Phase 1 study of pevonedistat (MLN4924) a NEDD8 activating enzyme inhibitor, in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and irinotecan (IRN) in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors (ADVL1615).
Authors: Foster Jennifer , Reid Joel M. , Minard Charles G. , Isikwei Emasenyie , Liu Xiaowei , Berg Stacey L. , Injac Sarah Garrett , Fox Elizabeth , Weigel Brenda 
Published: June 2021

10019

Background: Pevonedistat (PEV), a first in class inhibitor of NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE), prevents the activation of Cullin-RING ligases (CRL) necessary for proteasome mediated degradation of key regulatory proteins important in cell survival. In adults with solid tumors, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in combination with chemotherapy is 20-25 mg/m2. Antitumor activity of PEV has been demonstrated in preclinical models of childhood cancer. In vivo additive activity has been demonstrated for PEV in combination with IRN and alkylating agents. The objectives of this study are to determine the MTD and recommended Phase 2 dose of PEV in combination with IRN and TMZ and describe the toxicities, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) properties of this combination. Methods: We conducted a phase 1 trial of PEV in combination with IRN and TMZ in pediatric patients (pts) with recurrent or refractory solid tumors and brain tumors. During cycle 1, PEV was administered intravenously on days 1, 8, 10, and 12, with IRN (IV, 50mg/m2) and TMZ (orally, 100mg/m2), on days 8-12 of a 28 day cycle. In subsequent cycles, PEV was administered on days 1, 3, and 5, with IRN and TMZ on days 1-5 of a 21 day cycle. Dose escalation was determined using the Rolling 6 Design. Results: 30 pts enrolled. All pts were eligible and evaluable for cycle 1 dose limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment. Median (range) age was 13 (1-21) years; 19 (63%) were male. Eleven pts had brain tumors, and 19 pts had solid tumors. Six pts each enrolled on PEV dose levels (DL) 1 (15mg/m2), 2 (20mg/m2), 3 (25mg/m2) and 4 (35mg/m2) as well as an expanded PK cohort at DL4. Cycle 1 grade 3/4 toxicities include lymphopenia (n = 5), leukopenia (n = 4), neutropenia (n = 2), elevated ALT (n = 2), elevated AST (n = 1), diarrhea (n = 1), flu-like symptoms (n = 1). The most frequent non-dose limiting AEs in cycle 1 were anemia (87%), WBC decreased (77%), nausea (57%), diarrhea (53%), ALT increased (50%), AST increased (50%), and vomiting (50%). PK analyses showed the mean area under the curve at the 25 mg/m2 dose level on day 8 (in combination with irinotecan and temozolomide) was 1300 hr•ng/mL, half-life (T ½) was 5-6 hours, time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 1 hour, and mean clearance was 20 L/hr/m2. There were 3 DLTs, 2 of which were related to protocol therapy (diarrhea and thrombocytopenia), among 12 patients on DL4. Thus the MTD was not exceeded at any dose level. PK at the 25 mg/m2 dose level are comparable to those in adult patients. PK from the 12 patients on DL4 (35mg/m2) as well as responses of all patients are pending. Conclusions: PEV in combination with IRN and TMZ is well tolerated in children with solid or brain tumors. PEV PK was not altered by the addition of irinotecan and temozolomide. Further PK and PD analyses are ongoing to establish the recommended phase 2 dose. Clinical trial information: NCT03323034.