Strategies to overcome barriers to accrual (BtA) to NCI-sponsored clinical trials: A project of the NCI-Myeloma Steering Committee Accrual Working Group (NCI-MYSC AWG).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 12, 2020 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8592-8592
8592 Background: Accrual to NCI clinical trials(CT)is often slower than planned at times mandating premature closure resulting in loss of valuable resources and delay of scientific progress. Methods: The NCI-MYSC AWG identified 10 potential BtA. SWOG, ECOG and Alliance investigators were queried and agreed that these barriers impede accrual (results stratified for academic and community sites). The MYSC AWG developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome these barriers. Results: Strategies listed for the 3 most often cited BtA: 1. Reimbursement for CT related expenses:increase awareness of improved reimbursement for phase II CT; tailor reimbursement according to CT complexity; request funds from industry and other sources ( http://biqsfp.cancer.gov ) for qualifying ancillary CT components. 2. Spectrum of available treatment options influences CT participation: educate patients and providers about the significance of a new CT using social media, presentations at national meetings and by adding educational material to CT protocol; encourage opinion leaders and advocacy groups not to promote a new therapy as “standard” in the absence of phase III data. 3. Requirement of CT specific therapy at NCI designated sites only: “MYSC AWG Drug Administration Table” describes NCI/FDA approved rules for CT specific drug administration; CT protocol will outline which standard treatment components of a CT can be administered at any site as long as protocol specific guidelines are followed and conduct is supervised by enrolling investigator. Examples of additional strategies to overcome identified BtA: determine feasibility, indication and insurance coverage of CT specific tests during protocol development; discourage narrow eligibility criteria; avoid competing CT; allow up to 1 cycle of commercially available therapy prior to enrollment; CIRB support for phase II CT. Conclusions: The MYSC Accrual Working Group developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome barriers to myeloma clinical trial accrual. These strategies may be applicable to NCI-sponsored clinical trials evaluating interventions in other diseases.
Long-term results of the phase II trial of the oral mTOR inhibitor everolimus (RAD001) in relapsed or refractory Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8043-8043
8043 Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway controls cell proliferation and survival. The trial's goal was to determine the anti-tumor activity and safety of single-agent everolimus (TORC1 inhibitor) in patients with relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). Methods: Eligible patients had measurable disease (IgM monoclonal protein >1000 mg/dL with >10% marrow involvement or nodal masses >2 cm), a platelet count ≥75,000 x 106/L, a neutrophil count ≥1,000 x 106/L. Patients received everolimus 10 mg PO daily. Tumor response was assessed after cycles 2 and 6 and then every 3 cycles until progression. Results: 60 pts were treated. The median age was 64 years (range, 43-85). The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range, 1-11). All but two patients (97%) had received prior rituximab based therapy and 64% of patients had received prior alkylator based therapies. The overall response rate (complete response CR+ partial response PR+ minimal response MR) was 73% (95% CI: 60-84%), with a PR of 50% and 23% MR. The median time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) for the entire study population is 28 months (mos), (95% CI: 18-not reached (NR)), 22 mos (95% CI: 12 0-NR), and 55 mos (95% CI: 55-NR), respectively. The estimated PFS at 12 and 24 months is 62% (95%CI: 51-75%), and 48% (95%CI: 37-63%), respectively. The 30 patients who achieved a PR responded after a median of 2 months (range, 1-26) of treatment. The median duration of response (DR) for these patients has not yet been reached and 19 of these patients remain in response after a median follow up of 31 months (range, 3-54). All but two patients had a decrease in their serum IgM. Grade 3 or higher related toxicities were observed in 67% of patients. The most common were hematological toxicities with cytopenias. Pulmonary toxicity occurred in 5% of patients. Dose reductions due to toxicity occurred in 63% of patients. Conclusions: Everolimus has high single-agent activity with an overall response rate of 73% and manageable toxicity in patients with relapsed WM, and offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for this patient population.
Oral weekly MLN9708, an investigational proteasome inhibitor, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients (pts) with previously untreated multiple myeloma (MM): A phase I/II study.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8033-8033
8033 Background: MLN9708 is an oral, reversible 20S proteasome inhibitor. The feasibility of combining a proteasome inhibitor with an immunomodulatory drug and a steroid in previously untreated MM has been demonstrated with the RVD regimen. This is the first study of MLN9708 in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (NCT01217957). Here we report the phase (Ph) 1 MTD and preliminary Ph 2 results. Methods: Pts with previously untreated MM, aged ≥18 yrs with measurable disease received oral MLN9708 (phase 1: 1.68–3.95 mg/m2) days 1, 8, and 15, lenalidomide 25 mg days 1–21, and dexamethasone 40 mg days 1, 8, 15, and 22, for up to twelve 28-day cycles. Primary objectives were determination of safety, MTD, and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) (Ph 1), and CR+VGPR rate (Ph 2). Results: At data cut-off (Dec 1, 2011), 29 pts had been enrolled (15 Ph 1, 14 Ph 2). Median age was 64 yrs (range 40–82); 69% ISS stage II/III. In Ph 1, the MLN9708 MTD was determined as 2.97 mg/m2 and the RP2D as 2.23 mg/m2; for Ph 2, the RP2D was converted to a 4.0 mg fixed dose based on population PK results. Ph 1 pts have received a median of 6 treatment cycles (range 1–11), 8 received ≥6 cycles; 6 stopped to receive ASCT, 7 are ongoing. Ph 2 pts received a median of 1 (range 1–2), all are ongoing. Grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity was reversible and included anemia (n=2) and thrombocytopenia (n=1). Grade ≥3 nonhematologic toxicity included erythematous rash, syncope, and vomiting (2 pts each). All-grade drug-related peripheral neuropathy was seen in 6 pts (21%), including grade 2 with pain in 2 (both Ph 1 at doses above the MTD). Two pts discontinued due to AE; there were 5 pts who had serious drug-related AE (all Ph 1). Of 19 response-evaluable pts (Ph 1 + Ph 2), all achieved ≥PR, including 5 CR (1 sCR), 4 VGPR, and 10 PR; all remain in response with duration of confirmed response of up to 9.5 months. Of 4 response-evaluable Ph 2 pts, 1 has achieved VGPR and 3 PR to date. Conclusions: Oral MLN9708 plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone appears well tolerated with manageable toxicity. These data show antitumor activity at the RP2D in pts with previously untreated MM, with ≥PR in all pts to date.
Regional differences in the treatment approaches for relapsed multiple myeloma: An IMF study.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8095-8095
8095 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and invariably relapses after initial therapy. There is no uniform approach to management of relapsed MM and is dictated by type of initial therapy and the response seen, and availability of new drugs. The outcomes associated with current approaches have not been systematically examined. Methods: We enrolled 383 patients (pts) with myeloma who had a documented relapse between Jan 2007 and June 2010, including 220 from Europe, 106 from Asia, and 31 from South America and 26 from North America. Time Zero (T0) was defined as date of treatment after first relapse. Results: Across the study, 61% were male and 49% were over 65 years at T0. ISS stage distribution at diagnosis included 26, 40 and 33% of patients in stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Among regimens used at first relapse; bortezomib (Btz) containing regimens were most common (54%), followed by lenalidomide (Len, 25%) and cyclophosphamide (21%). The overall response rate (>=PR) to first therapy after relapse was 58% including 14% with a CR. There was a progressive decrease in the response rates with successive regimen; 45%, 30% and 15% for regimens 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Len use was considerably lower in the Asian cohort, while Btz use was comparable across the regions. The median PFS from T0 was 13 mos and OS was 35 mos, for the entire cohort. The PFS to first salvage regimen was similar across the regions, while OS was shorter for the Asian and South American cohorts. In a univariate analysis, ISS stage 3, presence of cytogenetic abnormalities, history of plasma cell leukemia or extramedullary disease (EMD), bone marrow PC% > 33% and presence of renal insufficiency were all associated with a shorter PFS as well as shorter OS (P<=0.01). In a multivariate model, ISS stage 3 and presence of EMD were most associated with short OS. Conclusions: Median PFS for current second line regimens, typically containing Btz or Len appear to be 1 yr with an OS from first relapse of about 3 yrs. The OS from first relapse is nearly double that seen in a cohort of patients in first relapse prior to introduction of new drugs. Clear-cut regional differences can be seen in terms of patterns of drug use and likely reflect drug availability and healthcare costs.
Phase I trial of chir-258 in multiple myeloma
Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 17502-17502
17502 Background: CHIR-258 is an orally active small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor which has potent activity against multiple RTKs involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis (IC50 ≤13 nM for FGFR, VEGFR, PDGFR, C-KIT, and FLT3). Approximately 15% of newly diagnosed MM patients harbor a t(4;14) translocation, which results in ectopic expression of FGFR3 and MMSET and is associated with poor treatment outcome [0]and reduced survival. CHIR-258 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in FGFR3-expressing MM tumor xenografts as well as FGFR3-expressing primary MM cells (Trudel et al, Blood 2005). CHIR-258 was synergistic with dexamethasone (dex) in vitro. Methods: CHIR-258 was administered once daily in a dose-escalating phase 1 study to patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Drug tolerability and safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) were assessed. Results: as of December 2005, 9 total pts have been treated (50, 100, and 200mg qd cohorts) [6M, 3F; median age: 58 (range: 44–68), median of 3 prior therapies(range:1–7)]. Prior tx: 9/9 pts-thalidomide; 8/9 -Velcade; 8/9-transplant; 8/9- had progressed through dex. 4 of 9 pts treated were FGFR3+ and 4 pts remain on study (3 are FGFR3+). No CR or PR have been observed; stable disease has been noted. CHIR-258 has been generally well tolerated, and most drug related AEs were CTC grade 1 or 2, including: headache, dysgeusia, fatigue and anorexia. No neuropathy. One DLT has been observed to date: neutropenia (200mg cohort). Five pts had dex added to CHIR-258 of which 3 are ongoing (all FGFR3+). FGFR3+ pts receiving dex and CHIR-258 have a greater decline in urine and serum paraproteins (pp) vs CHIR-258 alone. Plasma exposure and Cmax increased proportionally across the doses. Conclusions: CHIR-258 is a novel inhibitor of RTKs involved in MM growth and proliferation. FGFR3+ pts have a more marked reduction in pp than FGFR3- pts. CHIR-258 has generally been well tolerated and further accrual continues. [Table: see text]
Real-world outcomes and factors impacting treatment choice in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): a comparison of VRd, KRd, and IRd
Expert Review of Hematology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 421-433
AbstractObjectivesIn the TOURMALINE‐MM1 phase 3 trial in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, ixazomib‐lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (IRd) showed different magnitudes of progression‐free survival (PFS) benefit vs placebo‐Rd according to number and type of prior therapies, with greater benefit seen in patients with >1 prior line of therapy or 1 prior line of therapy without stem cell transplantation (SCT).MethodsRNA sequencing data were used to investigate the basis of these differences.ResultsThe PFS benefit of IRd vs placebo‐Rd was greater in patients with tumors expressing high c‐MYC levels (median not reached vs 11.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.66; P < .001) compared with in those expressing low c‐MYC levels (median 20.6 vs 16.6 months; HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.42, 1.2). Expression of c‐MYC in tumors varied based on the number and type of prior therapy received, with the lowest levels observed in tumors of patients who had received 1 prior line of therapy including SCT. These tumors also had higher expression levels of CD19 and CD81.ConclusionsPFS analyses suggest that lenalidomide and ixazomib target tumors with different levels of c‐MYC, CD19, and CD81 expression, thus providing a potential rationale for the differential benefits observed in the TOURMALINE‐MM1 study. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as: NCT01564537
Novel therapy with 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) for the treatment of relapsed and plateau phase multiple myeloma
Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 8108-8108
8108 Background: 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is a natural endogenous product of estradiol metabolism with anti-angiogenic and anti-neoplastic properties that has demonstrated activity against multiple myeloma cell lines and xenografts in immunocompromised mice. We report results of the first phase II clinical trial of 2ME2 in pts with relapsed and plateau phase myeloma. Methods: This trial was designed with a one-stage design to accrue 60 pts in the setting of relapsed and plateau phase myeloma. 2ME2 was administered orally at a dose of 1000 mg daily. After the first 39 pts were accrued, based on the results of ongoing phase I trials, the dose of 2ME2 was increased to 800 mg twice daily for the remaining patients. Pts who were already on study at that point were also allowed to escalate their dose to 800 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was overall response rate. Responses were assessed using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group criteria. Results: Sixty patients were treated at Mayo Clinic and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Median age was 60 years (range, 28–99). Thirty-one patients had relapsed/refractory myeloma and 29 patients had plateau phase myeloma. Median number of prior therapies was 4 including stem cell transplant (48%), thalidomide (62%), bortezomib (6%) and lenalidomide (3%). Therapy was well tolerated. Adverse events were anemia (35%), fatigue (35%), nausea (25%), diarrhea (20%), hot flashes (20%), headache (17%), muscle cramps (15%), and upper respiratory tract infection (15%). Most toxicities were mild (grade 1–2). Estimated progression-free survival rates for all pts at one, two, and three years are 24%, 16%, and 9% respectively. Three pts with plateau phase disease, have been on study for over 4 years without progression at 50, 60, and 63 months. Response assessment is ongoing; so far, whilst no partial responses have been seen, prolonged stable disease has been observed in 3 pts (5%). Conclusions: 2ME2 is a novel agent that appears to be safe and well tolerated. Although no responses have been seen, prolonged stable disease in some pts is promising. Preliminary pharmacokinetic data indicate that the dose of 2ME2 used in this study may be inadequate, and a new formulation with significantly better bioavailability will be tested soon in this patient population. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Real-World Trends in Treatment Use, Healthcare Costs, and Overall Survival Among Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Abstract Introduction: There have been substantial advances in treatment options for multiple myeloma (MM) over the past 15 years, yet little real-world evidence is available to describe the recent trends in MM treatment costs and outcomes. This study aimed to examine the trends in novel therapy use, total healthcare costs, and survival outcomes among newly diagnosed MM patients in the US since 2000. Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years who had ≥ 2 medical claims with MM (ICD-9 diagnosis code 203.0x) at least 30 days apart between January 2000 and September 2015 were identified in the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Date of the first medical claim for MM was designated as index date. Patients were required to have 12-month pre-index and 3-month post-index continuous enrollment, and those with claims for MM treatment (including autologous stem-cell transplantation) in the pre-index period were excluded. Controls were selected from a pool of patients without MM and matched 1:1 with MM patients on index year, age, gender and geographic region. Patients whose death event could be obtained from the Social Security Administrations Master Death File were included in the survival outcomes analysis. Total healthcare costs were defined as sum of health-plan and patient paid costs for prescriptions and medical services, including inpatient admissions, emergency room, and physician office visits, and other outpatient services. MM treatment-related drug costs included outpatient pharmacy prescription costs and costs from outpatient services for infused products. Survival time was measured as time from index date to the date of death. Results: 19,417 newly diagnosed MM patients were included (mean± SD age at diagnosis 65.9±12.3 years, 44.9% female), of which 18,260 patients were matched to controls. The percentage of MM patients using novel therapies (pomalidomide, carfilzomib, bortezomib, lenalidomide, or thalidomide) continuously increased from 8.7% in 2000 to 61.3% in 2014. Overall, 28% of MM patients did not receive any treatment within 1-year after diagnosis during the study period. Total per-patient-per-month (PPPM) all-cause healthcare costs increased from $3,263 in 2000 to $14,656 in 2014 among newly diagnosed MM patients, which were primarily driven by costs of outpatient services (Figure 1). Hospitalization costs accounted for 21.5% of total costs in 2000, which increased to 32.7% in 2014. MM treatment-related drug costs accounted for 10.6% of total costs in 2000, 23.6% in 2009, and 28.5% in 2014. Compared with MM patients diagnosed earlier, those diagnosed after 2010 had higher rates of novel therapy use and significantly better survival outcomes (Figure 2); patients diagnosed in 2012 were 1.25 times more likely to survive two years than patients diagnosed in 2006 while two-year survival among controls was fairly stable over the study period (94-97%). MM patients also showed improved survival outcomes over the study period, with the two-year survival gap between MM patients and their matched controls decreasing at a rate of 3% per year. Conclusions: Findings from this study corroborate clinical data suggesting a paradigm shift in MM treatment over the past 15 years that is associated with substantial survival gains. Total healthcare costs among newly diagnosed MM patients have increased steadily since 2000 due to increases in all healthcare cost categories. However, the relative contribution of drug costs has remained fairly stable since 2009 despite new novel therapies coming to market in this time period. Future studies should focus on the impact of specific novel agents on patient survival, the value of clinical benefit engendered, and overall healthcare costs to better inform decision making in this setting. Disclosures Fonseca: Celgene, BMS, Bayer, Novartis, Sanofi, Janssen, Millennium a Takeda Company and AMGEN: Consultancy; Applied Bioscience: Consultancy; FISH: Patents & Royalties: Dr Fonseca has received a patent for the prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization by FISH of the disease. Abouzaid:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Bonafede:Truven Health: Other: I am an employee of Truven Health, which received a research contract to conduct this study with Seattle Genetics. . Cai:Truven Health Analytics: Other: I am an employee of Truven Health, which received a research contract to conduct this study with Seattle Genetics. , Research Funding. Parikh:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Cosler:Celgene: Consultancy. Richardson:Gentium S.p.A., Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Celgene, Novartis, Millennium Takeda, Gentium S.p.A., Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Phase II Trial of the Oral mTOR Inhibitor RAD001 (Everolimus) in Relapsed and/or Refractory Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: Preliminary Results.
Abstract INTRODUCTION: mTOR inhibitors have been associated with responses in Mantle cell lymphoma and other lymphomas (J Clin Oncol23; 5347, 2005). Phase I and II trials with the oral everolimus (RAD001, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) have demonstrated a favorable side effect profile. This phase II study tested everolimus in patients with relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM). METHODS: Patients who had at least one previous therapy for WM and who had relapsed or refractory disease were eligible. Other eligibility criteria included symptomatic disease, > 2 weeks from last therapeutic agent used, >10% involvement with lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow, IgM paraprotein > 2x upper limit of normal, absolute neutrophil count >1000/mm3 and platelet count >75,000/mm3, serum creatinine of < 2 x upper limit of normal. NCI CTCAE v3.0 was used for toxicity assessment. Response was assessed by criteria established at the second consensus panel for WM. All patients received 10mg RAD001 daily for 28 days per cycle for 6 cycles; response was assessed after 2 cycles. RESULTS: 10pts (8 men and 2 women, median age is 62 years, range 52–71) have been treated to date. The median number of lines of prior treatment was 3 (range 1 – 5). The median IgM at baseline was 3970 mg/dL (range 3120– 7410); median M-spike at baseline was 2.07 gm/dL (range 1.41 – 4.02); and median hemoglobin was 11.3 g/dL (9.4–13.3). The median follow up was 4 months (range 1 – 7 months). Prior therapy included rituximab, nucleoside analogues (fludarabine and 2-CDA), combination chemotherapy (e.g CHOP, CVP), chlorambucil. and bortezomib. Seven patients are currently evaluable for response. The best response to single agent RAD001 after 2 cycles is presented in Table 1. Median duration of response has not been reached. Patients tolerated RAD001 well without significant toxicities. The main toxicities observed were apthous ulcers in 4 patients. One patient required dose reduction due to mucositis. One patient stopped therapy within the first month of treatment and went on to hospice care before succumbing to his disease after one month. Attributable toxicities otherwise proved manageable with appropriate supportive care and RAD001 was generally well tolerated, with no peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Oral RAD001 as monotherapy has been well tolerated and demonstrates exciting activity achieving PR + MR in 57%, and/or stabilization of disease in 43% of evaluable patients with relapsed WM. Accrual of a total of 30 patients is rapidly ongoing. Updated data will be presented at the meeting. Table 1 Response N=7; ORR (CR+PR+MR)= 57% Median time to best response (months) Partial Response 1 (14%) 5 Minimal Response 3 (43%) 4 (3–6) Stable Disease (SD) 3 (43%) NA Progressive Disease 0