McGovern, Renee M.

ABSTRACT Background Vaginal diazepam is frequently used to treat pelvic floor tension myalgia and pelvic pain despite limited knowledge of systemic absorption. Aim To determine the pharmacokinetic and adverse event profile of diazepam vaginal suppositories. Methods We used a prospective pharmacokinetic design with repeated assessments of diazepam levels. Eight healthy volunteers were administered a 10-mg compounded vaginal diazepam suppository in the outpatient gynecologic clinic. Serum samples were collected at 0, 45, 90, 120, and 180 minutes; 8, 24, and 72 hours; and 1 week following administration of a 10-mg vaginal suppository. The occurrence of adverse events was assessed using the alternate step and tandem walk tests, the Brief Confusion Assessment Method, and numerical ratings. Plasma concentrations of diazepam and active long-acting metabolites were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by standard noncompartmental methods. Results The mean peak diazepam concentration (Cmax) of 31.0 ng/mL was detected at a mean time (Tmax) of 3.1 hours after suppository placement. The bioavailability was found to be 70.5%, and the mean terminal elimination half-life was 82 hours. The plasma levels of temazepam and nordiazepam peaked at 0.8 ng/mL at 29 hours and 6.4 ng/mL at 132 hours, respectively. Fatigue was reported by 3 of 8 participants. Clinical Implications Serum plasma concentrations of vaginally administered diazepam are low; however the half-life is prolonged. Strengths & Limitations Strengths include use of inclusion and exclusion criteria aimed at mitigating clinical factors that could adversely impact diazepam absorption and metabolism, and the use of an ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS assay. Limitations included the lack of addressing the efficacy of vaginal diazepam in lieu of performing a pure pharmacokinetic study with healthy participants. Conclusion Vaginal administration of diazepam results in lower peak serum plasma concentration, longer time to peak concentration, and lower bioavailability than standard oral use. Providers should be aware that with diazepam’s long half-life, accumulating levels would occur with chronic daily doses, and steady-state levels would not be reached for up to 1 week. This profile would favor intermittent use to allow participation in physical therapy and intimacy.

10537 Background: Lorvotuzumab mertansine (IMGN901; LM) is an antibody-drug conjugate, linking anti-mitotic agent (DM1) to an anti-CD56 antibody. Preclinical data show effects in Wilms tumor (WT), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and neuroblastoma (NBL). Synovial sarcoma (SS), MPNST and pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) also express CD56. A phase 2 trial assessing the efficacy and tolerability of LM administered at the adult recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was conducted in children with relapsed tumors. Methods: LM (110 mg/m2/dose) was administered IV on days (d) 1 and 8 of 21 d cycles, with dexamethasone pre-medication. The tolerability of LM was assessed in 6 patients prior to trial activation group-wide. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed using CTCAE. Response was assessed by RECIST. Pharmacokinetics (PK) were obtained during cycle 1. Peripheral blood CD56-positive cells were measured d1 and d8 pre-dose. Tumor CD56 expression by immunohistochemistry in archival tissue was scored (0-3+). Results: Sixty-two patients were enrolled. The median (range) age was 14.3 y (2.8–29.9); 35 were male. Diagnoses included WT (17), RMS (17), NBL (12), SS (10), MPNST (5) and PPB (1). One patient was ineligible due to lack of measurable disease. Of 61 eligible patients, 47 were evaluable for toxicity, 50 for response, 50 for tumor CD56 expression; and 18 consented to optional PK. Five patients experienced 9 DLTs: hyperglycemia (1), colonic fistula (1) with perforation (1), nausea (1) with vomiting (1), increased ALT (2 in cycle 1; 1 in cycle 2 with increased AST (1)). Non-dose limiting toxicities (Grade ≥3) attributed to LM included lymphopenia, anemia, vomiting, dehydration, hypokalemia, hyperuricemia, hypophosphatemia. Mean DM1 Cmax, t1/2 and AUC0-∞values were 922 ng/ml, 33 h and 27400 ng/ml*h, respectively. Tumor CD56 expression was 0 (8%), 1+(4%), 2+(12%), 3+(76%). LM and CD56 antibody PK, and response, will be reported. Conclusions: LM (110 mg/m2) is tolerated in children at the adult RP2D. Clinical trial information: NCT 02452554.

1043 Background: In estrogen receptor (ER) positive MBC, mutations (e.g. ESR1), identified from tumor biopsies or cfDNA, confer resistance. The concordance between mutations observed in tumor and cfDNA and the implications for response to Z-endoxifen, a potent anti-estrogen, are unknown. Methods: We previously conducted a phase I trial of Z-endoxifen in endocrine refractory, ER positive MBC. Seven dose levels were considered ranging from 20 to 160 mg/day followed by expansion cohorts (EC) of 40, 80, and 100 mg/day. Pretreatment blood samples (all pts) and fresh tumor biopsies (EC) were collected prospectively. Tumor and cfDNA were evaluated by targeted NGS. Results: 41 pts (38 evaluable) were enrolled. Prior endocrine therapy included aromatase inhibitors (37/38, 97%), fulvestrant (22/38, 58%) and tamoxifen (26/38, 68%). Substantial endoxifen exposure without DLTs at doses above 80 mg/day led to a halt in dose escalation and opening of the EC. Overall clinical benefit (stable > 6 months [7 pts.] or partial response by RECIST criteria [3 pts.]) rate was 26.3% (95%CI: 13.4-43.1%). cfDNA was obtained from 36 pts and mutations were identified in 13 (36%) including ESR1 [ Y537N or D538G] (5), PIK3CA [ H1047R or E542K] (8), TP53 [ K132R, R248Q, R267Q, or H179Y] (4), AKT ( Q79K) (1), and KRAS ( G12D) (1). In 5 pts with cf ESR1 mutations, 4 had additional cfDNA mutations including PIK3CA (3), and TP53 (1). PFS was shorter in pts with cfDNA mutations relative to those without (median: 61 vs.132 days; log-rank p = 0.021). Discordance was observed between tumor and cfDNA mutations where 3/7 PIK3CA tumor mutations were detected by cfDNA, 1/2 TP53 tumor mutations were detected by cfDNA, and 0/1 AKT tumor mutations were detected by cfDNA. Conversely, 2 pts had cfDNA mutations (either ESR1, TP53 or AKT) undetected in tumor. Conclusions: The absence of cfDNA mutations in patients with endocrine resistant, MBC treated with Z-Endoxifen was associated with significantly longer PFS. Given the discordance between tumor and cfDNA sequence data, future studies must determine which approach maximizes prognosis and prediction of benefit for estrogen-targeted therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT01327781.

Abstract Purpose: In phase I testing, alisertib tablets with irinotecan and temozolomide showed significant antitumor activity in patients with neuroblastoma. This study sought to confirm activity of this regimen; evaluate an alisertib oral solution; and evaluate biomarkers of clinical outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted a two-stage phase II trial of alisertib tablets (60 mg/m2/dose × 7 days), irinotecan (50 mg/m2/dose i.v. × 5 days), and temozolomide (100 mg/m2/dose orally × 5 days) in patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. The primary endpoint was best objective response. A separate cohort was treated with alisertib at 45 mg/m2 using oral solution instead of tablets. Exploratory analyses sought to identify predictors of toxicity, response, and progression-free survival (PFS) using pooled data from phase I, phase II, and oral solution cohorts. Results: Twenty and 12 eligible patients were treated in the phase II and oral solution cohorts, respectively. Hematologic toxicities were the most common adverse events. In phase II, partial responses were observed in 19 evaluable patients (21%). The estimated PFS at 1 year was 34%. In the oral solution cohort, 3 patients (25%) had first cycle dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Alisertib oral solution at 45 mg/m2 had significantly higher median Cmax and exposure compared with tablets at 60 mg/m2. Higher alisertib trough concentration was associated with first cycle DLT, whereas MYCN amplification was associated with inferior PFS. Conclusions: This combination shows antitumor activity, particularly in patients with MYCN nonamplified tumors. Data on an alisertib oral solution expand the population able to be treated with this agent.

Purpose Endoxifen is a tamoxifen metabolite with potent antiestrogenic activity. Patients and Methods We performed a phase I study of oral Z-endoxifen to determine its toxicities, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and clinical activity. Eligibility included endocrine-refractory, estrogen receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer. An accelerated titration schedule was applied until moderate or dose-limiting toxicity occurred, followed by a 3+3 design and expansion at 40, 80, and 100 mg per day. Tumor DNA from serum (circulating cell free [cf); all patients] and biopsies [160 mg/day and expansion]) was sequenced. Results Of 41 enrolled patients, 38 were evaluable for MTD determination. Prior endocrine regimens during which progression occurred included aromatase inhibitor (n = 36), fulvestrant (n = 21), and tamoxifen (n = 15). Patients received endoxifen once daily at seven dose levels (20 to 160 mg). Dose escalation ceased at 160 mg per day given lack of MTD and endoxifen concentrations > 1,900 ng/mL. Endoxifen clearance was unaffected by CYP2D6 genotype. One patient (60 mg) had cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicity (pulmonary embolus). Overall clinical benefit rate (stable > 6 months [n = 7] or partial response by RECIST criteria [n = 3]) was 26.3% (95% CI, 13.4% to 43.1%) including prior tamoxifen progression (n = 3). cfDNA mutations were observed in 13 patients ( PIK3CA [n = 8], ESR1 [n = 5], TP53 [n = 4], and AKT [n = 1]) with shorter progression-free survival ( v those without cfDNA mutations; median, 61 v 132 days; log-rank P = .046). Clinical benefit was observed in those with ESR1 amplification (tumor; 80 mg/day) and ESR1 mutation (cfDNA; 160 mg/day). Comparing tumor biopsies and cfDNA, some mutations ( PIK3CA, TP53, and AKT) were undetected by cfDNA, whereas cfDNA mutations ( ESR1, TP53, and AKT) were undetected by biopsy. Conclusion In endocrine-refractory metastatic breast cancer, Z-endoxifen provides substantial drug exposure unaffected by CYP2D6 metabolism, acceptable toxicity, and promising antitumor activity.

Abstract Background: Breast cancer recurrence has been shown to differ based upon CYP2D6 genotype and endoxifen (Endx) exposure following treatment with tamoxifen (TAM) in the adjuvant setting. The average Endx Css is 29 nM (range, 2-80 nM) in TAM treated patients at a dose of 20 mg/day. Administration of Endx itself to patients is predicted to provide adequate, consistent, active drug levels in all treated patients, resulting in clinical benefit. As part of two phase 1 trials of oral Endx to determine the safety, tolerability, and MTD, we characterized the pharmacokinetics and in vivo metabolism of Endx. Methods: Patients were given escalating daily oral doses of Endx (28 day cycle) over the dose range of 20 - 160 mg/day in Phase I trials at the Mayo Clinic and NCI. Pharmacokinetics sampling was performed on days 1, 7, 14 and 28, and prior to subsequent cycles. Endx plasma concentrations and metabolite profiles were determined by HPLC and LC/MS/MS. Results: 44 patients with ECOG PS 0-1 have been enrolled to date encompassing 8 dose levels in the Mayo (25 women with AI refractory MBC; median age 58 yrs, range 41-83 yrs) and NCI (19 women with ovary (9), breast (4), desmoid (2), fallopian tube (2), endometrial cancer (2); median age 64 yrs, range 43-75 yrs) studies. Day 1 Endx peak concentrations (Cmax) were reached 4h after the Endx oral dose and mean values of Cmax, C24h, and AUC0-24h increased in proportion to dose. Css was achieved on day 7 and 3.5-fold accumulation (t1/2= 50.5 h) was observed on day 28. At the starting dose ( 20 mg/day) and highest dose level (160 mg/day), Endx Css values of 146 ng/ml (390 nM) and 1950 ng/ml (5200 nM), respectively, were achieved and maintained throughout the 28-day treatment. Endx Css values remained unchanged following continuous dosing for 8-10 months. The mean apparent steady-state clearance was 6.2 L/h. We also characterized the Endx metabolite profile in patient plasma and urine. Metabolites detected in plasma include nor-Endx, N-hydroxy-Endx, Endx-catechol, methoxy-Endx catechol, and Endx-glucuronide, and appear in amounts much lower compared to Endx. Like the parent drug, metabolites accumulated in plasma over the 28-day cycle. Characterization of the pharmacokinetics of Nor-Endx, a putative aromatase inhibitor, is ongoing and will be presented. Conclusion: In these ongoing Phase I studies, daily administration of Endx is well tolerated with Css consistently above those obtained following administration of standard dose tamoxifen. In the Mayo study, expansion at 20 and 100 mg/day has commenced to perform translational studies and further characterize Endx PK. In the NCI study, dose escalation continues to establish the maximum tolerated dose. Supported in part by R01CA 133049, U01 CA69912, P30CA 15083, P50CA 116201 and NCI Contracts CM52206 and HHSN261201100014C. Citation Format: Joel M. Reid, Matthew P. Goetz, Shivaani Kumar, Renee M. McGovern, Sarah A. Buhrow, Stephanie L. Safgren, Vera J. Suman, Travis J. Docktor, Charles Erlichman, Howard Streicher, James H. Doroshow, Jerry Collins, Matthew M. Ames. Pharmacokinetics and in vivo metabolism of Z-endoxifen: Results from two phase I studies in women with ER+ breast cancer, gynecologic malignancies and desmoids. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4631. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4631

Abstract Epidemiologic studies have shown that diabetics receiving the biguanide metformin, as compared with sulfonylureas or insulin, have a lower incidence of breast cancer. Metformin increases levels of activated AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and decreases circulating IGF-1; encouraging its potential use in both cancer prevention and therapeutic settings. In anticipation of clinical trials in nondiabetic women, the efficacy of metformin in nondiabetic rat and mouse mammary cancer models was evaluated. Metformin was administered by gavage or in the diet, at a human equivalent dose, in standard mammary cancer models: (i) methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) mammary cancers in rats, and (ii) MMTV-Neu/p53KO ER− (estrogen receptor–negative) mammary cancers in mice. In the MNU rat model, metformin dosing (150 or 50 mg/kg BW/d, by gavage) was ineffective in decreasing mammary cancer multiplicity, latency, or weight. Pharmacokinetic studies of metformin (150 mg/kg BW/d, by gavage) yielded plasma levels (Cmax and AUC) higher than humans taking 1.5 g/d. In rats bearing small palpable mammary cancers, short-term metformin (150 mg/kg BW/d) treatment increased levels of phospho-AMPK and phospho-p53 (Ser20), but failed to reduce Ki67 labeling or expression of proliferation-related genes. In the mouse model, dietary metformin (1,500 mg/kg diet) did not alter final cancer incidence, multiplicity, or weight. Metformin did not prevent mammary carcinogenesis in two mammary cancer models, raising questions about metformin efficacy in breast cancer in nondiabetic populations. Cancer Prev Res; 8(3); 231–9. ©2015 AACR.

Abstract NSC 161128 is a phenylurea thiocarbamate that has shown differential activity in the NCI60 anticancer screen and in xenograft models. The best in vivo activity was observed against the DU-145 prostate cell line. Previous studies conducted by DTP/NCI demonstrated that NSC 161128 is rapidly metabolized after administration to mice or rats, with the major detected metabolite being N-methyl-N’-phenylurea (M10). The other putative metabolite(s) arising from cleavage of the N-S bond, dimethyldithiocarbamate (M85) and/or its disulfide [bis(dimethyldithiocarbamoyl)disulfide, M17] were not detected in animal plasma using available methodologies. NSC 161128 was also shown to be rapidly degraded in aqueous solution at low and high pH, forming M10 and M17. As part of the preclinical evaluation of NSC 161128, we developed a sensitive, specific LC/MS/MS method to quantitate NSC 161128, M10 and M17 in biological samples, explored the stability of NSC 161128 in cell culture medium, and characterized the pharmacokinetics and in vivo metabolism of NSC 161128 following i.p. administration to athymic nude mice. We developed and validated suitable positive ionization lc/ms/ms methodology for measuring NSC 161128, M10 and M17. The assay utilized liquid extraction with isopropanol:1-chlorobutane, 1:9 (v/v) and MS/MS detection with the 270>177, 151>94 and 241>120 transitions for NSC 161128, M10 and M17, respectively. Baseline separation was achieved on an Atlantis T3 column under a mobile phase consisting of 40:60 methanol:water containing 0.1% formic acid. Standard curves were linear over the concentration range 1.0-1000 ng/mL with a lower limit of detection of 1.0 ng/mL. The parent compound was stable under acidic and neutral conditions, but some degradation (<10%) was detected under basic conditions. NSC 161128 disappearance (∼20%) was also detected during 24-h incubation in RPMI medium +/- FBS. M10 was a minor product in those same incubations, suggesting that reactive metabolites are not formed in cell culture medium. Rapid degradation of NSC161128 and concomitant formation of M10 was observed in plasma at room temperature. While degradation was reduced by incubation on ice, substantial loss of drug (>40%) was noted within 30 minutes, and samples for pharmacokinetic studies were kept cold and processed quickly to prevent degradation. NSC 161128 pharmacokinetics were characterized in male CD1 mice after i.p. administration of a 200 mg/kg dose. The peak plasma concentration of 255 ng/ml was observed 5 minutes after drug administration and the plasma half-life was 138 min. The peak concentration of 14.7 μg/ml M10 was detected 15 min after the NSC 161128 dose and the half-life was 560 min. Analysis of the pharmacokinetics of the thiol metabolites will be presented. Supported by NCI contract N01-CM-2011-00014. Citation Format: Chad A. Walden, Joel M. Reid, Renee M. McGovern, Joseh M. Covey, Matthew M. Ames. LC/MS/MS assay and mouse pharmacokinetics of the phenylurea thiocarbamate NSC 161128. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4557. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4557