A phase II study of oral azacitidine (CC-486) in combination with pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) in patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma (MM).

Authors

null

Elizabeth M. Burton

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Elizabeth M. Burton , Timothy Woody , Isabella Claudia Glitza , Rodabe Navroze Amaria , Emily Zhi-Yun Keung , Adi Diab , Sapna Pradyuman Patel , Michael K.K. Wong , Cassian Yee , Patrick Hwu , Jennifer Leigh McQuade , Scott Eric Woodman , Michael T. Tetzlaff , Michael A. Davies , Jennifer Ann Wargo , Kunal Rai , Hussein Abdul-Hassan Tawbi

Organizations

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, MD Anderson, Houston, TX, The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Research Funding

Pharmaceutical/Biotech Company

Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) have improved survival for many pts with MM, offering durable responses in up to 35% of pts, but many have short-lived or no response ( > 40%). A potential immune escape mechanism is the subversion of cellular epigenetic machinery to impact multiple aspects of the immune response such as suppression of Cancer Testis Antigen (CTA), which can be reversed in preclinical models by DNA hypomethylating agents (HMA), thereby increasing cancer cell immunogenicity. HMAs can also increase T cell infiltration and T cell-mediated tumor killing, and they achieve synergy with CBI in preclinical models. This suggests that epigenetic therapy with CBI is a rational combination to target MM. We hypothesize that CC-486 (an oral HMA) + PEMBRO will be tolerated at biologically relevant doses and enhance response to PEMBRO in pts with MM who are PD-1 naïve and reverse resistance to (ICB) in pts refractory/resistant to PD-1. Methods: This study (NCT02816021) evaluated the safety and efficacy of CC-486 (300 mg PO QD on days 1-14/21 day cycle) + PEMBRO (200mg IV Q 21 days) defined by Objective Response Rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 in pts with MM. PD-1 naïve pts were assigned to Arm A and pts with progression on prior PD-1 therapy to Arm B. Unlimited prior systemic therapies were allowed on Arm B. Continuous monitoring for toxicity and futility was performed and assumes an ORR of > 35% (Arm A) and > 15% (Arm B) at 95% power. Tumor biopsies at baseline and post treatment were mandated. Results: 22pts, 11 in each arm, have been treated. The most common AEs were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and anemia. The most common gr 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (3), diarrhea (2), dehydration (2), and rectal hemorrhage (1). 5 of 9 evaluable pts in Arm A achieved a PR (55% ORR); 0 of 9 evaluable pts in Arm B pts have responded. Conclusions: Although this regimen was tolerated in both arms, Arm B met futility stopping rules and was closed. The initial response rate in Aim A (55%) is promising, and accrual to this Arm continues. Analyses of longitudinally collected tumor biopsies are underway to interrogate the effects of HMA on the immune response to both arms. Clinical trial information: NCT02816021

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2019 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Melanoma/Skin Cancers

Track

Melanoma/Skin Cancers

Sub Track

Advanced/Metastatic Disease

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT02816021

Citation

J Clin Oncol 37, 2019 (suppl; abstr 9560)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.9560

Abstract #

9560

Poster Bd #

131

Abstract Disclosures