60% had T1 lesions, 18% had T2 lesions and 3% were T3 or T4. The histology consisted of DCIS alone in 20%, infiltrating ductal in 74% and infiltrating lobular in 6%. Pre-operative MRI was unable to define an enhancing lesion usually due to hematoma following core needle biopsy in 9.8% (47/476). MRI described the size of the incident lesion in 90% (429/476). The mean difference in size between the preoperative MRI and the actual pathologic size for the entire group was 2.4 mm. MRI underestimated tumor size in only 3% of cases. The mean difference according to T stage and histology between MRI and actual pathologic size is listed in Table 1. The percentage of difference between MRI size and pathologic size for the entire group is presented in Table 2.&#x2028; &#x2028; &#x2028; &#x2028; Discussion: The mean difference in tumor size estimated by preoperative MRI in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer was within 5 mm of the actual pathologic size in 68% of patients. MRI was accurate in predicting T stage with no significant difference in relation to histology or T stage. This analysis further clarifies the role of preoperative MRI in surgical and treatment planning. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4018.